While vitamin E may help moisturize the skin, research indicates that vitamin E oils and supplements have no notable effect on scars.
He says despite the marketing hype, research has clearly shown vitamin E has absolutely no beneficial effect on scars. "People put a vitamin E cream on, [and over time] notice the improvement, and quite incorrectly, think, 'Oh it's this stuff I'm putting on' — but it's not," Dr Artemi said.
Burn scars
You can apply two to three times a day (depending on the size and severity of the burn). Vitamin E can help burn scars, as it is an oil which can help to regenerate the skin which can prevent scarring. This promotes healing of the skin, and collagen production.
However, research studies have consistently shown that applying Vitamin E directly to scars does not improve their appearance or aid in the healing process. In fact, it may even lead to adverse effects.
Medicated Creams or Gels
Over-the-counter skin medications such as creams or gels can help. If your scar is itchy or sensitive, antihistamine cream may stop the itch while helping your scar heal. Corticosteroid cream can help prevent scarring and has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars over time.
There is little clinical evidence that vitamin E oil or supplements can help reduce the appearance of scars. There is some anecdotal evidence, but the positive effects people notice may result from moisturizing or massaging the scar, rather than from the vitamin E itself.
ANSWER. Vitamin E is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin. Several anecdotal reports have suggested that topical use of vitamin E cream can reduce scar formation.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
BioCorneum® Scar Gel is the first and only quick drying silicone gel scar cream with SPF30 sunscreen that is approved by the FDA. This scar cream is an important part of our post-surgery scar care regimen, and we recommend it for most patients who have surgery or injuries in exposed areas such as the face.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication? Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin.
Over-the-counter topical corticosteroids, antihistamine creams and anesthetic ointments can help with healing and maturation of scars by reducing itchiness and discomfort.
Anti-oxidants play an important role in reducing inflammation and increasing collagen production. Vitamin E is one of the major antioxidants present in skin, and for many years has been used as a topical treatment for wounds and scars.
As an antioxidant, Vitamin E can improve the appearance of skin by helping the face look firmer and fuller, and helping keep some of the main signs of ageing, i.e. wrinkles and fine lines, at bay. It does this by keeping the lipids (natural fats) fresh in the skin, which helps keep the skin's protective barrier intact.
Vitamin E for skin hydration and encourages healthy cell renewal. It also reduces scarring and stretch marks for women who have been through a successful pregnancy. By encouraging cell regeneration, this vitamin also stimulates the healing of injured skin cells, reduces redness and inflammation, and fades away scars.
Caring for Scars
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery.
Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly. Vitamin E oil didn't fare any better. “If it helps,” says Kenneth Arndt, a dermatologist in Newton, Mass., “it's not the E but the oil.” He notes that it often causes skin irritation.
Factors that can slow the wound healing process include: Dead skin (necrosis) – dead skin and foreign materials interfere with the healing process. Infection – an open wound may develop a bacterial infection. The body fights the infection rather than healing the wound.
Lasers and other light treatments: This is becoming the go-to treatment for all types of scars because these treatments can: Prevent raised scars and keloids. Reduce the appearance of existing raised scars and keloids. Decrease scarring after surgery.