Cosmetic, alternative health and pharmaceutical companies have preached extensively about the health benefits of vitamin E treatments and their regenerative effects on scars. Found in almost all skin care products, including oils, ointments, gels and moisturizers, vitamin E's effects have been greatly exaggerated. Nonetheless, some scientific evidence suggests that vitamin E may have benefits that make it worth considering.
Function
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents damage to cell membranes caused by ultraviolet light, pollution and free radicals derived from cell metabolism. It also regulates vitamin A, which is, among other things, responsible for maintaining healthy skin. Conversely, vitamin E deficiency, although rarely experienced by humans, can lead to conditions such as anemia, spinocerebellar ataxia -- a degenerative neurological disease -- and myopathies, a disease which affects the neuromuscular system.
The Evidence
A study was conducted over a course of eight weeks, with 80 men and women who had hypertrophic scars and keyloids being divided into two groups, according to a report published in the "International Journal of Dermatology." One group was treated with silicon sheets with added vitamin E and the second group was treated with pure silicon. Results indicated that patients who were treated with vitamin E and silicon showed better signs of improvement than those treated only with silicon, an indication that vitamin E is an effective treatment for scars.
Considerations
In spite of this research, there is conflicting evidence that suggests that the healing powers of vitamin E may be nonexistent -- indeed, even that the substance may be harmful. According to a study published in "Dermatologic Surgery," patients who had undergone skin cancer removal surgery were treated with two ointments -- with the only difference between the two being the presence of vitamin E. They were instructed to apply the ointments daily on specific parts of their scars over a period of four weeks. The results showed no improvements in the cosmetic appearance of their scars. In some cases, the scars even worsened -- 33 percent of the patients developed contact dermatitis in response to the vitamin E.
Solution
Whether or not vitamin E helps your scars heal may depend on the severity of the scar and the duration of treatment. If you're considering using vitamin E gel, have your dermatologist assess your scar to determine if it's right for you. Also be sure to test the vitamin E on a healthy section of your skin to see if it induces an allergic reaction -- redness and itching are typical initial indications.
Warning
Don't supplement vitamin E orally unless you're specifically diagnosed with a deficiency. Studies indicate that not only does it have little or no positive effect on overall health in normal individuals, but continually taking vitamin E may increase your risk of heart failure and other common causes of death.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Vitamin E -- Function and Metabolism
- "International Journal of Dermatology;" Vitamin E Added Silicone Gel Sheets for Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids; Beniamino Palmieri MD, Glauco Gozzi MD, Gaspare Palmierie; 1995
- "Dermatologic Surgery;" The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars; Leslie S. Baumann MD, James Spencer MD MS; 1999
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements -- Vitamin E Health Professional Fact Sheet
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