Previous e-mails discussed the different forms of skin aging and the role of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the series on Antioxidants, Anti-aging and Skin Rejuvenation, can be found on our Web site www.skincare-md.com.

Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a “healing” antioxidant. Unlike Vitamin C, Vitamin E is manufactured by the body. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (the sun) increases the number of damaging free radicals, which react adversely with the cell surface and cellular lipids (fats). It also appears that the natural Vitamin E manufactured in the body decreases with ultraviolet radiation exposure. As a healing agent, Vitamin E reacts with these oxidation processes, terminating the formation of free radicals. In addition, Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect, and protects against clinical signs of photoaging (damage of the skin by ultraviolet radiation) such as wrinkling, roughness, loss of elasticity and brown spots.

In my own practice, patients apply Vitamin E oil to their scars soon after surgery to improve the quality of the scar. Vitamin E oil is available by breaking a Vitamin E capsule or is sold as a small bottle of Vitamin E oil. The exact concentration that works best is still unknown. The MD Forte Daily Regimen includes products that contain Vitamin E in addition to Vitamins A, C, and glycolic compounds. If you are new to the MD Forte line, please follow the guidelines in the 4-Step Daily Regimen and graduate slowly to the higher levels. The following MD Forte products contain Vitamin E: Skin Rejuvation Lotion I, Skin Rejuvenation Lotion II, Skin Rejuvenation Lotion III; Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream, Skin Rejuvation Hydra-Masque and Replenish Hydrating Cream.

As I have mentioned in the past, no one product can be expected to be the “cure all.” Different vitamins as well as different agents all contribute to the health of the skin. Many of the MD Forte products contain glycolic acid (for exfoliation - removing the outer layer of dead cells and allowing agents to better penetrate the skin), Vitamins A, C and E to further enhance healthier skin, as well as other healing ingredients. Considerable research is being done to better understand the roles of these agents.

May your skin be healthy and bright and reflect the radiance of your soul!