If we talk about tocopherol , we are talking about the epidermis, vitamin E , the protective, antioxidant and regenerating effect of the skin , cancer prevention , important, indeed very important topics. 

We can take tocopherol through foods  with specific supplements and we can nourish the skin with phytocosmetics rich in vitamin E. 

There are many tools available, but let’s see how tocopherol acts on our body and its multiple benefits.

Tocopherol, what it is

Tocopherol, or vitamin E, is a fat- soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver from where it is then released in controlled doses according to the needs of our body.

Vitamin E plays an important antioxidant action , fights free radicals  and stimulates cell regeneration . Its action is essential to combat  atmospheric pollution , intoxication from unhealthy lifestyles, a diet rich in proteins, smoke , alcohol.

The absorption cycle of tocopherol is particularly complex and therefore interesting to know: exemplifying as much as possible, tocopherol is absorbed in the medial portion of the small intestine , from there it passes to the lymphatic system and is stored in the liver. 

From the liver, vitamin E is incorporated into lipoproteins , a higher percentage in LDL and a lower percentage in HDL, known to us for the cholesterol content,  and transported to various parts of the body : heart, lungs , muscles , tissues, where it exerts its antioxidant activity!

Foods and tocopherol

Oilseeds are good contributors of vitamin E. Peanuts , olives , corn , wheat seeds , nuts , and green leafy vegetables are foods rich in tocopherol.  

Wheat germ oil is considered a very effective vitamin E supplement and can be taken both orally, perhaps in capsules, and topically for particular skin problems, such as psoriasis . 

In herbal medicine we can find specific food supplements of vitamin E. The daily requirement is really low since our liver is a good tocopherol piggy bank: about 8-10 mg per day . 

Deficiencies in vitamin E  are due to problems of malnutrition or liver diseases.

Internal antioxidant action of tocopherol

Tocopherol, as already mentioned,  performs a double fundamental function :

> Antioxidant : protects cell membranes from attack by free radicals. It slows down and prevents broad-spectrum cellular aging .

It means that our whole body benefits from this action: the skin is more nourished , more elastic, re-oxygenated by a protected and efficient cardiopulmonary system, because vitamin E protects the arteries from thrombotic accumulations, performs anticoagulant activity, increases cholesterol levels good , promotes oxygenation. 

> Regenerative : promotes cell regeneration, a vital force that renews tissues in depth. Lung tissue remains elastic , nourished: vitamin E should never be lacking for those who smoke.

Tocopherol brings regeneration to the cardiovascular system : nourished, elastic, toned vessels help to trigger a virtuous circle of well-being. 

External antioxidant action of tocopherol

The external use of oily or phytocosmetic preparations enriched with vitamin E represents a healthy habit to regenerate the skin and also enrich it from the outside . 

Face and body creams, cleansers for personal hygiene, repairing ointments enriched with tocopherol give the skin elasticity , softness , brightness , as well as an anti-aging action against free radicals.

Wheat germ oil, a very greasy oil, rich in vitamin E, is particularly useful in case of psoriasis and dry dermatitis , because it deeply nourishes the skin, elasticises it and supports re-epithelialization .