As the winter months approach, vitamin deficiencies can cause havoc for people who aren’t getting enough in their diet. A lack of vitamin E, in particular, could lead to “dry and flaky” skin when the weather turns cold, according to an expert from Scandinavian health and beauty brand, New Nordic.
Karl Kristian, the founder of New Nordic, explained that vitamin E is vital in keeping skin healthy.
It can also combat anti-ageing and slow the process, he added.
This is due to the vitamins’ “antioxidant” properties.
Mr Kristian said: “During winter the harsh weather can cause the skin to feel dry and go flaky, but vitamin E helps maintain the health of the skin and eyes whilst protecting us from illness and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.”
Mr Kristian states that vitamin E will help battle against ageing skin as it is an antioxidant, is often found in skincare products and is in many foods that contain fat including nuts, seeds and plant oils like rapeseed, sunflower and olive oil.
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How does vitamin E work to benefit skin?
Vitamin E is often included in certain skin ointments and creams due to its beneficial properties.
However, it can also be naturally sourced through your diet.
According to medical website Healthline: “It’s an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment.”
In addition to this, vitamin E is also thought to reduce UV damage to skin and can be used to treat conditions such as acne, psoriasis and the ageing effects of sun exposure.
How can I get more vitamin E in my diet?
Mr Kristian said: “Getting the required vitamins and minerals in our body may feel like a challenge but bringing just a few different foods into your diet will help your intake of them.
“Alternatively, if you are struggling to do this, try taking supplements to ensure you are consuming the vitamins you are short on.
“They perform hundreds of roles in the body, from protecting skin and healing wounds to making our nails stronger and preventing us becoming ill, making us feel physically and mentally stronger.”
The NHS states that plant oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower, soya, corn and olive oil are all good sources of the nutrient.
Some nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts, are also high in vitamin E.
Wheat germ is also listed as a beneficial source of the vitamin, which can be found in some cereals and cereal products.
However, it is important to check the cereal ingredients, as wheatgerm is often removed from certain processed wheat products.
Wheat germ is added to some granolas, cereals, and cornbread, and it can also be bought raw from health food stores.
A popular way to incorporate it into your diet is by using it as a topping for fruit, yoghurt, ice cream, or pies.
It can be also be used as a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs.