Vitamin E is often an ingredient in lotions and creams that claim to help diminish stretch marks. While there are plenty of personal stories about the success of these treatments, there is no scientific evidence to support vitamin E's ability to prevent or treat stretch marks. However, while the affects of vitamin E on stretch marks is debatable, the moisturizing effects of vitamin E oil combined with massaging the product into your skin may help prevent stretch marks from developing.
Vitamin E oil is available in capsules, lotions and creams
Function
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has been linked with a reduced risk of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin E also helps promote healthy skin, hair and nails, which is why it is included in so many lotions and skin creams. Lots of home remedy sites and personal testimonials also recommend vitamin E to prevent and treat stretch marks, but there are no clinical studies to support this claim.
Expert Insight
The Mayo Clinic explains that ointments and creams containing vitamin E or pure vitamin E oil, are not harmful, but are probably not an effective stretch mark treatment. Often stretch marks fade on their own over time and are not dangerous to your health. Vitamin E oil or moisturizers containing vitamin E, could help prevent stretch marks simply because they moisturize the skin and the massaging motion of applying the oil can allow the skin to stretch without developing stretch marks.
Types
Vitamin E is available in pure oil, as an ingredient in other lotions and salves and as a natural component of many foods. While applying vitamin E topically may not erase stretch marks, including vitamin E in your diet is vital to healthy skin growth. If you are pregnant or worried about stretch marks include foods like almonds, spinach, broccoli and peanut butter in your diet. This will give your skin the best chance of stretching without damage, but will not prevent all stretch marks.
Time Frame
If you are pregnant, a body builder or starting to gain weight the best time to treat stretch marks is before they develop. Massage affected skin with moisturizers every day, and drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated. Some stretch marks are inevitable, but hydrated skin is less likely to develop marks. Many people swear by vitamin E's ability to prevent stretch marks, and while science does not support this conclusion, you have nothing to lose by using a lotion with vitamin E or vitamin E oil instead of a different moisturizer.
Other Treatments
Your doctor can suggest more aggressive treatments for your stretch marks. Microdermabrasion, laser therapy and prescription creams are options if your stretch marks do not fade on their own. Keep in mind these treatments can be painful and expensive, but they are also proven to be effective.
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