First, Consider What Causes Stretch Marks
Simply put, stretch marks are scars caused by the extreme and rapid stretching of skin that results in a tear. This tear occurs in the dermis or middle layer of skin. As collagen fibers break and blood vessels begin to show through, stretch marks begin to form as purple, deep red, or brown scar-like marks that lighten in tone over time.
Rapid weight loss, while often listed as a stretch mark risk factor, is more accurately associated with stretch marks simply appearing more prominent as skin loosens, rather than being the cause of stretch marks.
So, Can Vitamin E Really Erase Or Even Prevent Stretch Marks?
Vitamin E And Stretch Marks
Vitamin E is a proven powerful antioxidant that’s naturally present in skin, but levels can become depleted over time due to sun damage and age. Applying a daily serum or cream that contains vitamin E can better support and defend skin against environmental aggressors like pollution that cause premature aging through free radical damage, while also adding moisture to the skin. But there is no way in which topical vitamin E (and even vitamin E supplements) can have all the effects on damaged skin cells that is required to improve the appearance of stretch marks.
In fact, there are some foolproof ways to improve the appearance of stretch marks that can replace your vitamin E topical. Topicals containing hyaluronic acid or tretinoin have been proven effective in treating stretch marks, though more time may be required to see desired results. Another option for reducing stretch marks is radio frequency-based skin resurfacing treatments, which are safe and effective for patients of all skin tones.
Unlike microneedling, which only involves needles, this skin resurfacing treatment works with needles that also deliver heat (via radio frequency) to deeper layers of the skin.
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E the result of a number of different activities and stresses on the body. Pregnancy is a common cause of these marks in women.
Some find these deep tissue tears embarrassing and seek to get rid of them with vitamin E. Vitamin E is often touted as one of the best stretch mark removal remedies because it is relatively gentle and works on most skin types. Research also shows that vitamin E helps the skin become more elastic, allowing it to stretch further without damage. This not only helps reduce existing stretch marks, it may prevent the skin from developing new ones.
Pregnant women may start applying vitamin E to their skin early in their pregnancies to prevent the marks from showing up at all. The simplest way is to simply rub vitamin E gel into the affected areas every day. Pure vitamin E gel is often available in the medical sections of local grocery stores and in online shops.
Vitamin E for stretch marks may also be mixed into any skin lotion or moisturizer the person is already using. Taking vitamin E supplements may be an additional way to secure its benefits for the skin. The supplements can help heal the skin from the inside while lotion heals it from the outside.
Even with this combination of treatments, those using vitamin E for stretch marks must have patience. Very stubborn stretch marks may never fade completely, but can often be greatly reduced by vitamin.
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found naturally in foods such as avocado, asparagus, eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.