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Can You Apply Vitamin E Oil Directly to the Skin?

Yes, you can apply vitamin E oil directly to the skin, but it is a good idea to check for skin sensitivity before application. Moreover, try applying it only as a thin layer of oil.

You can prick the vitamin E capsules for this purpose or buy a pure vitamin E oil bottle. Gently massage until the oil gets absorbed into your skin.

  • If you have oily skin, opt for vitamin E in a lighter form, such as a serum, rather than the oil form, which is thicker.
  • If you have dry skin, you can add vitamin E oil to your regular night moisturizer or carrier oils, such as almond, olive, or coconut oil.
  • If you have acne-prone skin, you need to look for products that do not clog your skin pores.

The goal should be to find the right formula that suits your skin.

Conduct a patch test by applying a few drops on the backside of your elbow before you start using it on the exposed skin, including the face. Wait for 24 hours to see if the oil or the product causes any reaction, such as redness or itching.

6 possible benefits of vitamin E for your skin

Here are 6 possible health benefits of applying vitamin E to your skin:

  • Sun damage. Vitamin E oil can protect you from the damaging effects of the sun and minimize skin damage. However, it is not effective as the traditional sunscreen lotions or creams for photo-protection.
  • Melasma. Vitamin E alone or in combination with vitamin C can help minimize the skin darkening in melasma.
  • Scars. Evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin E oil on scars is mixed. However, it may help improve their appearance.
  • Stretch marks. Application of vitamin E oil may not help much in fading the stretch marks, but it may help alleviate the associated itching.
  • Eczema. Combined with other ingredients, such as coconut or olive oil, vitamin E oil can alleviate the redness, itching, and dryness associated with skin conditions, such as eczema. This is most likely due to vitamin E’s moisturizing effect.
  • Wrinkles. The antioxidant effect of vitamin E may delay the appearance of wrinkles and act as an anti-aging. Though these are anecdotal findings, more research is needed.

Does taking vitamin E by mouth help skin?

More than applying vitamin E to your skin, what is important is getting vitamin E from your diet, which you just need 15 mg per day.

Make sure you eat vitamin E food sources, including:

  • Oils
    • Wheat germ oil
    • Sunflower oil
    • Soybean oil
    • Corn oil
  • Nuts and nut butter
    • Peanuts
    • Almonds
    • Walnuts
    • Peanut butter
    • Almond butter
  • Seeds
    • Hazelnuts
    • Sunflower seeds
  • Fruits and vegetables
    • Kiwi
    • Mangoes
    • Spinach
    • Broccoli
    • Tomatoes

If you eat the above sources of vitamin E daily, you do not typically need to take vitamin E supplements that are available in the market. A small study showed improvements in dermatitis in people who were taking 400 mg of vitamin E daily. However, more studies are needed.

A daily dose of 1,000 mg or more of vitamin E is something that can cause health troubles. However, most people do not need higher doses.

Ask your doctor before you start vitamin E supplements, especially when you are taking medications for other underlying conditions, such as high cholesterol levels, heart diseases, and cancer.

If vitamin E does not help resolve your skin condition, discuss it with your doctor. Do not substitute it for the treatments prescribed by your skin specialist or dermatologist.