Although it has been claimed for many years that vitamin E is effective for skin healing, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. A recent study suggests that vitamin E can lead to increased risk of contact dermatitis when used as a wound dressing. However, the lack of double-blind clinical studies supporting the effectiveness of vitamin E to aid in skin healing is not evidence that it is ineffective, only that there are very few clinical studies to support this claim.
Fact
Vitamin E is the main fat-soluble antioxidant in the skin.
Types
Naturally derived vitamin E is labeled D-tocopherol. Synthetic vitamin E is less expensive and only half as bio-available as natural sources of vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E is labeled D, L-tocopherol.
Natural Sources
The top five foods rich in vitamin E are wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and safflower oil.
Interesting Fact
Current research indicates that vitamin E combined with vitamin C does aid in skin healing (see Resources below).
Warnings
Vitamin E has anti-coagulant effects, and high doses can lead to bleeding. Most physicians recommend stopping vitamin E supplements at least one week prior to surgery.
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