Vitamin E is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, and the benefits of vitamin E oil are practically endless. Vitamin E oil can be used both topically for beauty and skin health and can also be taken orally as a vitamin supplement. In fact, most vitamin E supplements simply contain vitamin E oil encased in an edible capsule. There are also plenty of foods which contain vitamin E.
Antioxidant Properties
According to the American Dietetic Association, the main function if vitamin E is to act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage done by free radicals, which can eventually lead to chronic disease such as cancer.
Other Benefits of Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil can be used topically for skin complaints and can also be taken orally in capsule form.
Effective Treatment for Eczema
A recent study conducted by the International Journal of Dermatology suggests vitamin E oil may be an effective treatment for those who suffer from eczema when it is taken internally. Eczema is a chronic condition of the skin which causes redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin. Itching is the most common and annoying symptom related to eczema. Conventional medications used to treat eczema are many, but they can cause side effects. The use of vitamin E to treat eczema is very promising because there are no known side effects associated with it.
Prevent and Reduce Wrinkles
Wrinkles to the skin come with age and are caused to some extent by long term exposure to free radicals from pollution, smoking, and alcohol use as well as normal metabolic processes. The topical use of vitamin E oil is thought to help reduce and prevent wrinkles as a result of its antioxidant powers. Vitamin E oil may even help to increase collagen production, which supports the growth and regeneration of healthy cells.
Reduce Scars and Stretch Marks
Vitamin E oil may help to fade pregnancy stretch marks, and perhaps even surgery scars. Simply rub a few drops of vitamin E oil over the scarred area twice per day. In a few weeks you should start to notice your scar is beginning to fade. The vitamin E oil may not completely eradicate all scars, but it can help soften the appearance of most scars and stretch marks.
Help to Heal Cold Sores
Applying vitamin E oil can help speed the healing of cold sores. All you need to do is rub a small drop of vitamin E oil over the affected area, and the cold sore should begin to heal. If you keep vitamin E oil handy, you can even prevent cold sores from emerging by applying the oil to the area the moment you feel a cold sore coming on. You can either purchase a small bottle of the oil for this purpose, or simply break open a vitamin E supplement capsule and squeeze the oil out onto your skin.
Stabilize your Cooking Oil
The benefits of vitamin E oil carry into your kitchen as well! A drop of vitamin E oil can be added to your kitchen oils, including olive, sesame, and flaxseed oils to prevent oxidation and extend their shelf life.
When using vitamin E oil topically, the best time to apply it to your skin is at night, after a warm shower or bath. If you are concerned about whether your intake of vitamin E is adequate or about how to use it topically, please speak with a licensed healthcare practitioner.
