Possible benefits of vitamin E oil include moisturizing the skin, treating conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and more.
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant effects. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are electrons that have broken off from an atom.
Vitamin E oil is distinct from vitamin E supplements because a person applies it directly to the skin. Concentrations vary between manufacturers, and some users simply pop open vitamin E capsules and put the contents on their skin.
Vitamin E oil’s benefits are primarily cosmetic and have limited scientific support. Before using vitamin E oil, consult a doctor or skin care expert.
Read on to learn more about the possible benefits of applying vitamin E oil to the skin. The following potential benefits are not in any particular order.
Vitamin E is in many moisturizers, and the oil may be beneficial as a moisturizer to prevent or treat dry, flaking skin.
However, more research into the benefits of vitamin E oil for moisturizing the skin is necessary, as current evidence is only anecdotal.
Learn about home remedies for dry skin.
Some people believe that vitamin E oil may help reduce skin itching. This may be due to its presence in moisturizers.
Keeping skin well moisturized may help prevent dry skin, which in turn can prevent itchiness. Any kind of oil safe for skin,
Learn more about vitamin E for the skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association looked at the benefits of vitamin E for eczema. They found that vitamin E had a mild positive effect on eczema.
However, they did not specify whether they focused on topical or oral vitamin E. More research into the benefits of vitamin E oil for eczema is necessary.
Learn more about vitamin E and eczema.
Some limited research suggests that both topical and oral vitamin E may help manage psoriasis symptoms.
Vitamin E oil might be a good option for people who want to avoid prescription remedies and who have mild psoriasis.
It is best to contact a doctor for advice if a person wishes to make changes to an existing treatment plan for psoriasis.
Learn more about vitamins for psoriasis.
Some
It is possible that topical vitamin E oil might offer similar benefits, but there is little research on the subject.
A person should contact their doctor for advice before applying any products to a wound.
Learn about how to make a wound heal faster.
Folk wisdom has long suggested that vitamin E might treat scars, or prevent them from forming in the first place. However, a
However, well-moisturized skin may be less likely to scar. Keeping the skin moisturized helps prevent scars from becoming too deep or large.
Learn more about vitamin E and scars.
Dry skin may look more wrinkled than well-moisturized skin. The potentially moisturizing benefits of vitamin E oil may help the skin look less wrinkled.
Claims that vitamin E prevents or treats wrinkles, however, are unsupported by scientific evidence. Strategies for preventing wrinkles include avoiding direct sunlight and wearing quality sunscreen.
Learn more about treating and preventing wrinkles.
Limited research suggests that vitamin E can prevent or reduce the formation of sunburn.
However, as vitamin E oil can moisturize and soothe dry, flaky skin, it may help to relieve the burning and itching that result from sunburn.
Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and avoiding direct sun exposure may help protect the skin from sunburn.
Learn more about how to manage sunburn symptoms.
Vitamin E oil may be beneficial for nail health.
Oral vitamin E may help reverse the yellow discoloration due to yellow nail syndrome (YNS). It is unclear whether topical vitamin E may also help. As the cause of YNS is unclear, more research into the possible treatments of the condition and ways to prevent it is necessary.
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Vitamin E oil’s moisturizing benefits may also support nail health by preventing cracked cuticles and dry skin around the nail bed.
Learn about the best medications for nail fungus.
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However, studies on humans
One risk of using vitamin E oil is a reaction. Oils and other topical products may irritate the skin or worsen existing skin conditions. People with a history of allergic reactions should contact a doctor before applying topical products containing vitamin E.
As vitamin E oil is a supplement and a beauty product, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate it. This may mean that two vitamin E oils might have radically different concentrations and produce different effects in the same person.
Many vitamin E products contain additional ingredients. It is important to read the label and consult a doctor if uncertain about the product’s safety.
Vitamin E oil and products containing it are available to purchase online and in stores.
Before using vitamin E oil, do a patch test. Apply a small dab of the oil to an area that is not highly visible, such as the back of the knee or behind the ear. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying the product to the test spot twice per day for 7 to 10 days.
Begin with a low concentration of vitamin E oil, and apply a thin layer over the affected area. Over several days, gradually increase the amount until reaching the levels recommended on the package. Read the label carefully and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.
Learn more about patch testing for skin care products.
Possible benefits of vitamin E oil include moisturizing the skin and reducing itchiness, treating conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Topical vitamin E may also encourage wound healing, manage the development of scars, soothe sunburn, and promote nail health.
A person should perform a patch test twice per day for 7 to 10 days before applying vitamin E oil over larger areas of skin. They may also wish to contact a doctor for advice before using vitamin E oil, particularly if they wish to use it as part of a treatment plan for an existing condition or symptoms.