Vitamin E
1. Skin Protectant that Fights Free Radicals
As an antioxidant, vitamin E is known to help fight free radicals. Studies have shown that when used topically, it can also act as a protectant from skin damage due to sun exposure.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology compared the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E and a combination of the two antioxidants using an animal model. The researchers found that a combination of topical vitamins C and E offered superior UV skin protection compared to equivalent concentration of topical vitamin C or topical vitamin E alone. However, both vitamin E and vitamin C were shown to offer protection from the sun and reduce sunburn cell formation individually as well. But when combined the effects were even greater. (4)
You can look for a natural chemical-free sunscreen that contains antioxidants like vitamin E and C. If you do end up getting too much sun, is vitamin E oil good for a sunburn? Products like vitamin E oil, vitamin E cream or vitamin E ointments can help to aid a sunburn’s healing process.
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2. Improves Dry Skin
In general, vitamin E oil is rich and thick and loved by many for its ability to improve dry, flaky skin. Like coconut oil, you can use vitamin E oil on your cuticles and lips to prevent and soothe chapped skin.
For dry cuticles, try this DIY Cuticle Cream with Lavender & Myrrh, which very intentionally includes therapeutic vitamin E oil.
3. May Help Scars
Is vitamin E oil good for acne scars? One of many vitamin E oil uses is for scars including acne scars. While research has been mixed, many people tout the helpfulness of vitamin E oil for scars.
One clinical single-blind study that showed positive results was published in 2010 in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. In this study, child subjects who had recently undergone surgery either had topical vitamin E applied to the incision area for a minimum of 15 days three times daily before surgery and for at least 30 days after surgery two times daily. Meanwhile, the control group had a topical petrolatum-based ointment applied to the incision site in the same manner.
What did they find? There weren’t any children in the vitamin E group who developed scars, but in the control group, 6.5 percent had developed scars after six months. (5)
4. Discourages Wrinkles
Many people are looking for the best natural ways to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. Did you know that some people actually open up fish oil capsules and put the contents on their skin to help fight wrinkles? It’s true, but vitamin E oil is a natural anti-aging option that doesn’t leave you smelling like a fish!
Vitamin E oil may help improve fine lines and wrinkles by providing an antioxidant boost that protects from sun damage and encourages the healthy growth of new skin cells. When used both internally and externally, antioxidants are known for their ability to fight off free radicals and photo-induced skin aging, including wrinkles and dark spots. (6) It’s not surprising that many of th, Top Anti-Aging Oils like jojoba oil naturally contain vitamin E.
Vitamin E oil can help decreasing skin dryness and therefore make signs of aging less noticeable. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles as well as sagging, creping and flaking of the skin. So if you can address dryness, then you can also help your skin to appear more youthful. (7)
5. Hair Booster
You can also use vitamin E oil for hair, especially when you’re looking to improve dry hair and/or dry scalp. According to Dr. Stafford R. Broumand, “There have been some studies to show that vitamin E oil may increase circulation to the scalp. This temporarily increased blood flow to the area could help to enhance the health and strength of the hair follicles. Vitamin E oil can also work to hydrate and moisturize dry, brittle hair.” (8)
6. May Help Treat Eczema
Eczema symptoms can include itchy and inflamed skin with blisters or crusty patches that may crack open, ooze and become scaly. Research has shown that low doses of vitamin E taken internally can be an effective eczema treatment with no side effects.
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial looked at the effects of vitamin E supplementation (400 international units per day) on seventy participants with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis — more commonly known as eczema. Overall, the study concludes that vitamin E can improve symptoms and overall quality of life in people struggling with eczema. (9)
Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of research on using vitamin E oil topically for eczema relief, but it may increase the effectiveness of topical moisturizers.
History and Interesting Facts
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Vitamin E was first recognized in 1922, but it wasn’t identified chemically until 1938.
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Vitamin E is naturally found in plants and the leaves of green veggies. Check out the Top 10 Vitamin E Rich Foods.
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Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant.
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Wheat germ is a notably rich source of vitamin E and wheat germ oil can be used topically.
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It’s a vitamin that is used commercially as an antioxidant to keep fats from going rancid, so it’s often found in vegetable oils as well as beauty products. (2)
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Vitamin E that comes from natural (food) sources is typically listed as ”d-alpha-tocopherol” on food packaging and supplement labels.
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Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant found in human skin.
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For alpha-tocopherol, amounts usually range from 100 to 1,000 international units per serving.