Can Vitamin E Improve the Appearance of Scars?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has gained popularity over the years as a simple way to help minimize scarring. But does applying vitamin E oil or cream directly onto wounds or existing scars actually make a difference?
Dermatologists weigh in on the efficacy of using vitamin E for scars and what evidence-based treatments are recommended instead.
What the Research Says on Vitamin E and Scars
Early lab studies showed promise that vitamin E could enhance collagen production and speed wound healing due to its antioxidant properties. This prompted excitement that it may help prevent scarring when applied topically.
However, when this theory was put to rigorous clinical trials, almost all research found that vitamin E had no meaningful benefit on scar appearance. And some dermatologists argue it may actually interfere with optimal scar healing.
May Delay Wound Healing Early On
Some research has found that covering wounds with an occlusive barrier like vitamin E oil can stall the healing process in the crucial inflammatory early phases.
Delaying wound closure extends the risk that bacteria will infect the wound leading to more inflammation and impaired appearance later on.
No Impact on Scar Maturation Over Time
Other studies focused on whether applying vitamin E months or years after a scar formed could still improve its appearance over time.
They found that massaging old scars with vitamin E had no clinically measurable impact on their texture, color, height or pliability compared to no treatment.
Overall, the consensus today in dermatology is that there is little high-quality data supporting the efficacy of vitamin E lotion or serum for scars.
What Ingredients *Are* Backed to Help With Scars?
Instead of vitamin E, dermatologists typically recommend using products containing the following clinically-proven ingredients on scars:
Silicone Gels or Sheeting
Silicone has been extensively studied and shown to hydrate scars, minimize thickness and improve elasticity. It’s considered first-line for scar treatment.
Onion Extract and Centella Asiatica
Natural botanicals like onion bulb extract and centella show promise for flattening and fading scars without irritation.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs gently exfoliate the upper layers of skin to smooth textural irregularities on the scar’s surface.
OTC Scar Treatments to Consider
Here are some accessible over-the-counter topical scar treatments containing evidence-based ingredients:
- ScarAway Silicone Gel
- Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream
- Epiceram Skin Barrier Emulsion
- CeraVe Resurfacing Scar Gel
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Gel for Scars
How to Minimize Scarring from Body Injuries
While topical scar treatments work to reduce visible scarring after wounds heal, utilizing proper first aid when injuries first occur is crucial.
Quickly caring for cuts, burns, scrapes or surgery incisions using evidence-based wound care principles gives you the best chance of avoiding prominent, unsightly scars down the road.
Immediately Clean, Disinfect and Dress Injuries
The first step with any wound is gently rinsing it with soap and water to remove debris and bacteria. After drying, apply an antibiotic ointment and non-stick bandage to keep it clean while healing.
Carefully Continue Cleaning and Dressing
Change dressings daily and inspect wounds for signs of infection like pus, redness and swelling. Allow any blisters to remain intact.
Write down when injuries occur and track healing progress with photos to monitor for complications.
Support Wound Edges When Suturing
If a wound needs suturing, the technique used impacts scarring. Carefully align edges using adhesive strips before precisely suturing to evenly distribute tension.
Ask about absorbable sutures and request removal instructions so stitches don’t stay in too long.
Avoid Tanning Until Fully Healed
Exposing pink or raw wounds to the sun can lead to darkened scars. Cover healing injuries with clothing or high SPF sunscreen.
What Is the Best Treatment for Existing Scars?
If preventative scar care fails and you still end up with a noticeable scar, don’t lose hope. Several professional treatments can improve the appearance of even old, stubborn scars.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Ablative and fractional laser therapies remove outer skin layers to trigger collagen and elastin regeneration. This smooths and retextures scar tissue.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion uses a rotating wire brush to remove and peel away raised, thickened scar tissue. New skin then grows back smoother.
Steroid Injections
Intralesional steroid shots can shrink certain raised, hypertrophic and keloid scars by suppressing local inflammation and irritation.
Silicone Gel Sheeting
Prescription silicone sheeting products worn long-term flatten and soften tough, irregular scars slowly over months.
Microneedling
Microneedling with radiofrequency heat remodels scar collagen, decreases dysfunction in fibrotic tissue and thick bands underneath scars.
When to Seek Medical Care for Scar Prevention
Consult a doctor promptly if wounds show signs of infection like:
- Expanding redness
- Pus or foul-smelling drainage
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
For surgical incisions or complex wounds, follow-up within 7 days for outpatient wound checks by nursing staff is also crucial to prevent complications.
And see your dermatologist early on for injuries likely to scar like burns, dog bites or deep cuts since early intervention improves outcome.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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