Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found naturally in foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Some research has suggested that applying vitamin E to the skin may help prevent scarring, minimize the appearance of existing scars, and promote wound healing. However, the evidence on this is mixed.
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E refers to a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans.
As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm cells, tissues, and organs if levels become too high in the body.
Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial for wound healing. Additionally, it plays a role in immune function, DNA repair, and other metabolic processes.
Good food sources of vitamin E include:
- Nuts like almonds and peanuts
- Seeds like sunflower seeds
- Vegetable oils like canola and safflower oil
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli
- Fortified cereals and nut butters
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 mg per day for adults. Vitamin E deficiency is rare, but can cause nerve problems if it occurs.
What causes scars?
Scars form as part of the normal skin healing process after an injury, wound, surgery, burn, or inflammation. They occur when fibrous tissue replaces normal skin tissue after an injury. Several factors influence scar formation:
- Size of the wound – Larger wounds typically cause more extensive scarring.
- Depth of injury – Deeper injuries that damage layers under the skin often result in more noticeable scars.
- Location on the body – Areas with less soft tissue covering, like the shoulders and back, tend to scar more than other areas.
- Genetics – Some people are just more prone to scarring due to genetic factors.
- Age – Younger skin tends to heal with less scarring.
- Skin tone – Darker skin is more susceptible to prominent scarring called keloids.
There are several different types of scars:
- Hypertrophic scars – Thick, raised scars that remain within the boundary of the injury.
- Keloid scars – Raised, irregular scars that grow beyond the original wound area.
- Contracture scars – Tight bands of scar tissue that limit range of motion.
- Acne scars – Depressed scars caused by inflammatory acne lesions.
- Stretch marks – Linear scars caused by rapid growth or stretching of the skin.
How might vitamin E help with scars?
Vitamin E may help minimize scarring through several mechanisms:
Antioxidant effects
As an antioxidant, vitamin E neutralizes free radicals that can damage skin cells and delay healing. This helps protect the skin after an injury.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Vitamin E reduces inflammation that can interfere with proper tissue repair after an injury. Less inflammation may lead to reduced scarring.
Collagen production
Vitamin E supports new collagen production, which is an important part of wound healing. More collagen deposition in the skin may help minimize scarring.
Moisturizing effects
Vitamin E improves moisture retention in the skin. Keeping the wound area hydrated prevents scab formation and allows new tissue to regenerate properly.
What does the research say?
Several research studies have investigated the effects of topical vitamin E on scars with mixed results:
Positive effects on scarring
- An analysis of 5 studies found that applying vitamin E improved the cosmetic appearance of scars compared to no treatment or placebo.
- One study in children with new surgical scars found that topical vitamin E decreased scar thickness by 92% compared to placebo after 1 year of use.
- Some case reports and animal studies also demonstrate a reduction in scar thickness, prevention of contracture scars, and improved scar appearance with vitamin E.
No effects on scarring
- A review of 4 high-quality studies found that topical vitamin E had no beneficial effect on the cosmetic appearance of scars.
- One study showed no difference in surgical scar appearance in people applying vitamin E after cosmetic facial procedures compared to placebo.
- Several studies found no difference in hypertrophic or keloid scars between vitamin E and placebo treatments.
Overall, the research on vitamin E for scars is inconclusive given the discrepancy in findings. Larger, high-quality studies are still needed.
Is vitamin E safe for scars?
Vitamin E is considered very safe when applied topically to the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare. Using too much vitamin E can potentially lead to minor side effects like redness, stinging, or itching.
Oral vitamin E supplements are considered safe in low doses like 400 IU per day. High doses over 1,000 IU per day can increase the risk of bleeding problems and should be avoided unless medically supervised.
Vitamin E oil is not suitable for use on open wounds or burns. It should only be applied to closed incisions or fully intact skin. Always check with your doctor before using vitamin E on severe wounds.
How to use vitamin E on scars
Here are some tips for using vitamin E to help minimize scarring:
- Use vitamin E oil or cream that contains alpha-tocopherol, the most active form.
- Gently massage a small amount of vitamin E oil/cream into the scar and surrounding skin twice a day.
- Start applying it once stitches have been removed and the wound has fully closed.
- Continue for at least 6 weeks consistently to allow time for new collagen to form in the skin.
- Always do a patch test on normal skin first to check for any reaction.
- Avoid using vitamin E oil on sensitive areas like the eyelids.
- Store vitamin E oil in an opaque container in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation.
Should vitamin E be used alone or with other products?
Vitamin E may work best when combined with other evidence-based scar therapies like silicone sheets and gels. Using multiple scar treatments that work through different mechanisms tends to yield better results.
Some research shows that pairing vitamin E with other antioxidants like vitamin C enhances its efficacy more than using it alone. Vitamin C helps stabilize and regenerate vitamin E in the skin when applied together.
Additionally, products that combine vitamin E with collagen, vitamin A, alpha hydroxy acids, centella asiatica, or gotu kola may also improve its ability to reduce scarring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some studies suggest vitamin E may minimize scarring, the overall evidence is weak and conflicting.
Applying vitamin E oil or cream to closed incisions and fully healed skin is unlikely to cause harm. It may help improve scar appearance, especially when combined with other scar therapies. However, results vary significantly from person to person.
More large, high-quality controlled studies are still needed to determine if vitamin E is truly effective for preventing and treating scars.
Vitamin E is not a magic cure for scars and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach. Other evidence-based options like silicone, massage, compression, laser therapy, steroids, and surgical revision may produce better scar improvement.
Always speak with your doctor about the best options to help minimize scarring after an injury, surgery, or procedure.