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Vitamin E, medically called alpha-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a potent antioxidant agent.
There are multiple sources of free radicals that people face every day, including pollution, pesticides, cigarette smoke, sun, unhealthy foods, and even stress, which can cause oxidative damage in the body. Consumption of vitamin E, therefore, plays a major role in preventing the cells from this damage. (1)
Moreover, vitamin E helps promote circulation, boost immunity, manage blood sugar, improve cardiovascular health, prevent certain cancers, and lower the risk of stroke-induced brain damage.
It is easy to include vitamin E in your diet through food sources such as avocados, spinach, wheat germ, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower seeds, whole grains, and nuts. (2) In addition to oral consumption, you can find vitamin E as a chief ingredient in multiple topical creams and oils, as it is highly beneficial to hair and skin health.
This article will focus on important vitamin E benefits to your hair and skin.
Benefits of Vitamin E for Hair
Vitamin E provides the following benefits to hair:
1. Boosts hair growth
Healthy hair stems from a healthy scalp, one that has a constant, adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen, has clean, open pores, and has properly functioning sebaceous or oil glands. Thus, scalp dryness, clogging up of pores, or excessive sebum production can easily cause itching, hair fall, and dandruff.
Vitamin E helps improve your hair health by moisturizing the scalp, soothing the oil glands, and thus promoting healthy hair growth.
The antioxidant nature of the oil boosts circulation to the scalp, which helps nourish the hair roots and shaft. Moreover, vitamin E assists in the repair of damaged hair and improves dryness. (3)
How to use:
- Open 2 vitamin E capsules and mix their contents with 2 tbsp of warm olive or coconut oil. Massage your scalp with this mixture in circular motions. Wash your hair after 30 minutes. Repeat this treatment two to three times a week.
- Mix 2 tbsp of jojoba oil with 3–4 capsules of vitamin E oil, and massage the mixture on your scalp before bedtime. Wash your hair in the morning, and perform this remedy at least once a week.
- You can also use coconut milk to massage your scalp and wash it off after 30 minutes.
- Include vitamin E-rich foods in your diet to provide nourishment from within.
2. Improves hair appearance and treats split ends
Split ends are a common sign of hair damage, often caused by the use of blow-dryers, heat styling tools, and color and chemical treatments. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that helps repair hair damage, thus treating split ends. (8)
Vitamin E oil can also help by moisturizing your hair. Moreover, the application of vitamin E oil prevents premature graying of hair and adds shine to your hair.
How to use:
- Mix vitamin E oil with olive oil and coconut oil in equal quantities, and apply the oil blend to your split ends. Wash your hair using a mild shampoo after a couple of hours. Repeat this remedy thrice a week to improve your hair texture.
- Make a hair mask by mixing one mashed avocado and 2 tbsp of coconut oil and olive oil. Apply the mask to the hair, avoiding the roots. Wash your hair after half an hour using a mild shampoo. Repeat this remedy once a week.
3. Prevents hair fall
Vitamin E oil, being a potent antioxidant agent, reduces oxidative stress in the hair and scalp, thus preventing damage to hair follicles. Moreover, vitamin E oil deeply nourishes and moisturizes your hair and scalp, consequently boosting the growth of healthy hair. (9)
How to use:
- Mix 2 tbsp of vitamin E oil with almond oil and warm it slightly.
- Massage the oil blend onto your scalp in light, circular motions at bedtime.
- Wash your hair in the morning.
Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin
Vitamin E is good for skin in the following ways:
1. Fights wrinkles
Vitamin E is an excellent antiaging agent that helps tighten your skin, thus managing fine lines and wrinkles. (4) Vitamin E works by boosting circulation to the skin and massaging it helps firm up your skin, giving it a glow.
Vitamin E also fights free radicals, which are one of the primary causes of skin aging. You can use vitamin E in combination with vitamin C as a sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation that causes premature aging and increases the risk of skin cancer.
How to use:
- Mix vitamin E oil with shea butter, and apply the mixture to the skin. Massage it for a few minutes, and then wash it off with water.
- Mix vitamin E oil with coconut oil and olive oil, and massage your skin with this oil blend before bedtime. Make sure to wash your face in the morning to prevent blocking your skin pores.
2. Lightens scars and stretch marks
It is common to develop stretch marks due to sudden weight changes, such as those associated with pregnancy. These stretch marks, or other scars, may be bothersome to some people.
Applying vitamin E oil to your marks can help lighten them. (5) Vitamin E works by moisturizing the skin and boosting skin healing and repair. Moreover, the antioxidant nature of vitamin E prevents oxidative damage of the collagen fibers, thus preserving skin and hair elasticity.
How to use:
- Apply vitamin E oil to your scar and stretch marks, massaging the affected area for 10–15 minutes.
- Mix vitamin E oil with coconut or olive oil and lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the affected areas, and rinse it off after 20–30 minutes.
3. Moisturizes the skin
As mentioned, vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient, and this means it is heavier than water-soluble products. As a result, vitamin E aids in deeply moisturizing the skin and hair, thus preventing and treating dryness.
Vitamin E is observed to help manage eczema, restore skin elasticity, and make the skin supple. (6) This vitamin can also help in the treatment of psoriasis by supporting skin regeneration.
Additionally, the antioxidant properties of vitamin E help reduce inflammation and boost skin healing in dermatitis.
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of vitamin E oil in your moisturizer and apply before bedtime.
- Mix vitamin E oil with warm olive oil, and massage the oil blend in your hands for 5–10 minutes to restore skin softness.
4. Helps treat dark circles
The potent antioxidant properties of vitamin E help delay skin aging and tighten the skin, thus fading wrinkles around the eyes. It also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. (7)
How to use:
- Put a drop of vitamin E oil over your dark circles before bedtime. Massage the oil into the skin, and wash it off in the morning using warm water.
- Mix 1 capsule of vitamin E oil with 1 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of potato juice, and apply the mixture to the affected areas. Rinse after 15 minutes of application.
5. Helps heal chapped lips
Chapped lips are a common problem, especially in winters or after long sun exposure. As chapped lips are caused by dryness, vitamin E can improve the condition by moisturizing your lips, thus reducing cracking and chapping.
Moreover, the antioxidants in vitamin E prevent free radical-induced cell damage.
How to use:
- Apply a thin layer of vitamin E oil to your lips to moisturize them.
- Add ground sugar to vitamin E oil and make a scrub to exfoliate the lips.
- Include vitamin E-rich foods in your diet. Take vitamin B12 supplements upon consulting your doctor if required.
6. Treats hyperpigmentation
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E help repair skin damage caused by UV radiation. (4) This treats hyperpigmentation by lightening the dark spots caused by sun damage to the cells.
How to use:
- Mix vitamin E oil with 1 tsp of castor oil, and apply the mixture to the affected areas before bedtime. Rinse your face in the morning. Repeat this remedy daily for up to a month.
- Massage vitamin E directly onto the skin for 10–15 minutes, two times daily, for a week.
7. Strengthens the nails
Your nails can turn brittle due to aging, fungal infections, or various health conditions and can become a source of discomfort. Applying vitamin E oil to your nails can strengthen them, thus preventing cracking and breakage.
How to use:
- Apply vitamin E oil to your nails and massage it for 5 minutes daily.
- Mix vitamin E oil with olive oil or coconut oil, and add it to warm water. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10–15 minutes. Repeat this remedy a few times a week.
Things to Keep in Mind
While vitamin E is highly beneficial to your hair, skin, and overall health, you must keep the following points in mind:
- Vitamin E is an anticoagulant. Therefore, it is vital to consult your doctor on the use of vitamin E supplements, especially if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
- Avoid excessive intake of vitamin E as it can cause side effects such as allergies, internal bleeding, and heart failure.
- Limit the application of vitamin E oil to three times a week if you have dry skin and once a week if you have oily skin.
- Conduct a patch test before applying vitamin E oil to check for sensitivity and allergies.
Final Word
Vitamin E is an excellent nutritive and antioxidant agent that can be a great addition to your skin and hair care routine. You can use vitamin E capsules or buy products that contain vitamin E for your skin and hair. Topical application of vitamin E to your skin and hair may improve general health and even combat some problems.
You can consult a dermatologist on the use of vitamin E for your skin and hair. It is also recommended to include vitamin E-rich foods in your diet to benefit your overall health.
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