Vitamin E is an essential nutrient in our diets. This antioxidant vitamin not only prevents free radical damage and naturally slows down cell aging, but it is necessary for a whole host of biological processes.
But the benefits of vitamin E aren’t just limited to ingestion – we can also gain so much from applying the oil to our face, hair, and whole body. Read on to learn more about this versatile nutrient.
Benefits Of Topically Applied Vitamin E Oil:
1. Prevent Skin Aging & Wrinkles
As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps to neutralize free radicals – compounds that cause cell damage and play a role in the onset of cancer and heart disease. Free radicals also contribute to the aging of cells, including skin cells.
Using vitamin E oil on the skin may reduce free radical damage (including wrinkles) caused by sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol intake. Vitamin E may also reduce the appearance of fine lines by increasing the production of collagen, a substance that keeps the skin elastic; and by aiding the growth and regeneration of skin cells.
To use vitamin E to prevent aging and fine lines, dab the undiluted oil around the eye area or other areas where wrinkles tend to form. You could also mix up an anti-aging mask comprising vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel.
Discover more home remedies for reducing wrinkles.
2. Treat Dry Skin
Because it’s such a thick oil, vitamin E is a fantastic natural moisturizer that’s especially suitable for people with dry skin.
If you find it too thick to use as an everyday lotion, you don’t have to forgo all the oil’s benefits on a daily basis. Simply mix it with your favorite moisturizer or blend it with some virgin coconut oil and apply as normal.
Then, once a week or so – especially during the winter months – apply undiluted vitamin E oil to dry patches for a healing treatment for itchy, rough, and tight skin.
Learn how to choose the best coconut oil for your skin.
3. Reduce Hyperpigmentation & Brown Spots
Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin. It’s usually harmless, but many people wish to treat it for cosmetic reasons.
Fortunately, both hyperpigmentation and brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure respond well to vitamin E treatment. And, because the vitamin reverses free radical damage and encourages the regeneration of skin cells, it’s particularly beneficial for brown spots caused by sunlight.
If hyperpigmentation is getting you down, try mixing two teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil with one teaspoon of vitamin E oil and applying it to the affected areas. Repeat this treatment before bed each night and wash off in the morning.
4. Hydrate Dry Hands
Our long-suffering hands are exposed to all sorts of harsh conditions – from scalding hot water and chemical soaps to winter wind and summer sun.
Give your hands some much-needed TLC with a vitamin E oil treatment. It will nourish and hydrate your hands while protecting them from future neglect.
Use vitamin E oil directly on the skin, or mix up a moisturizing hand treatment comprising two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil, a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil, which is soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
Why not check out these other great treatments for dry, chapped hands?
5. Brighten The Skin
Vitamin E naturally brightens the skin thanks to its ability to encourage the renewal and regeneration of cells. And, if you combine it with lemon juice – a natural skin-bleaching agent – you may further speed up the process.
So, if you’re tired of dull and lifeless-looking skin, try mixing two teaspoons of vitamin E oil with a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply it to the face and body (avoiding the delicate areas around the mouth and eyes) and leave on for ten minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a week until your skin is bright and glowing.
If your skin is very dehydrated, we recommend skipping this treatment as lemon juice can be drying. Instead, mix the vitamin E oil with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of rose water. Apply this mix to the skin for twenty minutes before rinsing off. Repeat twice weekly.
6. Heal Scar Tissue
Skin that is slow to heal can benefit from vitamin E – both in the diet and applied topically. This is because free radicals can prevent the healing of damaged tissue.
Smooth and repair acne scars and other types of scar tissue by applying undiluted vitamin E oil to the skin every night before bed.
Repeat until the marks disappear – this depends on the size and severity of the scar. In general, you can expect acne scars to fade after four weeks of treatment.
7. Prevent Stretch Marks
Although there’s some evidence to say that stretch marks can’t always be prevented (especially during pregnancy), many people swear that vitamin E oil and other home remedies stopped them getting marks following weight loss or gain.
To prevent stretch marks from developing, use vitamin E regularly on the areas prone to stretching, including the tummy, hips, thighs, and buttocks. You can apply the oil directly to the skin, or mix it with your favorite moisturizing lotion first.
However, it works especially well when blended with argan oil – another popular natural stretch mark treatment. Mix one teaspoon of vitamin E oil with two tablespoons of argan oil and apply every evening, taking care to massage into the skin for several minutes.
8. Naturally Cleanse the Skin
Vitamin E oil can act as a natural makeup remover and facial cleanser. As a heavy emollient, it’s ideal for taking off stubborn eye makeup.
Just add a few drops to a cotton pad and wipe around the eye region. You’ll also moisturize the skin and prevent wrinkles.
9. Stimulate Hair Growth
If you want thick and luscious locks, look no further than vitamin E oil – one of the best vitamins for hair growth.
This vitamin stimulates growth when eaten as part of your diet, but it may also have benefits when applied topically. It has been shown in some studies to increase blood flow, which can improve the health and strength of new hair.
Once a week, enjoy a DIY head massage using vitamin E oil. Allow the oil to sit for thirty minutes (or overnight) before washing out with shampoo. For extra potency, add in two or three drops of peppermint or rosemary essential oils – both known for their ability to encourage hair growth.
10. Nourish Dry Hair
Just like it nourishes dry skin, vitamin E can hydrate dry hair and undo the damage of excessive styling and heat.
Once or twice a week, apply a hair mask containing two teaspoons of vitamin E oil, two tablespoons of argan oil, and four tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Allow this treatment to work its magic on your hair for thirty minutes before washing out.
11. Stop Split Ends
Too much heat will leave your hair brittle, dry, and prone to splitting. Dab some vitamin E oil on the very ends of your hair to seal the cuticle and prevent excessive dryness.
12. Massage Your Cuticles & Nails
Dry and cracked cuticles don’t just ruin a good manicure, they can be pretty painful too. Ease your discomfort and treat your cuticles by massaging vitamin E oil into them a few times a week.
In fact, if you make vitamin E oil a regular part of your nail care routine, you may enjoy smoother, shinier, and stronger nails all year round.
13. Chapped Lip Remedy
Prevent or repair dry, rough, or cracked lips with regular application of vitamin E oil. It can protect against the harsh wind and rain of winter, and it can also reverse the signs of UV damage following sun exposure in the summer months.
Apply several times daily as needed. Alternatively, mix the oil into your favorite lip balm or DIY lip stain.
Tips For Using Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is such a versatile oil that you’re sure to reap many benefits from it. However, the following tips may help you get the most out of vitamin E oil for your face, skin, and hair:
- People who are prone to breakouts may find that the oil exacerbates their acne. If that’s the case, mix the oil with a lighter natural product that doesn’t irritate your skin.
- If you find the oil too heavy for everyday use, apply it to the skin and hair before bedtime and wash off in the morning.
- Maximize its effectiveness by combining it with vitamin C, another antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents aging.
- Look for a high-quality vitamin E oil that’s free from chemical additives and potential allergens such as soy or wheat.
Mother Nature’s Essentials Vitamin E Oil ticks all the boxes when it comes to choosing a high-quality, organic, and all-natural product that combines vitamin E and C.
Don’t Forget Vitamin E In Your Diet
While topically applied vitamin E oil works wonders, you should ensure glowing skin and luscious hair from the inside out. Eat plenty of vitamin E-rich foods every day, including: