Vitamin E is a common antioxidant used in many skin care products. It is also a popular natural remedy added in many homemade skin care masks. It offers immense skin benefits. However, many people swear by using vitamin E oil for acne and rave about its acne-soothing properties. But does it really work for acne?
Topical vitamin E oil can improve your overall skin health in many ways. It is a chemical-free skin care ingredient that is not harsh on acne-prone skin. It protects the skin from photoagingi Damage to the skin, like wrinkles or dark spots, caused by long-term exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. and cellular damage to keep it healthy, providing skin protection and skin nourishment. It is also said to aid sebum regulation and skin brightening, which may help reduce acne spots. However, limited scientific research supports vitamin E’s acne healing abilities. This article explores how vitamin E oil may heal acne, ways to use it, and risks. Read on.
Yes. Vitamin E oil is effective for acne, but it largely depends on how you use it. However, there islittle clinical proof regarding the topical efficacy of vitamin E oil on acne and acne scars. There are a few inconclusive studies, but they need further clinical evaluation:
Some research suggests that ingesting vitamin E supplements or increasing its dietary intake can help reduce acne.
Vitamin E oil may work in combination with other ingredients and not just as a single treatment.
Also, it is not clear if taking vitamin E supplements or using them topically works in a particular case. It largely depends on your skin type and how it reacts to vitamin E. Hence, before using vitamin E or taking supplements, it is essential to learn which way will be effective.
However, topical vitamin E can be used for anti-aging benefits. It is observed that the reactive oxygen species (free radicals) can alter the biosynthesis or production of collagen in the skin, speeding up skin aging (6). Vitamin E can work as a free radical scavenger and slow down the aging process.
There are many ways that you can add vitamin E to your skincare routine to reduce acne. You can do it through products, foods, or supplements. We recommend consulting a doctor before figuring out which method to use.
Did You Know?
Although vitamin E is suitable to manage acne on all skin types, it works best on dry skin with acne.
Vitamin E is also available in cream, lotion, and serum forms. Many people squeeze out the oil from vitamin E capsules for topical application. The oil has a thick consistency, making it a good choice for people with dry and flaky skin, working as a moisturizer.
Apply this oil to your face while you sleep, as it furthers the skin healing process during the night. You can apply the oil directly or mix it with your night cream. This DIY skincare can help in pimple prevention, skin rejuvenation, and skin repair. You can also buy products that have vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) as one of the ingredients. Such products are good for taking overall care of your skin. It may provide skin redness relief when paired with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and rose water.
Jasmin, a beauty and lifestyle blogger, shares how she used vitamin E oil to manage her acne-prone skin. She writes, “Today, I finally have the skin I’ve always wanted: glowy, hydrated, and acne free (i)!” She mentions that she used to have frequent breakouts, many sun spots, scarring, and discoloration. So she started applying the oil twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, religiously. She continues, “But initially, I saw a difference in my skin after the second weekend of use.”
Vitamin E supplements are available in capsule or tablet forms. However, there is not enough evidence to determine the correct dosage of vitamin E for both topical and oral use (6).
Before considering vitamin E capsules for your skin, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. While these capsules are believed to have anti-aging properties, you may not need them if you’re already getting enough vitamin E from your diet. A dermatologist can conduct a blood test to determine your vitamin E levels, ensuring you’re taking the right supplements for your skin.
Note: Vitamin E supplements may interact with drugs. Talk to your doctor if you are under medication for any other health issue.
Vitamin E is naturally found in many food. The richest sources of vitamin E are whole grains, spinach, nuts, sunflower oil, and olive oil (6).Consume foods like (7):
Consult a doctor to find out the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin E for you. The amount of vitamin E you need depends on your age. However, those above 14 years of age (men, women, and pregnant women) need roughly 15 mg of vitamin E daily. If you are lactatingi The procedure of producing and releasing milk from the mammary glands in the breasts after pregnancy. , you may require up to 19 mg of vitamin E daily (7).
Did You Know?
Majority of people with acne may have a vitamin E deficiency. Hence, fixing this deficiency through dietary changes can help.
Using vitamin E (oil, capsule, or supplements) for acne just because it is a widespread practice may also expose you to its side effects.
Other than vitamin E, the dermatologist may suggest other OTC treatment methods for effective acne management.
In contrast, the acne treatments mentioned above work in different ways, such as controlling oil production, improving cell turnover, exfoliating dead skin cells, etc. However, all skin types may not respond well to these medications. Consult a doctor to understand which ingredient may suit your skin in what concentration. They can help you create a skincare routine that addresses your unique needs without causing irritation or imbalances.
Take proper care before introducing your skin to a new ingredient. This is the best way to avoid any complications.
While vitamin E may help treat acne, there are certain precautions you must take. Know more in the next section.
Despite using vitamin E, you may still need to visit a doctor. Check out the next section to understand more.
Consult a doctor if:
Dealing with acne can be a struggle. Worry not, as vitamin E oil might hold the key to clearer skin. This ingredient offers a holistic approach to tackling acne, from reducing inflammation and redness to aiding skin repair and preventing scarring. The infographic below lists the different ways you can incorporate vitamin E oil into your daily routine. Check it out for more information!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Vitamin E oil is an excellent solution for improving overall skin health. However, its efficacy for treating and managing acne remains inconclusive. If you want to use vitamin E oil for acne, you can try using serums and other products containing the ingredient. You may not get immediate results, and you have to use vitamin E consistently for at least a month before switching to other treatment methods. However, remember that it may not treat severe acne. You must consult a doctor and use prescribed medications and ointments.
Can vitamin E remove acne scars?
While many individuals use vitamin E oil for scars, there is no conclusive evidence of its efficacy in treating or preventing acne scars. Further research is required to back any claims regarding the same (13).
Can I use vitamin E on face every day?
Yes, vitamin E oil can be safely applied to the face every day to improve overall skin health.
Is it safe to use vitamin E on sensitive skin?
Vitamin E is relatively safe for all skin types, however, it is advisable to do a patch test before applying any new skincare product on sensitive skin.
How should vitamin E be applied to the skin for treating acne?
You can either add vitamin E oil to another light carrier oil like jojoba oil and apply it to your face or add vitamin E oil or capsule to your regular serum and apply it over the acne lesions.
Does vitamin E remove dark spots?
Vitamin E can be effective in removing dark spots or pigmentation caused by excess sun exposure. It is also helpful in treating mild conditions of melasma through the inhibition of tyrosinase (6).
Can we apply vitamin E capsule on face overnight?
Yes, you can squeeze out the contents of a vitamin E capsule and add it to any of your nighttime skin care products and apply it overnight.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Do you wish to unlock the secrets of radiant and clear skin? Look no further than vitamin E oil. This video focuses on the top 5 uses of vitamin E oil to reduce uneven skin tones, dark spots, and wrinkles. Check it out!
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Dr. Nicholas Jones is a double-boarded certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery with 19 years of experience. He completed surgery residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center and his plastic surgery fellowship at Medical College of Georgia.
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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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