Vitamin E has many benefits when it comes to skin care. It acts as an antioxidant, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the effects of psoriasis, prevents sun damage and some claim that it can reduce the appearance of age spots. One of the most touted benefits of Vitamin E, however, is its ability to reduce scarring that results from surgery and burns. Scars, much like stretched skin or stretch marks, can cause discoloration and ridges, uneven or bumpy skin.
Effectiveness
Though Vitamin E has gained a reputation for reducing the appearance of scars, this has not been definitively proven. In March 2007, the New York Times noted that two different studies found that Vitamin E had no effect on stretched skin. The first study was conducted in 1986 by the Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, which gave 150 participants either vitamin E or another topical cream to treat their scars. Neither group saw any improvement. The second study was conducted in 1999 by scientists at the University of Miami, which essentially ran the same test on participants who had just had minor surgery. This group also did not have any noticeable results. These results do not mean that it can’t reduce the appearance of other skin abnormalities, such as redness, wrinkles, irritation or bumps due to certain skin conditions or aging.
Side Effects
Aside from participants experiencing no reduction in the appearance or color of scars after using vitamin E, some individuals from the University of Miami study noted that they actually had an allergic reaction to the substance called contact dermatitis. This condition can cause reactions that are similar to poison ivy or poison oak coming into contact with the skin. It is marked by a rash, reddening of the skin, blisters, and a burning or itching sensation. Should this occur an individual must wash his hands with soap and cold water immediately. Individuals who wish to utilize vitamin E’s other benefits should conduct a patch test, in which you expose a small part of your body to the substance, at least 24 hours before applying vitamin E all over.