Table of contents:
- The function of vitamin E in the body
- Can you treat scars with vitamin E?
- Vitamin E supplement for healing
- What are the risks that can arise if you use vitamin E oil?
- Try other alternatives to heal scars
Stubborn scars, whether from smallpox marks, falls, cut by sharp objects or burns, are often seen as disturbing and disfiguring their appearance. Especially if it appears in areas of the skin that can be seen clearly, of course this can affect your self-confidence. Therefore, various methods are used to treat these scars, one of which is by using vitamin E oil. So, has this been proven to be medically effective?
The function of vitamin E in the body
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that has a function as an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage due to exposure to free radicals that usually attack the body through ultaviolet (UV) rays, pollution, and cigarette smoke. In addition, vitamin E also plays a role in immune function to prevent the body from being attacked by various diseases.
Can you treat scars with vitamin E?
There are various ways that can be taken to treat stubborn scars, one of which is by applying vitamin E oil to the scars.
In fact, quoting from the Very Well Health page, a study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in 2011 showed that vitamin E used twice a day did not provide significant results for treating scars.
Another study also found that the use of vitamin E ointment did not give any significant results in healing scars in people with skin cancer. In fact, one third of skin cancer sufferers actually experience itching and redness of the skin.
However, different results were found in children who had surgical scars on their bodies. They used vitamin E three times a day, and the results showed no keloid growth or excess scar tissue in the area of the surgery scar.
In essence, until now researchers have not been able to ascertain the optimal benefit of giving vitamin E oil to heal scars. However, you can still use vitamin E in other forms, for example from supplements or food sources of vitamin E.
Vitamin E supplement for healing
Although the use of vitamin E oil has not been proven to be truly effective in treating scars on the body, several studies have shown that vitamin E supplements can work effectively and better if you want to repair damaged skin.
For example, vitamin E supplements can protect body tissues from free radicals that can damage cells in the body, thereby accelerating the aging process.
In addition, it is also useful in the formation of red blood cells which are useful for distributing oxygen to all parts of the body. These two functions play an important role in the process of scar healing.
What are the risks that can arise if you use vitamin E oil?
The effects of using vitamin E oil vary, the biggest risk being that it can cause an allergic reaction if your skin is sensitive. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a rash on the skin.
Try other alternatives to heal scars
Apart from using vitamin E, there are other alternatives that are believed to be able to treat your scars. For example using honey, a study involving more than 2,000 people found that honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research at the University of Waikato also obtained similar results from using honey to remove scars.
The safest way if you want to do treatment to treat scars that interfere with appearance, you should first consult with your doctor. Usually, the doctor will prescribe a treatment, cream, or oral medicine that is suitable for your needs and skin condition.
