What is vitamin E oil good for?

What does vitamin E do for skin?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it helps counter free radicals, unstable molecules involved in cell damage. Skin products use vitamin E for moisturizing and antioxidant protection. These are separate jobs: moisturizing addresses dryness, while antioxidant activity helps protect cells.34

Vitamin E appears in skincare marketed for softening and signs of aging, so the marketing department has already given it several job titles. Treat moisture as the practical reason to consider vitamin E oil, rather than assuming every claim on the bottle comes with an equally dependable result.3

Is a stronger vitamin E oil better?

There is no well established topical strength to choose for specific skin results. Vitamin E comes in several forms, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, and the form affects stability. Exposure to air and light can also compromise antioxidant formulations. A percentage alone is not enough to judge how useful a product will be.5

Vitamin E is also used in antioxidant formulas containing vitamin C. Ferulic acid can improve the stability of certain vitamin C and E combinations. Those findings concern specific formulations, not a reason to mix separate bottles yourself or assume plain vitamin E oil performs the same way.5

Does vitamin E oil help scars?

Vitamin E alone has not shown a dependable improvement in scar appearance. Findings are mixed: some treatments containing vitamin E improved scars, but several included other treatments, while others found no significant improvement with vitamin E alone. Vitamin E is widely used for scars, which is a busy reputation for a treatment with such uncertain results.2

For a raised scar, silicone gel or sheets are more useful options to discuss with a dermatologist. Silicone can reduce a raised scar's size, hardness, redness and discomfort. Sheets are used after the wound closes and need daily use, often for months. They can also cause a rash or skin breakdown.6

The right treatment depends on the scar type, its age and your health. Seek assessment for a scar that hurts or restricts movement. If something looks like a scar but you do not remember an injury, arrange a dermatologist appointment promptly. Protect an uncovered scar with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.6

What about wrinkles, dark patches and sun damage?

Do not expect quick changes in fine facial lines. Any improvement can take several months, and some people will see none.1

Vitamin E alone has shown minimal benefit for melasma, a condition that causes patches of darker skin. Moisturizing with vitamin E oil and treating pigmentation are different goals; choose it for the former, not as a dependable way to fade dark patches.5

Vitamin E has antioxidant activity relevant to damage from sunlight, but vitamin E oil is not a substitute for sunscreen. Antioxidant protection and an SPF rating are different things, even if a bottle's ambitions suggest otherwise. Do not use vitamin E to treat a minor burn or sunburn unless your care team directs you to.15

How should you use vitamin E oil?

1. 1Read the product label for the amount, frequency and application directions.
2. 2Apply the topical product to skin only. Do not swallow it or get it in your eyes.
3. 3Stop if irritation develops. If oil enters your eyes, rinse thoroughly with cool tap water.

There is no established universal morning or evening schedule, layering order or best concentration for vitamin E oil. Follow the particular product's directions rather than borrowing a routine from a different formula.1

Who should be careful?

Vitamin E can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin reaction to something touching the skin. Allergy to vitamin E was uncommon among patients undergoing clinical allergy testing, but it is possible. Sensitive skin is not a reason to assume that a vitamin product will be gentle.27

Tell your care team about previous allergic reactions, pregnancy, plans to become pregnant or breastfeeding before use. Ask before using it on children. Interactions are not expected, but share your medicines and supplements with your care team.1

Report burning, itching, crusting or peeling promptly. Seek medical help for hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Mild redness, dryness or irritation also needs attention if it persists or bothers you.1

Is applying vitamin E the same as getting it through food?

No. Dietary vitamin E is a nutrient absorbed with fat and stored in the body; topical vitamin E is applied to skin. Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils supply vitamin E, including almonds, sunflower seeds and avocado oil. The nutritional benefits of eating vitamin E do not mean applying an oil will produce the same benefits throughout your body.34