Vitamin E Oil's Benefits For The Skin

Vitamin E supplements, typically derived from vegetable oils, have numerous benefits for the human body, including reducing the risk of heart disease, according to Colorado State University. However, not all of its effects are internal and hidden, as vitamin E has a crucial role in skin health. Always discuss your supplementation plans with a doctor, since vitamins may interact with pre-existing medical conditions and recommended vitamin E dosages vary according to your age and situation.

Moisturization

Dry skin may appear flaky and white, and feel itchy and irritated. Vitamin E oil can help alleviate this. When rubbed on topically, vitamin E oils penetrate the cell layer and effectively moisturize the skin, according to Andreas Papas, author of the "The Vitamin E Factor." Papas says such treatments are especially popular in Asia.

Anti-Aging

Plastic surgery and prescription drugs aren't your only recourse for reversing the signs of aging. Topical applications of vitamin E oil may help alleviate skin symptoms associated with advanced age, including the depth and length of wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though all vitamin E oils and products are suggested as useful, the center recommends alpha tocopherol creams, a derivative of vitamin E, as the most effective.

Cancer Reduction

Although a suntan may leave you with an attractive glow, the sun's rays bombard your skin with ultraviolet light, which releases free radicals and can damage your skin. "The Vitamin E Factor" by Andrew Papas, cites dozens of medical studies that report on the effectiveness of oral and topical application of vitamin E oil in helping to defend the skin from such damage. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that decreases the free radicals released by the ultraviolet light. This may reduce the risks of skin cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Healing Skin

Vitamin E oil accelerates the healing of wounds and burns, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For a fast recovery, the center recommends taking 800 international units (IU) of vitamin E or more daily, as well as rubbing a thin coat of vitamin E oil directly onto the wound or burn once new skin has grown over the area.