Together with D, A and K, vitamin E belongs to the group of fat-soluble vitamins. Given this property, it is therefore thoroughly absorbed by the skin cells, rather than remaining on the surface. Numerous studies have shown that it is possible to use it to take care of the skin and hair in general, as it is excellent for moisturizing and protecting them naturally from the sun. It can also be used to soften scars following surgery, but also to minimize older scars. These last uses have been confirmed by less empirical demonstrations, however many doctors and surgeons still recommend it in this regard, as it has often proved effective for their patients.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting the Benefits Offered by Vitamin E Oil
Step 1. Use Vitamin E to Treat Skin
By eliminating free radicals from the epidermis, it has an antioxidant action. Free radicals are harmful substances that can be generated by normal cellular metabolism. Vitamin E also performs other functions in the skin:
- It absorbs UV radiation from the sun and helps prevent burns, thus acting as if it were a natural sunscreen;
- It is able to carry out an anti-inflammatory action on the skin surface;
- It has been shown to promote wound healing and appears to help reduce scar formation.
Step 2. Apply Vitamin E to a scar
If your goal is to soften a scar, apply the oil directly to the affected area using a Q-tip or cotton swab. Consult your dermatologist to determine how often you should perform this procedure.
- If the area to be treated is relatively small, it may be easier to break a capsule or two of vitamin E. You could also puncture them and squeeze the oil directly onto the scar.
- If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, consult your dermatologist before using vitamin E.
Step 3. Apply Vitamin E to your scalp and hair
Vitamin E is effective for regenerating dry and brittle hair. It is also excellent for treating dryness affecting the scalp. In fact, it promotes proper circulation, which is essential for having a healthy scalp. Pour some oil into a bowl and dip your fingers into it. At this point, massage it on your head. Focus on the roots, so that it can penetrate deeply into both the hair and scalp.
- If you suffer from dryness on the lengths, you can also apply it on this area.
- Doing the treatment once a week should suffice, unless advised otherwise by a dermatologist. Overdoing it will not bring any benefit.
- If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or acne, consult your dermatologist before using vitamin E.
Step 4. Understand the antioxidant action of vitamin E
Alpha tocopherol has a powerful antioxidant action. It also protects cells from damage that can occur due to high levels of free radicals (substances normally produced in all cells) and other oxidizing agents.
- Vitamin E also plays an important role in the immune system, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and various biochemical (metabolic) reactions.
- Alpha tocopherol may also play an important role in stopping or slowing the growth of certain types of tumors. It can also decrease the chances of heart disease, as it can slow down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and prevent platelet aggregation (by stopping clot formation).
Part 2 of 2: Apply Vitamin E Oil Safely
Step 1. Be aware that you may be intolerant to tocopherol
Some people develop sensitivity to oils that contain vitamin E. However, allergic reactions are not always said to be due to tocopherol. To decrease the chances of adverse reactions occurring, it is recommended to purchase natural and organic vitamin E oil.
- Vitamin E oil can be mixed with other ingredients, such as sesame oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter. Make sure you are not intolerant to these products by testing them on a small area of the epidermis. Pour a few drops on the inside of your wrist and wait for 30 to 60 minutes. If there is no adverse reaction, such as itching, blistering, redness or other troubling symptoms, you should be able to use it safely.
- Some products may also contain vitamin C due to the presence of lemon oil or other citrus fruits. This vitamin is believed to be effective in protecting the skin better.
Step 2. Dose it correctly
Consult a dermatologist to calculate the best dosage for your needs. Many commercially available products contain more than 5000 IU (international units) of vitamin E. This is actually quite a high dose. Studies need to be carried out to determine the dosage in a targeted manner. Unfortunately, many labels do not allow you to calculate exactly how much vitamin E each single dose contains. As a result, it can be difficult to determine how much product to use to meet your needs.
It is generally tempting to use more, but in reality it is not yet known what the correct doses are. It is possible that you will be able to use the amount you want without any consequences, but research has not yet been carried out on this
Step 3. Use a blend of oils
Unless recommended otherwise by a dermatologist, the most prudent approach you can take is to mix vitamin E oil with other equally effective oils to moisturize and nourish the skin. Among other things, many of them contain vitamin E. For the blend, choose products that do not clog the pores, called "non-comedogenic". According to the American Academy of Dermatology, here are some of the best non-comedogenic oils:
- Hemp seed oil, a relative of cannabis, contains sterols, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, but has very low levels of THC;
- Shea butter is extracted from the shea nut. Rich in vitamin E, it has an antioxidant function;
- Sunflower seed oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E;
- Castor oil is extracted from castor seeds and is used to treat various inflammatory diseases. Contains essential fatty acids and undecylenic acid, with effective antimicrobial properties;
- Calendula oil is extracted from the petals of the plant of the same name. Thanks to its therapeutic properties, it is traditionally used to treat various ailments. It is particularly effective for treating scars, including those left by acne;
- Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, carotenes (precursors of vitamin A) and essential fatty acids. It is often used to treat skin infections and to moisturize the skin;
- Both sweet almond and hazelnut oil contain essential fatty acids, B vitamins and substances with anti-inflammatory properties.
Step 4. To take care of your skin on a daily basis, just use a small amount of oil
Massage just a few drops on the epidermis. In fact, regardless of the use you make of it, you should always dose a small amount. These oils are really effective for moisturizing and protecting the skin, so very little product is enough to get a good result.
- Most of these oils can stain clothes and sheets. Apply them carefully and let them absorb well. If they are absorbed by clothing or bedding instead of skin, they will not do any good.
- Excess oil can clog pores, although it is a non-comedogenic product. This phenomenon could cause breakouts and acne.
Step 5. Done
Advice
- Make sure you have removed any makeup residue before applying vitamin E.
- Topical application allows the skin to directly absorb vitamin E, allowing it to derive benefits that are not offered by foods containing this vitamin.
