Vitamin E works as an antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants block free radicals, or molecules than can cause cell damage. Dietary vitamin E comes from vegetable oils, leafy greens, nuts, cereals, meat, eggs and whole wheat. People use vitamin E supplements for conditions ranging from heart disease to cancer, and it has a reputation for protecting against skin damage from the sun. Too much vitamin E might have negative consequences for your skin because it can interfere with the ability of your blood to clot. Consult your doctor about vitamin E use and skin problems before attempting any home remedies.
Step 1
Stop taking vitamin E and consult your doctor. The most effective way to fix your skin after taking too much vitamin E is to stop taking vitamin E entirely. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, vitamin E consists of fat-soluble substances, and excess amounts can build up in the body rather than being excreted.
Step 2
Reduce your intake of dietary fat, especially safflower oil, sunflower and cottonseed oil, as these are rich in vitamin E. Don't try to eliminate fat -- it's necessary to your health, simply cut down to help reduce excess vitamin E, which might interfere with beta-carotene absorption, and your body needs beta carotene to make vitamin A. The body requires vitamin A for the skin's development and eye health.
Step 3
Apply arnica gel or witch-hazel to bruised skin. These topical preparations might assist healing, according to the New York University Healthwise website. Too much vitamin E can cause bleeding under the skin from injuries and make your skin bruise more easily because it can interfere with normal blood clotting.
Tips and Warnings
- The Recommended Dietary Allowance for alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E, is 15 mg. Too much vitamin E can interfere with your body's ability to use other vitamins, including vitamin K, which helps with normal blood clotting. Check the labels of multivitamins and other nutritional supplements you take for added vitamin E. It you take vitamin E supplements in addition to other supplements containing vitamin E, you might be taking more than you realize. D-alpha-tocopherol is Vitamin E from natural sources; dl-alpha-tocopherol refers to synthetic vitamin E. Health food stores carry arnica gel. It is only for use on the surface of the skin and not to be taken internally.
- Vitamin E supplements might lead to increased risk of heart failure, according to the American Cancer Society's website. Excessive doses of vitamin E taken over a prolonged period of time can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea, the website warns. High doses of E can affect the absorption of other vitamins, might cause heart problems and affect the ability of the blood to form clots.
Things You'll Need
- Arnica gel
- Witch-hazel
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