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Using vitamin E on scars is useless, dermatologist warns – but there’s another solution
An expert dermatologist warns that using vitamin E to help get rid of your scars is useless, and instead you should keep them protected from the sun.
We often hear about the benefits of vitamins in terms of our health, but did you know that a particular vitamin could be useless in your skincare routine? Doctor Sam Ellis drops skincare truth bombs and reveals why you should stop using vitamin E on your scars, and also explains what to do instead.
Vitamin E has no effect on the appearance of scars
Scars form as a natural part of the body’s healing process after any kind of injury, such as a cut, surgery, or infection and damages the skin – including acne scarring, Cleveland Clinic explains.
When it comes to scar treatment, countless remedies and suggestions exist today. While some people believe that vitamin E can effectively improve the appearance of scars, research shows that this is sadly not true.
Vitamins are organic molecules that are essential for an organism’s metabolic function, and many vitamins and minerals can help support healthy skin. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that’s a key ingredient in many skincare products. Applying vitamin E to your skin helps protect delicate skin from damage due to its antioxidant properties, it is also hydrating and Nivea states that it can help relieve eczema for some people.
Dr. Sam Ellis, a board-certified dermatologist, laid down some dermatology truths in a video online and revealed that using vitamin E on your scars has been proven to do nothing.
It’s true! Although vitamin E may help moisturize the skin, research indicates that�vitamin E oils and supplements have no notable effect on scars.
Applying vitamin E directly to scars does not improve their appearance or aid in the healing process, and Myers Plastic Surgery explains that it may even lead to adverse effects.
Instead of vitamin E, keep your scars sun protected
In the viral clip, expert Dr. Sam Ellis suggested that the best thing you can do for your scar is “keep it completely protected from the sun and to use silicone gel or sheeting on it regularly for months after the scar appears.”
Silicone gel sheeting is a soft, flexible, self-adhesive dressing that contains silicone and is applied to scars or intact skin that can improve the color, height, and texture of a scar, and relieve itching and discomfort. It can also help manage scars that make movement difficult.
Sheeting is a common treatment for hypertrophic scars and is thought to help prevent the development of new abnormal scars and treat existing ones.
Dropping more skincare truths in the video, Dr. Sam Ellis also reveals that perfect skin is usually achieved by genetics. No needles, no filler, just pure genetics: “As a cosmetic dermatologist, there’s so much you can do with Botox, fillers, lasers and more, but genetics will win out over all.”
The dermatologist also advises against using sunscreen powders and sticks, stating that they “do almost nothing to protect your skin from UV radiation” and instead you should use a cream or lotion.
Dr Sam Ellis is a board-certified dermatologist based in Danville, California who shares skincare and treatment advice and honest product reviews on social media.
