Does vitamin E actually help scars?

Author: Mr. Conrad Kuphal Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Vitamin E is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin. Several anecdotal reports have suggested that topical use of vitamin E cream can reduce scar formation. Current evidence from the literature, however, does not support that proposition. In fact, studies report some adverse effects with use of vitamin E.

What is the best thing to put on scars?

Use silicone products

Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.

Is vitamin E or Vaseline better for scars?

And there's really no reason to try it: Scientific studies didn't find a difference in scar quality from twice-daily application of vitamin E, Vaseline or Aquaphor.

Which is better for scars, mederma or vitamin E?

Mederma: Although it is often recommended by physicians, this scar gel, which contains an onion extract, has no solid scientific evidence to support its use. Vitamin E: Although it is commonly used in anti-scarring products, clinical studies are disappointing.

When do scars look their worst?

Scars seem to get worse before they get better. For about six weeks after surgery the scar becomes red, firm and hard. This is the body's way of making a very strong and solid scar. Over the next four months the scar will soften and lose the redness.

Vitamin E Inhibits Scar Tissue – Benefits of Vitamin E for Fibrosis – Dr.Berg

How to fade a scar?

Depending on the type of scar you have, treatments may include:
  1. silicone dressings or gels.
  2. steroid injections or cream.
  3. cryotherapy (a treatment to freeze the scar)
  4. laser therapy.
  5. skin camouflage (creams and powders you use to cover your scar)

What oil is best for scars?

Vitamin E is also generally considered the best oil for scars after surgery, although larger scars will take longer to heal. Apply almond carrier oil for healthier looking skin: Because almond oil contains Vitamin E, this could make it helpful for reducing the appearance of scars.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue?

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

How can I make a scar heal faster?

Medicated Creams or Gels

Over-the-counter skin medications such as creams or gels can help. If your scar is itchy or sensitive, antihistamine cream may stop the itch while helping your scar heal. Corticosteroid cream can help prevent scarring and has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars over time.

When should you stop putting vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Does vitamin E really help skin?

Vitamin E has been considered an anti-inflammatory agent in the skin, as several studies have supported its prevention of inflammatory damage after UV exposure. As mentioned above, topical vitamin E can reduce UV-induced skin swelling, skin thickness, erythema, and edema — all signs of skin inflammation.

Does Aquaphor fade scars?

By keeping the wound moist and protected from external irritants, Aquaphor provides an optimal environment for tissue regeneration and re-epithelialization. This enables the skin to heal properly with minimal scarring. Regular application helps minimize permanent marks or discoloration.

Can vitamin C remove scars?

They're often thick and raised and are the result of too much collagen being made in response to an injury, as opposed to not enough. Vitamin C has only been shown to be successful at helping reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars because of its ability to regulate collagen production.

Does vitamin E help scars?

There is little clinical evidence that vitamin E oil or supplements can help reduce the appearance of scars. There is some anecdotal evidence, but the positive effects people notice may result from moisturizing or massaging the scar, rather than from the vitamin E itself.

Does rubbing a scar help it fade?

Massage is a way of softening and flattening scars and reducing the adhesions between the different layers of the tissue, making the scar tissue more flexible.

Does vaseline help scars go away?

Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.

What is best to get rid of scars?

Lasers and other light treatments: This is becoming the go-to treatment for all types of scars because these treatments can: Prevent raised scars and keloids. Reduce the appearance of existing raised scars and keloids. Decrease scarring after surgery.

Does vitamin E heal wounds?

Vitamin E is one of the major antioxidants present in skin, and for many years has been used as a topical treatment for wounds and scars. Unfortunately, in practice vitamin E preparations have not been shown to provide wound healing benefits. A study followed people after skin cancer surgery.

Is cocoa butter or vitamin E better for scars?

Cocoa butter and Vitamin E make the perfect scar-busting duo in this lightweight, skin-softening oil. Use cocoa butter Skin Therapy Oil on your face, body, or both. Over time, you'll notice that the oil is working to reduce the appearance of scars and improve the tone and feel of your skin.

What color is a healthy scar?

When a scar first develops on lighter skin, it's usually pink or red. Over time, the pinkish color fades, and the scar becomes slightly darker or lighter than the color of the skin. In people with dark skin, scars often appear as dark spots. Sometimes scars itch, and they may be painful or tender.

What are the hardest scars to treat?

Hypertrophic scars that result from burn wounds are more difficult to treat. Superficial burn wounds usually heal without forming hypertrophic scars. Deep burn wounds are harder to treat. Many dermatologic and plastic surgeons treat these by removing the burned area and then using a skin graft.

Should you apply moisturizer to scar tissue?

It is important to not let your scar become dry. During massage and throughout the day, you can apply lotion or vitamin E. If you decide to use lotion, be sure to use something that is gentle and without perfume, such as Eucerin or Cocoa Butter.

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