Vitamin E for Acne Scars

As if the problem of acne was not frustrating enough, that it is followed by its depressingly ugly scars. Even if the problem of acne subsides, the scars seem to be a stubborn problem that does a great deal of damage to the way the skin looks. Even though a nagging problem, some people go for cosmetic surgeries to get rid of such scars, while some shell out huge sums of money on different kinds of acne skin care products. Apart from these, some people may also benefit from using some simple and inexpensive home remedies, which although, do not make the scars vanish for good, but improve the appearance of the skin, making them look less prominent. Among the many skin care products and home remedies to deal with acne scars, is the use of vitamin E in the form of creams, lotions and natural sources. It may also be administered in the form of capsules. What follows is a quick description on the benefits of using vitamin E for acne scars.

How Does Vitamin E Help in Treating Acne Scars

Let's begin this discussion with how to use vitamin E for acne scars. All you have to do is take the lotion, cream or oil and using the pad of your fingers, apply it on the affected areas of the face. Massage the areas gently in downward strokes. It is also preferable to massage in a circular motion. Be cautious enough to prevent eye contact. Not to forget, it is better to clean the area and pat it dry before you begin the application. After having done with the massage, give it a wait of 3 - 4 hours, before rinsing your face with lukewarm water.

The use of vitamin E for scar treatment is popular mainly due to the potent antioxidant properties of this nutrient. It protects the cells of the body from free radical damage that may be caused by UV radiation, pollution, etc. This vitamin aids in regulating the vitamin A levels in the skin. This results in the creation of stronger capillary walls and protection for red blood cells.

Amidst these benefits of using vitamin E for acne scars removal, there are studies which advocate the fact that creams or lotions containing the vitamin may not work so well against scars, as the natural sources. There are also reports showing that synthetic version of the vitamin is half as active as the natural source. So, the effectiveness of vitamin E based skin products, could be increased when combined with food sources and supplements of the same. Common vitamin E foods which you can inculcate in your diet include vegetables such as asparagus, sweet potato, broccoli, carrots, Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, etc. Fruits such as kiwi, raw mango and papaya are also rich in this vitamin. Other sources include wheat germ, oregano, parsley, sage, egg yolk, dry roasted almonds, sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil and rapeseed oil.

Also, it has been studied that use of vitamin E oil for acne scars yields more benefits when taken up in conjunction with vitamin E natural sources, vitamin A and/or vitamin C. This is because, such a use is known to prevent some kind of skin cancer and reduce the damage caused by the sun on the skin. So, all these benefits may also add up in improving the appearance of the acne scars.

To conclude, acne scars may not heal completely, unless one opts for cosmetic surgery. However, using vitamin E based products, adding its natural sources to the diet, and keeping the body fit and healthy, can do a great deal of improvement not only in the appearance of the scars but the health of the skin as a whole. The only word of caution for using vitamin E for acne scars is that if you experience any kind of abnormal symptoms, then it is better you cease using it and discuss other alternatives with your skin care specialist.