In this article we will be discussing a very common question: vitamin e gel for scars. It’s quite a sensitive & complex subject, as such we will do our best at providing a clear and concise article to clear any doubts you may have.
Save Citation To File
Since the discovery that vitamin E is the major lipid soluble antioxidant in skin, this substance has been tried for the treatment of almost every type of skin lesion imaginable. Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. All wounds were primarily closed in 2 layers.
The study was double blinded. The patients’ and the physicians’ opinions were recorded. A third blinded investigator was shown photographs of the outcomes and their opinion was also noted.
In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars. Of the patients studied, 33% developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Therefore we conclude that use of topical vitamin E on surgical wounds should be discourage.
Healing Scars
’s a popular belief that rubbing vitamin E oil onto your acne scars can help them heal, and reduce their visibility.
Ointments and creams that contain vitamin E claim to clear every type of scar can be found on store shelves across America. There’s little clinical evidence to support any of these claims. There’s little proof that vitamin E oil can help heal scars.
It’s also critical for the formation of red blood cells, which distribute oxygen around the body. Both functions are vital to healin.
What Is Vitamin E?
Y help moisturize the skin, research indicates that vitamin E oils and supplements have no notable effect on scars.
Vitamin E has a wide range of benefits, including keeping the eyes healthy and strengthening the immune system.
What The Research Says
However, the vitamin may benefit other skin conditions. For example, one 2015 study suggested that vitamin E may improve symptoms and quality of life for people with atopic dermatitis, or eczema.
A 2016 review says that more research is required to investigate whether there is any value in using vitamin E to manage scar healing. Using vitamin E for scars Based on the available evidence, it would seem that vitamin E does not reduce the appearance of scarring. However, it is unclear if moisturizers containing vitamin E would offer special benefits.
Anyone interested in using topical vitamin E oil or taking vitamin E supplements should speak to a healthcare provider before trying. Learn more about vitamin E oil here. While most scars fade over time, many are permanent.
How long it takes for a scar to fade can depend on the initial injury’s size and depth. According to the NHS, fine-line scars from injuries such as cuts or surgical incisions can take up to 2 years to flatten and fade. The researchers found that it took 7 months , on average, for the redness to fade.
In people with darker skin tones, scars may be red, violet, or dark brown. Learn about acne on dark skin here.