Desk
Share
Vitamin E has been hailed for years as an antioxidant that fights free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. Everyone knows it helps to improve skin health which is why it features as a component for a myriad of skincare products. Be it in enhancing glow, or diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, vitamin E supplements are often touted as miraculous remedies for the skin.
Before using a face mask or cutting open the capsule to put it directly on your face though, one should question the effects: is it really safe to put vitamin E directly on skin? The answer is not black and white. So let’s go over the pros, cons, and how to use vitamin E on skin the right way.
Possible Advantages of Applying Vitamin E to The Skin
If administered the correct way, vitamin E oil obtained from capsules can do wonders for your skin. Especially if you’re dealing with these specific skin issues:
Soothes eczema
If you deal with skin that’s dry and flaky, vitamin E oil might do the trick in penetrating the skin barrier to moisturize from within.Fades Scars and Marks
Commonly known for its anti-scarring qualities, especially concerning acne scars, stretch marks, or minor cuts, Vitamin E surpasses many herbal remedies. It is possible, due to its cell regeneration capabilities, to enhance the healing process, albeit the outcome is subjective.
Anti-Aging Properties
With age comes wrinkles and fine lines, but thanks to the antioxidants contained in Vitamin E, it could slow those features down. Regular use can help enhance the flexibility of the skin and restore a more youthful radiance to the face.
Soothes Sun Burn
When mixed with aloe vera or coconut oil, Vitamin E can help treat sunburns and promote faster healing of the skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
But Is It Safe To Apply Vitamin E Directly On The Face?
This is an area where most people differ. There are several risks to consider before applying Vitamin E oil directly from the capsule. Outrolled skin seems to have little trouble with this procedure, however, it’s far from safe for everyone.
Risk of Skin Irritation
Applicable to every aspect of skin care, Vitamin E oil is highly thick. Should it be applied directly to the face, there are chances of it causing pore blockage, which isn’t a good sign for those with oily or acne prone skin. In certain instances, it could even cause eruptions or rashes.
Allergic Reactions
Not everyone’s skin tolerates concentrated vitamin E the same way. Certain individuals may show hyperemia, pruritus, or even dermal edema. This is why performing a patch test prior to application on the face is important.
Overuse Can Backfire
More is not always the better choice. The skin barrier when undiluted vitamin E is used on a daily basis will eventually be over moisturized, disrupting the delicate balance and leading to increased sensitivity over time.
Safer Alternatives: Use Formulated Products
Instead of raw E oils, lotions, serums, moisturizers which contain Vitamin E should be recommended. Such products are dermatologically tested for facial skin and often contain other skin beneficial add-ons such as Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, etc. They also possess light weight in texture making it easier for users to apply on a regular basis.
How to Use Vitamin E Capsules on the Face (Safely)
If you still want to opt for direct application of vitamin E capsules, following these steps will help minimize risks and maximize benefits:
Step 1: Do a Patch Test
Dab a small amount of the oil on the inner wrist or just behind the ear. After application, one should wait for 24 hours to check for any changes. As long as the skin does not react, users are free to proceed.
Step 2: Combine the Oil With a Carrier of Your Choice
If you simply add the oil, it won’t work. Combine with the carrier:
Coconut oil (great for dry skin)
Aloe vera gel (calming and non-oily)
Rosehip oil or jojoba oil (for oily and acne-prone skin)
Step 3: Apply at Night
The body naturally repairs itself at night, so doing so before bed is best…but after cleansing your face. Remember to massage your face gently and leave the diluted oil overnight for optimal results.
Step 4: Wash Your Face in the Morning
In the morning, you can wash your face like normal with lukewarm or cool water and do your skincare routine as usual.
Read More: Healthy for Most, But Not for All: 4 Times You Should Be Cautious with Cucumbers
--Advertisement--
