Pure Vitamin E for Skin

Vitamin E is abundant in wheat germ, nuts, seeds, olives and vegetable oils. This vitamin is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fat and the body can store it in fat cells and the liver. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, vitamin E also helps protect and heal the skin. You can find pure vitamin E in capsule and ointment form, but using it on your skin requires care.

Cosmetic Benefits

Vitamin E's ability to protect the skin makes it useful for cosmetic purposes. This vitamin strengthens the skin's ability to hold in moisture and natural oils, protecting it from over-drying and keeping it soft and smooth. It also defends the skin from the harmful free radicals in air pollution and cigarette smoke, and protects skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Vitamin E helps smooth skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, note experts from the University of Maryland.

Medical Benefits

Vitamin E helps the skin repair itself after injury. Taking 400 to 800 IU of pure vitamin E daily promotes skin healing, according to the University of Maryland. You can also apply vitamin E to a burn once new skin has formed over the burn. Systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune condition that causes ulcers on the fingers and toes, may also respond to vitamin E. Ulcer sufferers who used topical vitamin E experienced faster healing and less pain, as reported in a study published in "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" in 2009.

Topical Use

Using pure vitamin E on the skin may cause an allergic reaction. Diluting it reduces this risk, although researchers have yet to ascertain the ideal amount or potency of vitamin E to use on the skin. A solution as low as 2.5 percent offers some protection against ultraviolet rays, notes an article published in "Better Nutrition" in 1998. To apply vitamin E to your skin without risking allergic rash, break open a 400 IU capsule of pure vitamin E and pour the contents into 2 oz. of aloe vera gel or orange-blossom water, suggests the Mother Nature website. You can also use a carrier oil like olive, coconut or avocado oil to dilute the vitamin E. Blend and apply to your skin as you would a lotion.

Vitamin E Supplements

Taking pure vitamin E in oral supplement form can also help your skin stay healthy. The recommended daily allowance, or RDA, for vitamin E is 22.5 IU for those older than 14 years of age, states MayoClinic.com. Although pregnant women require the same amount, nursing mothers should get 28.5 IU. Taking more than 400 IU daily for an extended period may harm your health, however.

Considerations

Vitamin E has a reputation for preventing or fading scars, but a study published in "Dermatologic Surgery" in 1999 found vitamin E ointment had no effect on surgical scars. In fact, 33 percent of study participants developed contact dermatitis from the ointment. Vitamin E thins the blood and may promote bleeding, so if you take vitamin E supplements, let your doctor know before any surgery. If you are scheduled for surgery, talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E. Never apply vitamin E to broken skin. Before using pure vitamin E on your skin, test a small amount on the underside of your arm and wait 24 hours to check for an adverse reaction such as a rash.