What Is Vitamin E Oil Good For?
7 Benefits of vitamin e oil for skin, hair, aging, heart diseases, and cancer
Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. It is popular because it is an antioxidant and has moisturizing properties. Antioxidants are substances that help the body get rid of free radicals. These free radicals are culprits that help develop many conditions, including aging, heart diseases, and cancer. Many scientists believe that vitamin E has amazing benefits on the skin but data on its efficacy in the treatment of skin conditions are not conclusive.
Vitamin E oil works as a moisturizing agent when applied topically, and it may be helpful as an antioxidant when taken orally. The purported benefits of vitamin E are in treating.
- Dry skin conditions
- Due to its moisturizing properties, vitamin E has been used in many moisturizers. It helps reduce the itching and flakiness found in conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. However, the benefits are believed to be temporary, and vitamin E-based moisturizers need to keep applied frequently. Vitamin E improves the efficacy of moisturizers. Patients who want to avoid prescription creams for their mild psoriasis might consider using vitamin E oil.
- Wounds
- Scars
- For a long time, vitamin E oil has been applied on scars to minimize the appearance of scars. However, there is mixed research on the benefits of vitamin E. Vitamin E may moisturize the dried wound area and prevent the formation of scar. However, if a person is allergic to vitamin E, their scar may worsen.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Moisturizing makes the skin appear smoother and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin E oil can have anti-aging effects on the skin. Because vitamin E is an antioxidant, it may delay the signs of aging on the skin but sufficient evidence to claim the same is inconclusive.
- Melasma (pigmentation of pregnancy)
- When taken orally, vitamin E has been shown to cause depigmentation in patients with melasma. Only vitamin E may not be very effective in melasma management. It may need to be supplemented with other substances.
- Yellow nail syndrome
- Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by the yellowing and peeling of nails. Vitamin E supplements are used to treat this nail disorder.
- Ataxia
Ataxia associated with vitamin E deficiency is an inherited condition that affects balance and muscle control. It mainly affects the balance and coordination of body movements. Vitamin E supplements are used in the treatment of ataxia.
Other vitamin E benefits for human health and some diseases
Other conditions for which vitamin E may be good include
- Atopic dermatitis
- Hailey-Hailey disease
- Scleroderma
- Alzheimer disease
- Beta-thalassemia
- G6PD deficiency
- Menstrual cramps
- Male infertility
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis/NASH
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Skin cancer prevention
There is little evidence to support the use of vitamin E in chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer.
Is vitamin E safe for the skin?
Vitamin E is likely to be safe for most healthy people when applied to the skin. Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions. Vitamin E is available in the market in different compositions and multiple combinations with other vitamins and moisturizing agents. Before trying any product containing vitamin E oil on the skin, it is recommended to perform a patch test. To do this, apply a small amount of the oil behind the earlobe or inside of the knees. Wait for 48 hours. If there is any redness, swelling, or experiencing itching over the applied part, it means vitamin E allergy.