There are numerous uses for vitamin E oil that have amazing benefits pertaining to health, as well as hair and skin treatment and nourishment! Pure vitamin E is rich in antioxidants, which promote cell growth and inhibit free radicals (molecules that steal from your own cells and cause damage). Some of the uses for vitamin E oil are listed below and what seems to be the best use is the topical treatment for dry and damaged skin!
Possibly one of the most beneficial uses for vitamin E oil is to help fade scars and heal scar tissue. Scars and scar tissue lack elasticity, and vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties which help build elastin and promote healing and new cell growth. There is controversy over whether or not the oil actually works. In some cases I read about, it caused contact dermatitis and made the scarring worse, while other users received amazing benefits. Make sure you talk with your doctor about any treatments first. You should also make sure that you are using pure vitamin E oil because any additives may cause irritation and inflammation. Definitely stop the use altogether if you experience a bad reaction!
Pure vitamin E oil is great for those tough, super dry spots because it contains antioxidants. Cuticles can be hard to maintain, especially when you're doing an at home manicure and need your cuticles to be moisturized and pushed back. Vitamin E oil will keep your cuticles well hydrated and able to slide back without damaging the nail. You can also use the oil on rough patches of skin, like elbows, knees and the bottoms of your feet. It's a thick, sticky oil so it's best to use a carrier such as olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil.
When I was a kid, I remember having bad chapped lips and my mom would break open her vitamin E capsules and use them on my lips. I haven't used the capsules in years but remember the distinct smell and sticky texture that was also soothing to my lips. Use the pure capsule form for an overnight treatment or within a beauty product. I currently use a vitamin E stick for lips and dry spots for the face, which is amazing!
There is evidence to suggest that vitamin E can prevent or delay heart disease because it inhibits the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol. It also may help in preventing blood clots and thus, heart attack. Again, there is quite a bit of controversy on whether or not vitamin E supplements prevent the occurrences of heart attack and delay/prevent heart disease because of varying results. Other factors need to be considered as well, such as smoking, the overall health of the individual and the person's age. Either way, there is no harm in taking the supplement, especially if it is beneficial!
For burns that have started to show signs of healing, topical vitamin E can promote healing and new cell growth. If it's not a minor burn, make sure to talk to your doctor because vitamin E can interfere with some medications. For sun burns, which are caused by extreme exposure to UV rays and thus, free radicals, taking a supplement internally can help reduce inflammation and skin damage. Using it topically, along with apple cider vinegar and Aloe Vera gel, can really sooth the skin and take away the burning sensation.
All of us are susceptible to wrinkles and spots as we age due to loss of collagen as well as free radical damage, environmental elements and improper care of our skin. Vitamin E oil can be found in many beauty products- it helps block free radicals, boots the production of collagen, keeps the skin pliable and elastic, and supports new skin cell growth.
Because vitamin E has healing properties and is so full of antioxidants, as well as being a thick, rich oil, it works great for a hair mask! Combine it with other oils, like olive oil and jojoba with some essential oils, and use it as a deep conditioning treatment. Your hair will be smoother, shinier and free of frizz.
While I only use vitamin E in a lip balm form for dry lips, I would be interested in using it for many of the other benefits it provides! Have any of you used vitamin E before and seen benefits from it? Share them with us!
Sources: livestrong.com, lpi.oregonstate.edu, umm.edu, peoplespharmacy.com, livestrong.com