Liquid vitamin E, or vitamin E oil, has long been touted as a folk remedy panacea for skin problems such as burns, wounds and scarring. Taken orally, capsules containing vitamin E deliver antioxidants and immune system benefits, according to naturopathic doctor Michael Murray, author of "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines." Topically, vitamin E liquid has been used in numerous cosmetics to bolster skin health and act as a preservative to prevent other ingredients from spoiling.
Diminishes the Look of Aging
Vitamin E is helpful both in diminishing wrinkles and reducing damage due to photoaging, or sun exposure.
Of all the factors that cause aging in skin, sunlight is the most harmful, causing 90 percent of skin damage, says Henrietta Spencer in her article "'Age-proof' Your Skin With Topical Vitamin E," from the magazine "Better Health," 1998. Age spots are a result of sun damage. Applying vitamin E topically before being exposed to the sun can help decrease the aging effects of sun exposure.
Vitamin E can be used as a natural wrinkle reducer. A study cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center entitled "Anti-wrinkling effects of the mixture of vitamin C, vitamin E, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil, and molecular mechanisms on hairless mouse skin caused by chronic ultraviolet B irradiation," published in the journal "Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine" in 2007, has determined that topically applied vitamin E can make skin smoother by lessening the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.
Taken orally, vitamin E also aids in slowing the signs of aging through its strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Dr. Murray.
Softens Hands and Feet
Vitamin E is sometimes used in manicures and pedicures to smooth dry skin. Rubbed into the fingertips, it helps rehydrate the cuticles and reduce hangnails. On the feet, it's useful for softening callouses and smoothing rough patches. Vitamin E can be mixed with a carrier oil, such as almond, and a scented essential oil, such as ylang ylang, to create a homemade massage oil for the hands and feet.
Reduces Scarring
Vitamin E has been used topically as an aid to decrease scarring after an injury. Its use in internal scar prevention has been validated by physicians who prescribe oral vitamin E supplements to patients who have undergone breast implant surgery. Scarring can lead to hardening of the implants and subsequent complications, according to Shari Lieberman, Ph. D., and verified in the book "Breast Implants, Everything You Need to Know," written by Nancy Brunning in 2002.
Dr. Murray is less optimistic about the application of topical vitamin E in preventing scars, calling the practice "without merit."
References
- "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines"; Michael Murray, N.D.; 2002
- Better Nutrition; 'Age proof' your skin with topical vitamin E; Henrietta Spencer; Feb, 1998
- "The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book"; Shari Lieberman, Ph.D.;2007
- Whole Living; Homemade Lip Balm
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin E
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