Anecdotal evidence suggests that topical vitamin E reduces the appearance of scars from burns and other wounds, and physicians commonly prescribe it to burn or surgical patients. However, a 1999 study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery demonstrated that topical vitamin E did not improve the appearance of scars in post-surgical patients, and even lead to a higher-than-normal incidence of dermatitis. Vitamin E might still be useful in scar prevention and fading, however. A 1995 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that silicone gel sheets--themselves highly effective in preventing and fading scars--infused with vitamin E treated scars more effectively than regular silicone gel sheets.
Step 1
Clean the area around the scar. If thick body hair surrounds the scar, shave the area as well to ensure proper binding of the silicone gel sheet. Allow the area to dry completely before attempting to apply a sheet.
Step 2
Cover the scar with a silicone gel sheet, then apply a thin layer of vitamin E oil to the back of the silicone gel sheet directly over the scar. The silicon gel will absorb some of the oil, but still be the material in primary contact with your scar. Do not smother the gel sheet in oil, as this may cause it to unbind from your skin.
Step 3
Leave the gel sheet in place for 12 to 24 hours, then remove it and clean the area. Once the area dries, apply another gel sheet or reuse the one you just removed if it is in good enough shape. Apply a fresh thin layer of vitamin E oil to the back of the new gel sheet.
Step 4
Continue to treat your scar as described for at least two months before you can expect to see a noticeable diminishing of the scar.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Shaving razor
- Silicone gel sheets
- Vitamin E oil
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