Can Vitamin E alleviate sunburn?

Also known as solar erythema, a sunburn refers to a first-degree burn of the skin by the UVB rays of the sun. This phenomenon usually occurs after prolonged exposure without sun protection. However, some people with sensitive and/or light skin, therefore low in melanin, can experience a sunburn after just a few minutes of exposure. Sunburns are characterized by redness, sometimes sharp pain, and itching. In the most severe cases, blisters can even appear.

During exposure, to protect the skin, melanocytes produce melanin (the pigment responsible for the brown color) which migrates to the surface of the epidermis and colors it: this is known as tanning. If the exposure is too long and/or the UVB rays are too intense, the tan gives way to a sunburn.According to a study published about a decade ago, the biological process that occurs during the onset of a sunburn is of an inflammatory type. The sun's UVB rays damage microRNAs which, once released into the extracellular environment, stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. A chain reaction then triggers a sunburn on the skin surface.

Vitamin E is primarily used in the design of skincare products to slow down the appearance of aging signs, due to its antioxidant properties. As for its effect on sunburns, unfortunately, very few scientific studies have been conducted on this matter.

Researchers have demonstrated that a topical application of tocopherol acetate on the skin of mice immediately after UVB exposure reduced the damage caused by sunburn: erythema, increased skin sensitivity, and edematous swelling. They also proved that the topical application of tocopherol acetate resulted in an increase in the concentration of free tocopherol in the skin.

It's important to note that vitamin E also provides photoprotection. Therefore, its application is relevant when combined with an SPF like our sunscreen, before sun exposure to limit sunburn.