Vitamin E is not a single vitamin; it is a family of vitamins that includes tocopherols and tocotrienols, compounds that enable cell communication, prevent cell damage and protect the skin from oxidative stress. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that vitamin E helps minimize the depth and length of fine lines and wrinkles and decreases skin roughness. Applying vitamin E to the skin also protects against damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet light radiation, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website.
Step 1
Purchase vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopheryl acetate, as this form of the vitamin does not become oxidized and can therefore penetrate through the surface of your skin into your cells, explains Maret G. Traber, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Once applied to your skin, about 5 percent of the vitamin converts into free tocopherol to provide antioxidant benefits.
Step 2
Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and warm water then pat it dry with a soft towel. Absorption of topical vitamin E is greatest if your skin is fully dry before application.
Step 3
Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and poke a small hole into one or more capsules of vitamin E. Apply undiluted vitamin E directly to healing burns, eczema patches or other small areas of skin damage.
Step 4
Mix 1 tsp. of olive oil per three capsules of vitamin E if you intend to apply the vitamin to large areas of skin. The addition of olive oil will help prevent the vitamin E from drying or becoming sticky before you finish applying it.
Step 5
Use vitamin E two to three times per day to treat skin damage. You may want to discontinue using your regular moisturizer when using vitamin E on large areas of your body, as the vitamin will moisturize your skin to treat and prevent dryness.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin E capsules
- Mild cleanser
- Towel
- Needle or pin
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Olive oil
References
- George Mateljan Foundation, World's Healthiest Foods: Vitamin E
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: All About E
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes - Treatment
- Burn Institute: First Aid for Burns
- DoctorYourself.com: The Selection and Therapeutic Use of Vitamin E
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