Using Vitamin E to Improve Your Skin

Written by: Camille L. Davenport
Joboja Staff Writer

Although there have been many reports on the effectiveness of using Vitamin E to improve the skin, there have been many that suggest the contrary. Its reported association in healing scars has not been scientifically verified but many users of the vitamin have found it to be extremely effective. When used externally in a liquid or oil, Vitamin E may have some benefits for healing wounds, scars and stretch marks but this is not scientifically proven. It is actually Vitamin E's antioxidant properties when used internally that help to maintain healthy skin and to improve the appearance of acne and scars. It is safe to say that the results may very from person to person.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that is used to protect tissues against damage and is considered a highly effective antioxidant that destroys unstable molecules (free radicals) in the body that damage stable molecules. This is why the incorporation of antioxidants like vitamin E into skin care products is so important. Vitamin E skin care products are an essential part of a daily healthy skin regimen. The natural form of Vitamin E is called "Alpha Tocopherol” and is made from vegetable oil. Vitamin E is available in soft gels, tablets, capsules, and topical oils.

Vitamin E is not only the main ingredient in topical treatments and lotions, but also in the food we consume on a daily basis. It’s important to include many sources of Vitamin E in your diet and to pay attention to eating plenty of fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, low-fat foods. Eating healthy also helps to improve the skin. Some researchers suggest that applying Vitamin E to your skin at least twice a day can make a huge difference as it is reported to help reduce skin spots and wrinkles. Vitamin E is also good for dry skin. Some studies have proven that it is able to keep moisture in the skin, just puncture a hole into the Vitamin E capsule and apply directly to the scar.
In addition to skin treatment, Vitamin E is reported to help with the following:

Lowering blood pressure
Easing premenstrual discomfort, especially breast tenderness
Slowing the aging of cells and tissues
Protecting from frostbite and other cold-induced injuries
Improving acne
Replacing necessary nutrients in those with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
Avoiding miscarriage (also called spontaneous abortion), which may be associated with very low levels of this nutrient
Vitamin E also helps to gradually break down blood clots in the circulatory system, and helps prevent more from forming. Vitamin E encourages circulation in the smaller blood vessels of the body and helps to strengthen and regulate the heartbeat.


FAQ’s
Q: What foods contain Vitamin E?

A: Foods that contain Vitamin E are carrots, corn, peaches spinach, avocadoes, asparagus, and tomatoes just to name a few. Also, Vitamin E can be lost during cooking, processing, or storage of food. To maintain Vitamin E in foods, avoid exposing them to sun light and keep them in sealed containers.

Q: Is there a such a thing as using too much Vitamin E?

A: We tend to think that since vitamins are natural there is no danger of taking too much but the maximum intake a day of vitamin E is 1000mg, but not more than 400mg if you have hypertension.

Q: What other problems can be treated with Vitamin E?

A: Vitamin E is reported to help with ailments such as Anemia, Lupus and heart disease. But it is important for you to talk with a doctor regarding your individual condition.

Sources Cited:

http://www.jigsawhealth.com/products/antioxidant_vitamin_supplement.html

http://www.articlebasement.com/Article/Powerful-Antioxidant-Vitamin-E/45902

http://deepfitness.com/3621/Vitamin-E-Nourishing-Dry-Skin-Care.aspx