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What Is the Effect of Using Vitamin E on Scars?

Angela Farrer
Angela Farrer

The effect of using vitamin E on scars is often minimal according to various scientific studies. Despite a common belief that topical vitamin E oil can noticeably fade and smooth scars, this treatment can usually yield either no positive results or sometimes even worsen the scars' initial appearance. Some people who have used vitamin E on scars can even develop problems such as contact dermatitis, depending on their skin's level of sensitivity. Although vitamin E has generally not been proven effective at reducing scar appearance after a wound already heals, its natural antioxidant properties can sometimes help speed up the healing of existing wounds that have not yet closed.

Vitamin E capsules are sometimes a popular treatment option for scars in spite of medical evidence that they're ineffective. Some people who try the capsules break them apart and extract the small measures of vitamin E to rub on their scars, although many dermatologists report that this method is not effective. Taking vitamin E capsules orally can often improve the skin's overall elasticity and smoothness when taken consistently over time, but the topical application of vitamin E on scars can actually increase the chances of an allergic reaction. Doctors often advise anyone considering using topical vitamin E oil to first test it on a small patch of skin. Since vitamin E naturally blocks the skin's collagen production, spreading it over a newly-formed scar can sometimes weaken it and cause the wound to break back open.

Scar tissue.
Scar tissue.

Even though vitamin E is not considered the most effective choice for fading scars, it can have good results when applied topically to other minor skin conditions such as sunburns. Another positive effect of vitamin E on wound healing is a reduction in itching while the cut or lesion goes through its various healing stages. Some people who suffer from eczema can also find relief from the topical use of vitamin E.

Most scars fade over time on their own, without the application of vitamin E.
Most scars fade over time on their own, without the application of vitamin E.

Several treatments can have noticeably better effects than vitamin E on scars. Adhesive sheets of silicone gel applied to raised scars can smooth them over time, as long as the sheets are worn and secured in place on a consistent daily basis. These types of gel sheets are frequently available in drug stores or pharmacies, though they can often be more expensive than vitamin E oil or capsules. Other alternatives to vitamin E on scars include the use of creams containing aloe and sometimes laser treatments administered in a dermatologist's office.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

Vitamin E doesn't do anything for scars. I think those who see results are using products with other ingredients in them and attributing the results to vitamin E.

Vitamin E is moisturizing for skin and so it can help prevent things like stretch marks and wrinkles. It can make skin feel and look better in general. But treating scars requires skin cells to renew and multiply and there are better ways of promoting that such as scar pads with silicone that are used at hospitals. Laser scar removal is another effective treatment.

discographer

@ddljohn-- What type of vitamin E oil did you use? Did you use the one in bottles or in capsules?

I have acne scars on my face and I used vitamin E oil on them for about a month. It didn't do anything. I wonder if your experience was just a coincidence or if I used the wrong product?

I think a month is long enough to see results though.

ddljohn

I'm extremely surprised to hear that scientists have not seen any benefits of vitamin E for scars. I had a surgery scar last year that was taking forever to heal. I started applying vitamin E oil on it and it made it heal very quickly. I was and still am convinced that vitamin E works for scars.

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    • Scar tissue.
      Scar tissue.
    • Most scars fade over time on their own, without the application of vitamin E.
      By: Artem Furman
      Most scars fade over time on their own, without the application of vitamin E.
    • Vitamin E can be helpful when used against minor skin conditions like sunburns.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Vitamin E can be helpful when used against minor skin conditions like sunburns.
    • Vitamin E is found naturally in many foods, such as sunflower oil.
      By: Serhiy Shullye
      Vitamin E is found naturally in many foods, such as sunflower oil.
    • Creams containing aloe may be a more effective alternative to using vitamin E on scars.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Creams containing aloe may be a more effective alternative to using vitamin E on scars.
    • Some people with eczema have found relief using topical forms of vitamin E.
      By: Jingling Water
      Some people with eczema have found relief using topical forms of vitamin E.