Does Vitamin E for Scars Work?

Vitamin E for scars is being touted as a miracle remedy, which helps clear the skin of scars. Many people have found that applying vitamin E oil directly to their acne scars has helped them heal and fade. Many scar removal ointments and creams sold in American pharmacies and grocery stores contain vitamin E, and their labels boast that they can remove any scar.

However, there is only anecdotal proof that vitamin E has this effect. Few clinical studies support these assertions. Keep reading to learn whether vitamin E for scars works or not.

Vitamin E for scars can be taken in the form of supplements or applied topically (Image via Pexels @Polina Tankilevitch)

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What is Vitamin E Oil Good For?

Vitamin E refers to a family of fat-soluble compounds that work together to provide antioxidant protection.

Free radicals can cause cell damage and have been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer, but antioxidants can prevent this from happening.

Olive oil is an excellent natural source of vitamin E (Image via Pexels @Mareefe)

Some foods naturally contain vitamin E, while others add it during processing. Nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil, and sunflower oil have all been found to be particularly rich in vitamin E in scientific studies.

Is vitamin E good for skin? Yes, vitamin E is great for the skin. Its antioxidant properties help to keep the skin hydrated, and it also plays a role in slowing down the appearance of signs of aging. The vitamin can be taken orally or topically (oil) to help with skin issues.

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Vitamin E for Scars: What Research Says

Burns and scars are commonly treated with vitamin E. However, research into whether or not applying vitamin E for scars topically works has shown mixed results.

Almost a third of participants in a 1999 study on the effects of vitamin E on scarring experienced allergic reactions to the supplement. Ninety percent of people said they were allergic to the vitamin or that it had no effect on their scarring.

Nuts and seeds are also a good source of vitamin E (Image via Pexels @Miguel a Padrinan)

It's possible, though, that the vitamin could help with a variety of other skin troubles as well. A study from 2015 found that vitamin E may help alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

A 2016 analysis concluded that more studies are needed to determine whether or not vitamin E is helpful in controlling the healing of scars. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that vitamin E can effectively treat scars.

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Vitamin E for Scars: How to Use

While there are many vitamin E benefits for skin, Vitamin E oil does not seem to lessen the visibility of scars, at least according to the evidence we have.

However, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that keeping the skin well-hydrated during the wound-healing process can reduce the likelihood of scarring (AAD).

Using a moisturizer that contains vitamin E can be beneficial for your skin (Image via Pexels @Moose Photos)

A vitamin E-containing moisturizer is safe for anyone who is not allergic to the ingredient. However, whether or not vitamin E-containing moisturizers will provide any additional benefits remains unknown.

Before applying vitamin E oil for scars topically or taking vitamin E supplements, it is best to consult a doctor.

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Sources of Vitamin E

Although research on vitamin E for scars has not yielded encouraging results, it is still a great vitamin that works to keep your skin healthy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamin E is recommended. Here are some of the foods that are good sources of this vitamin:

• fortified cereals
• nuts and seeds
• leafy greens

Vitamin E is good for your health, however, taking in excessive amounts of vitamin E supplements can be dangerous. Blood thinning, increased risk of bleeding, and even brain bleeding can occur with daily dosing of more than 1,000 mg, either naturally occurring or synthetically produced. If you plan to take any sort of supplement, you should consult your doctor first.