Benefits of Vitamin E - Does Vitamin E Fade Scars?

Lots of people are convinced applying vitamin e oil capsules on their scars or stretch marks will help prevent or fade them. But does it really work? And how about other benefits? Read on to find out about interesting facts about vitamin E. The topical use of vitamin E oil capsules is a very popular and supposedly effective scar removing treatment. Two major studies have been conducted on this matter. The largest clinical trial published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation

Vitamin E oil

The so called effective remedy consists of opening vitamin E capsules and applying the content on the scar. But this topical use of vitamin E does not result in scar healing scientists say. The capsules can be used for far better purposes though.

In 1986 one of the largest studies to investigate the effect of vitamin E on scars was published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation. The conclusion: the use of vitamin E did not lead to noticeable improvement in the size, thickness or appearance of scars.

Side effects

Another study from 1999 showed no improvement either. A significant part of the scars actually appeared worse than the control group's scars. On top of that roughly 30 percent of the patients developed an allergic skin reaction (dermatitis) in response to the vitamin E treatment.

Not only are there no scientific examples of vitamin E resulting in scar improvement, many doctors and dermatologists advise against the topical use of vitamin E on scars.

Benefits

Vitamin E has powerful natural antioxidant properties protecting the body from free radical damage. It is an important component of the immune system, adds to the creation of red blood cells and is essential for DNA maintenance.

There is significant evidence vitamin E can protect against heart disease and it is thought to slow the aging process. Vitamin E protects artery walls and keeps the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from being oxidized. It also supports prostate and breast health and is good for your brain.

Vitamin E containing foods

This useful vitamin is especially found in seeds, nuts, cereals and vegetables. A few examples of foods high in vitamin e are; avocado, olive oil, almonds and spinach.

Visit this Vitamin E Benefits page for more detailed info on the benefits, links to reports of the aforementioned clinical trials, high vitamin E foods and other interesting facts. Visit this page for scar treatment that is proven to work.

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