TO keep skin, hair and nails in tip top condition, look out for the magic ingredient: vitamin E.

It has been proven to help skin retain natural moisture levels. It also has the added benefit of neutralising damaging free radicals.

No surprise that the the best anti-ageing products all contain vitamin E.

With remarkable curative powers, use vitamin E before exposure to the sun and skin will be less red, swollen and dry.

It also helps the swift fading of scars, left by burns or acne. Just a few drops of oil massaged into scar tissue will penetrate to repair over time and can help fade brown spots.

Vitamin E in Murad Soothing Skin and Lip Care, £18.50, provides instant relief to dry, cracked and chapped lips. Deeply conditioning and healing, it's a quick fix to the perfect pout.

Unlike other balms, it also gently exfoliates to reveal smooth, soft skin.

Use bestselling Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, £38.50, morning and night. With shea butter, it is super moisturising but sinks in quickly to make the perfect base for make-up and doesn't clog pores.

The magic ingredients are vitamin C and E, which protect against environmental damage.

Jo Malone London Vitamin E Gel, £64, is a luxury buy for skin that is dry and dehydrated and prone to sensitivity. Soothing and calming, apply it any time but for a hard-working treatment use it at night. And don't forget to rub into cuticles and lips.

For those who don't wear make-up every day, Origins Smarty Plants CC Cream, £29, is a skin complexion corrector that improves the appearance of pores, minimises oiliness and lightly hydrates. Subtly evening out skin tone it has the added bonus of SPF 20.

L'Erbolario Narciso Sublime Smoothing Body Oil, £19 from www.erbolario.co.uk, is light and non-greasy. Use it to keep skin soft, supple and toned. The light narcissus fragrance is perfect for spring.