Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant with a history of use in dermatology spanning over 50 years. Scientific research demonstrates that it has benefits for a variety of common skin issues, including burns, scars, and wounds.
If you look at the skincare products you currently have, you will likely find vitamin E in many of them. Vitamin E is a predominant ingredient in both natural cosmetic products and those purchased from stores, as it acts as a natural stabilizer and can extend the shelf life of cosmetic products.
So, in addition to all the general health benefits of vitamin E, there are also several potential benefits of vitamin E oil for skin and even for hair.
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound primarily found in certain vegetable oils and also in the leaves of green vegetables. Wheat germ oil is a vegetable oil that is particularly rich in vitamin E.
Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals that can wreak havoc on our health, both internally and externally.
There are eight major natural forms of vitamin E: alpha-tocopherol, alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocopherol, beta-tocotrienol, gamma-tocopherol, gamma-tocotrienol, delta-tocopherol, and delta-tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol is the most abundant form of vitamin E in human tissue and is the only form recognized to meet human requirements, meaning it is the form used to reverse symptoms of vitamin E deficiency.
Interesting Facts:
Vitamin E was first recognized in 1922 but was not chemically identified until 1938.
Vitamin E is found naturally in plants and in the leaves of green vegetables.
Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant.
Wheat germ is an especially rich source of vitamin E, and wheat germ oil can be used topically.
It is a vitamin that is commercially used as an antioxidant to prevent fats from becoming rancid, so it is often found in vegetable oils as well as in beauty products.
Vitamin E derived from natural food sources is usually listed as d-alpha-tocopherol on food packaging and supplement labels.
Vitamin E is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant found in human skin.
For alpha-tocopherol, the amounts typically range from 100 to 1,000 international units per serving.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
Vitamin E, sometimes referred to as the skin vitamin, has excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for various skin and hair issues.
The benefits of vitamin E oil include:
1. Provides Skin Protection
As an antioxidant, vitamin E is known to help combat free radicals. Studies indicate that when used topically, it can also act as a protector against skin damage caused by 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. Researchers found that a combination of topical vitamins E and C provided superior UV protection for the skin compared to the equivalent concentration of topical vitamin C or topical vitamin E alone. However, both vitamin E and vitamin C were shown to provide sun protection. But when combined, the effects were even greater.
You can seek natural sun protection without chemicals, which contains antioxidants like vitamins E and C. Products such as vitamin E oil, vitamin E cream, or vitamin E ointments can help in the healing process of sunburns.
2. Improves Dry Skin and Cuticles
In general, vitamin E oil is loved for its ability to improve dry, flaky skin. Like coconut oil, you can use vitamin E oil on cuticles and lips to prevent and soothe cracked skin.
3. May Help with Scars and Burns
One of the many uses of vitamin E oil is for scars, including acne scars. While research has been mixed, many people appreciate the utility of vitamin E oil for scars.
A clinical study that showed positive results was published in 2010 in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery in the United States. In this study, children who had recently undergone surgery were either given topical vitamin E applied to the incision area for at least 15 days three times a day before surgery and for at least 30 days after surgery twice a day. Meanwhile, the control group had a topical ointment based on petroleum jelly applied to the incision site in the same manner.
No children in the vitamin E group developed scars, but in the control group, 6.5% developed scars after six months.
In an animal study from 2021, wheat germ oil enriched with vitamin E, B complex, squalene, and unsaturated fatty acids was used topically to treat wounds. It induced wound healing, including a 90% reduction in wound size within three weeks.
4. Fights Wrinkles
Many people seek the best natural ways to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin E oil may help improve fine lines and wrinkles by providing an antioxidant boost that protects against sun damage and encourages healthy new skin cell growth.
When used both internally and externally, studies indicate that antioxidants can fight free radicals and UV-induced skin aging, including wrinkles and dark spots. It is not surprising that many of the best anti-aging oils, such as jojoba oil, naturally contain vitamin E.
Vitamin E oil may help reduce skin dryness and, therefore, may make signs of aging less visible. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging, creping, and flaking of the skin. Therefore, if you can address dryness, you can also help the skin appear younger.
5. Hair Booster
You can also use vitamin E oil for hair, especially when you want to improve dry hair and/or a dry scalp. According to Dr. Stafford R. Broumand, there have been some studies showing that vitamin E oil can increase circulation to the scalp. This increased blood flow in the area may help improve the health and resilience of hair follicles. Vitamin E oil can also help hydrate dry and brittle hair.
6. May Help Treat Eczema
Eczema symptoms can include itching and inflamed skin, with blisters or crusty patches that can open and become scaly. Research has shown that small doses of vitamin E taken internally can be an effective treatment for eczema, with no side effects.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of vitamin E supplements (400 international units per day) on 70 participants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. Overall, the study concluded that vitamin E may improve symptoms and the overall quality of life for people struggling with eczema.
Unfortunately, there have not been many studies regarding the topical use of vitamin E oil for alleviating eczema, but it may enhance the effectiveness of topical moisturizers.
How to Use
When using vitamin E topically, nighttime is the preferred time, as the oil can be quite thick and greasy. If you are using pure oil, just a few drops massaged into the area of concern are needed to see positive effects. You can apply a little vitamin E oil to your face overnight as it may make your face look very shiny. For areas like cuticles, you can use it at any time of the day.
You can puncture vitamin E capsules and squeeze the pure vitamin E oil onto your fingertips for immediate use or into a small container for later use. Using vitamin E oil capsules provides a concentrated pure form of vitamin E. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for a vitamin E oil that includes other natural oils.
To use vitamin E oil for facial issues (such as wrinkles, acne, etc.) or for any part of the body, you can use either vitamin E oil or vitamin E cream. You can also try adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to one of your favorite lotions to enhance its antioxidant and moisturizing power. Another option is to use wheat germ oil for skin and hair, as it is a rich source of vitamin E.
Some people say they like to use vitamin E oil on their eyelashes to promote growth; however, there is no scientific evidence or even many qualified testimonials regarding the use of vitamin E on eyelashes.
Look for a natural vitamin E oil, which will likely be labeled as natural or d-alpha-tocopherol. Synthetic vitamin E oil is all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, which is usually labeled as dl-alpha-tocopherol.
Vitamin E oil should always be stored in a dark, cool place.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions
Can you apply vitamin E oil directly to the skin? Yes, but before using vitamin E oil, it is always advisable to perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction to the oil.
When it comes to how to use vitamin E oil on the face, it is best to do this at night. However, if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you may find that vitamin E oil is not the best choice for you, especially for the face. The good news is that you can likely use it without issues on other areas of the body, such as cuticles or hair.
Tocopheryl acetate is an artificial form of vitamin E. Tocopheryl acetate is a potentially irritating form of vitamin E that you should be cautious of in cosmetic products and body care.
Many topical vitamin E products, such as vitamin E oil, may contain additional and sometimes questionable ingredients. Always read labels carefully and consult with your dermatologist if you are unsure which vitamin E product is best for you.
Be aware that vitamin E oil, like other oils, can stain bed linens or clothing.
