How to get rid of scars is a question many of us have searched for at some point. Another common thing people search for is “why do I scar so easily?.” Indeed, some of us scar easily and it doesn’t even take a serious wound for that. Professionals have been recommending vitamin e creams for that matter for a long while. The positive effect of vitamin e on scars was first suggested by the University of California in 1922.
Did you know Vitamin E came into being by accident in 1922 in Berkeley, California? Yes. Scientists came across it when they found a key ingredient missing from the lab rats’ diet. This is the ingredient that was important for reproductive issues. As the rats were fed lettuce, they felt better. This is how scientists discovered the presence of Vitamin E.
We all understand how essential vitamin E is for the body. Our skin can absorb around 65% vitamin E topically in 24 hours. From boosting our immune system to maintaining healthy hair and skin, vitamin E plays a vital role. Also, some believe it helps with the reduction of scars.
In this article, we will have a look at whether these claims are true or not. We would take a look at what you can do for scar prevention and some products that might help in the process.
What is Vitamin E?
The thing with vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant effects. Our bodies need antioxidants to protect the cells. It helps in the repair of damaged cells in case of cancer or other diseases, such as scar on face. Many foods have vitamin E naturally in them. However, some manufacturers add them separately. The natural sources of food that are rich in vitamin E are olive oil, nuts, sunflower oil, and spinach. Besides, you can buy vitamin supplements in stores as well. People use them to improve their skin and hair texture.
Does Vitamin E Help with Scars?
This essential vitamin is greatly believed to work for treating scars and burns. But the result of some studies regarding the effectiveness of vitamin e in scar prevention cannot solidify this claim. A study conducted in 1999 looked at this claim deeper. However, the results turned out to be around one-third of participants had allergic reactions after taking vitamin E to treat scars. Moreover, 90% of the participants reported either some sort of allergic reaction or that the vitamin didn’t help with their scars.
But we have some good news. It does work on multiple other skin problems. There were several studies conducted in 2015. One of them suggested that the vitamin is beneficial for individuals with eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Another review in the next year gained not have much insight into using the vitamin for scar healing. Currently, we do not much evidence to show that vitamin E does help with reducing scars and marks.
Why Apply E Vitamin to Keep Scar Away
Reviewing all the evidence, we can say that vitamin E is not ideal for the reduction of scars. But there is one way you can help with healing. Moisturizing the skin when a fresh wound is healing can protect you from scarring according to AAD. But you still can try to apply vitamin E to get rid of scar on face.
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If you are not sensitive to taking vitamin orally, you can try a product that has vitamin E. However, there are no benefits to using moisturizers with vitamin E on the skin. It is best to consult your doctor before you use vitamin E products or supplements.
Scar Healing Stages
If you want to know how long does it take for acne scars to fade, you should know the mechanism of the regeneration process. The healing stages of the scar can be worrisome. Not knowing what to do and how to help reduce the scar can be a cause for concern. But if you had stitches or incisions, then it can take longer for the scar to go away. Let us have a look at how this process works.
Stage One: Haemostasis
This is the first stage of the process. Here, blood accumulates at the wound site. Then, your body works to clot the blood. This stops the bleeding.
Stage Two: Inflammation
Now that the hemostasis process is over, then begins the inflammation stage. Now, cells will be sent to the site of the wound to start with the repair. The wound starts to heat up causing pain. There will also be an increase in the redness. However, this will last for only 3-4 days.
Stage Three: Proliferation
At this stage, the wound starts contracting as the tissues tend to repair the wound. It starts from around 4-21 days.
Stage Four: Remodeling
At the end of 21 days, now the wound finally begins to heal completely. The structures start to form as it gains strength. This stage can last for around 2 years. During this stage, the scar may cause more issues that tend to leave severe scarring.
The Best Scar Treatment Methods Recommended by Dermatologists
Now, that we know the scaring process let us have a look at the various effective ways to help with reducing scars. These are reliably compared to using vitamin E for scars.
Silicone Sheets
Silicone sheets are flexible and soft that you can apply them on scars. This help to flatten the surface and soften the scar. What silicone does is provide hydration to the scar. It reduces collagen fibers which equals lighter scars. You can use silicone sheets for around 3 months for approximately 12 hours per day.
Massage
The best way to get rid of a scar is to go for a scar massage. They are effective ways to reduce the appearance of scars. In addition, it helps to reduce itching and pain.
In the case of older scars, it is important to massage at least 3-4 times for 5 minutes every day. Get in touch with a scar expert. They will help you with the right technique for treating a particular type of scar. This can prove to be the best scar treatment after surgery.
Dermarolling
This process is also called microneedling. It is a technique that rolls tiny needles on the skin’s surface. People believe that by doing this, the skin repairs itself. It will also help reduce the scar appearance.
To test its effectiveness, in 2014 researchers have done a clinical trial. The finding suggests that the participants showed improvement in just 3 dermarolling treatments in the appearance of acne scars on the face. However, some people did report pain during the procedure. The process is best when done by a certified dermatologist.
How To Get Rid of Scars on Face with Cosmetic Treatment
Want to know how to get rid of scar tissue? Cosmetic procedures can help with the reduction of scars. Let us dive deeper and have a look at them.
Dermal Fillers
These fillers are nothing but injections. They comprise substances that help to make the skin plump. Though the results are limited, it does reduce scarring.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is the use of light that targets blood vessels. This helps to reduce the appearance of scars. It also reduces pitting and boosts collagen production. But there is no long-term evidence of this procedure.
Cryotherapy
This is another technique that freezes keloid scars. It flattens the area and also stops the scars from growing. The procedure can use liquid nitrogen. This is an essential ingredient that lightens the skin.
How Long Do I Have to Wait for The Scars to Go Way?
How long does it take for acne scars to fade? Is it possible to get rid of surgical scars? These are the most common question we see on the web. Most scars fade with time but not all. While some fade away after a few months’ others might be with you for life.
How long the scar would stay depends on the severity of the scar. Also, it depends on the depth and size of the scar. Surgical incisions and SH scars can take around 2 years or over to completely fade away. Some might never fade. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars can thicken for around 6 months approximately before they start to fade.
A study in 2008 observed scar redness or inflammation in over 103 volunteers. On average, it took them around 7 months to fade. Individuals having dark skin tones may have violet, brown, or red scars. You can use vitamin e oil for scars. This might not make the scar go away but it can make your skin healthier.
How To Prevent Scarring
What should you do if you have cut yourself? The ideal method to avoid scarring is to reduce the inflammation first. Secondly, avoid giving exertion or trauma to the area.
Clean Wound Quickly
Do it as quickly as possible. Wash the area well with good soap and some water. This will prevent the growth of bacteria and infection.
Keep The Area Covered and Moist
We all have heard to keep the wounds open. However, it is far from true. The best way to keep scars at bay is to keep them moist. You can use quality petroleum jelly and apply it to the wound. Cover the wound to speed up the healing process.
Do Not Apply Any Ointment to The Wound
According to studies, 8% of people are allergic to ointments. So, if you are one of them then these ointments serve no purpose. On the contrary, they can increase the chances of scarring. Additionally, they can cause further inflammation in the area.
Avoid Movement
Keep the scar from moving too much. It can change the shape of the scar. Give the wound some time to heal. Make sure not to overexert the affected part.
Do Not Mess with The Scabs
Once scabs are formed, keep your hands away. They are a natural response of the body. Picking and touching them will only worsen the injury. Sleep with cotton gloves on if you tend to pick at scabs while asleep.
What Can Affect the Speed of Wound Healing
There are some dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind for speeding up the healing process. Make sure you follow the stated advice to heal faster.
Don’t Smoke
Remember, good blood circulation to the affected area helps the wound to heal at a faster rate. If you smoke, it affects the blood flow which can slow down the process.
Don’t Pick at Scabs
When you see scabs on the wound, it means that it is healing. The scab protects your body from harmful foreign objects. Thus, it is a crucial step toward the healing process. We understand that the scab can be itchy. But it is best to keep them as it is. If you pick at the scab or mark, it will further delay the healing. It will eventually form a scar.
Illness
During sickness, our bodies are trying their best to fight the infection off. Based on the type of illness, the body will be busy fighting the infection off than producing skin cells. For diseases like cancer, diabetes, or Lyme disease, it can take longer for the scar to heal. It is advisable to wash your hands constantly to avoid the chances of spreading germs or catching an infection.
Do Sleep Well
Several studies show the body heals faster when you are asleep. The regeneration of skin cells is faster during sleep. Thus, if you need to speed up the process, ensure you are getting good sleep. This will effectively reduce the scars.
Don’t Expose the Wounded Area to Water Too Much
Though moisture is good for the healing process, prolonged water submersion can slow down healing. After a nice long shower, you might have seen that your scars become soft. This can cause the scabs to fall off. And this is what will increase the healing time. Make sure to get a quick bath to help with healing. Also, having a cold-water bath for over a minute reduces blood flow.
Check If You Have Vitamin Deficiency
Different vitamins are essential for the body. For instance, vitamins D, C, and zinc are important for healing. When you deprive your body of these vitamins, it takes longer for the scars to fade. Also, eat a healthy diet with a balance of minerals and vitamins. This speed up the entire healing process. Furthermore, zinc boosts the immune system. In addition, it aids skin cell production.
What Foods to Avoid When Your Wound Is Still Healing
If your food intake is not right, the healing will take a long time. It can also lead to scar formation. Here are some foods that you need to stay away from when you have a wound.
Foods Enriched in Nitrate
As we discussed before, blood rushes to the wound site almost instantly. This is essential for the healing stage. Thus, it is important to avoid nitrates. Consumption of nitrates can delay the entire process.
Sugar
Avoid sugar in all forms since it reduces collagen quality. Elastin as well as collagen make a core fibrous network in the body. These are crucial when your body undergoes the healing of a wound. When you consume too much sugar, it comprises elastin and collagen.
Caffeine
The next food you should stay away from is caffeine. It has antioxidant properties but it can delay the natural healing of the skin. Additionally, it affects your body’s absorption of nutrients. Moreover, it deprives your body of water which causes dehydration. This can cause your skin to get fragile.
Alcohol
Having alcohol can affect how well your body absorbs nutrients. Alcohol damages cells lining up in the intestines and stomach. Besides, it also reduces the ability of the body to absorb zinc, minerals, and more. So, a zinc deficiency will delay the wound healing process.
How To Enhance the Body’s Internal Healing Process?
Supplements
Several studies claim vitamin E is effective for individuals with damaged skin. It can help and heal the body in many ways. For instance, it keeps your body safe from free radicals. At the same time, it allows the production of red blood cells.
Ingesting Vitamin E From Natural Sources
The best way to consume vitamin E is to eat it through food. Here are some foods that have abundant vitamin E.
- Green Leaves
- Nuts
- Fortified Foods
- Seeds
Do not overconsume vitamin E, especially in the form of supplements. This can prove harmful to your body. Consume less than 1000 mg of Vitamin E a day from natural sources. You shouldn’t take vitamin e from synthetic sources on a day more than 670 mg. It can cause severe cases of bleeding even in our brains or other body parts.
Does Scar Reducing Cream Work?
Six studies were conducted in 2016 to test if topical vitamin e helps remove scars. However, the results were not as great. Out of the six only three proved to work against scars. In addition, the researchers suggest there is not much proof that scar products and creams work. But we all know vitamin e is good for our skin so products with this vitamin might have some positive effects.
The NHS suggests the use of sunscreen that will protect from sunburn scars. It reduces scarring. Also, you can combine it with a quality moisturizer. This will maintain the skin and make it supple and hydrated.
Best Vitamin E Scar Fading Creams and Products In 2022
Professionals often suggest creams with vitamin e for skin for shingles scars, burn scars, acne, and other types of scars. In this section, we are going to list some of the best scar cream for the face and body. These skin care products are highly recommended by experts and vitamin e is the active ingredient in them.
Clear Essence Sensitive Swiss Complex Collagen with Vitamin E Creme
Do acne scars go away? Yes, they do with this product. This quality vitamin E Crème is an efficient care to hydrate your skin. It is light on the skin yet works magically well. This moisturizer does not have hydroquinone. However, it does its job as a spot corrector. In addition, it also lightens your skin complexion.
This crème reduces loss of hydration and retains moisture. Interestingly, it also helps repair damaged skin, aging, and UV exposure. The spot remover cream helps to reduce dark spots, and acne marks and is the ideal treatment to maintain skin health.
Quantum Scar Reducing Cream
This cream has onion extracts and allantoin as its scar-healing ingredients. Both of these elements are known to reduce dryness and irritation. In addition, it is an affordable $10 scar-reducing cream. Thus, it is light in your pocket. Furthermore, it has the goodness of vitamin E, olive oil, tamanu oil, calendula extract, and aloe. Out of all these ingredients, the best one is aloesin which you can find in aloe plants. It works well to reduce hyperpigmentation. You can use it on all skin types. Moreover, it is extremely hydrating and odor free.
Vitamin E Oil for Skin by Late Blanc Cosmetics
This oil has amazing properties that reduce acne scars, stretch marks, and fine lines. Additionally, it is widely used in anti-aging products and serums. The oil helps to clear and repair your skin while reducing wrinkles. Grow younger by using this unique anti-aging solution. It keeps your body well-hydrated and skin tight.
Nessa Scar Saviour
The Nessa Scar Saviour is your savior to getting rid of stretch marks, healed scars, and C-section incisions. It has plant actives that offer soothing benefits to the skin. The product hydrates your skin and restores its shine. It reduces the scar appearance as well. The scar savior is loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some product ingredients include marshmallow root, turmeric, and vitamin E, along with other elements.
Bio-Oil
We pay a lot of attention to the scar itself. However, we tend to forget the skin surrounding the scar too needs our attention. Overexposure to the sun, suture removal, along with wound dressings can sometimes mess the skin up. A mention-worthy thing about this oil is that the oil is affordable. You can also use it as your skin conditioner.
It is a fast-absorbing and non-greasy solution suitable for all skin types. The oil penetrates deep into your skin while the vitamins do their magic. Massage the oil well on the scar and skin many times throughout the day.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Vitamin E Scar Serum
Many doctors recommend this product for reducing the appearance of surgery scars, stretch marks, burns, C-sections, insect bite marks, and more. This vitamin e scar serum has five highly effective ingredients all working together to remove scars.
Natural Vitamin E Body Lotion
Another great product from Palmer’s is this lotion which has 25 times more vitamin e than other products. This mesmerizing body lotion offers instant moisture to your cracked and dry skin. It also helps with uneven or patchy skin tone. It is packed with the goodness of cocoa butter and vitamin E. These ingredients help to nourish and soothe the skin effectively. It is free from artificial colors, odor free, and offers 48 hours of constant moisture.
Earth Therapeutics 5-pk Vitamin E Face Masks
Get your hands on this earth-friendly vitamin E face mask that will rejuvenate your skin. It has 100% biodegradable and offers healing and hydrating properties to your skin. It also helps to improve your complexion and give your skin a radiant glow. If you have acne scars you can use this face mask to feel the difference in your skin.
You can also make face masks with vitamin e oil or capsule at home. Take one vitamin e capsule and a tablespoon of honey and give it a mix. Apply the paste on your face and let it rest for 15 minutes. Wash your face afterward and your skin would be nice and shiny.
Reviews From social media
The Quora user says massaging the scar tissue with vitamin e helped reduce her scars after the accident. The method was suggested by her doctor which we recommend too.
What Shilpy says is true. Though there is no solid evidence that vitamin e can reduce scarring, it is still prescribed by a lot of professionals right after surgery.
Here a mother shares how a vitamin e scar serum worked for her daughter reducing the appearance of a keloid scar within 4 months which according to the doctor needed plastic surgery for repair.
People often pair aloe vera and Vitamin e and apply the paste on scars. The Reddit user also suggests the same.
Final Words
There are many known scar treatment products available in the market. However, you should choose one that suits your needs, budget, and scar type. It is best to discuss the same with a quality dermatologist. They will guide you in choosing the best serum, cream, or oil ideal for your face.
Using a scar treatment can drastically reduce the appearance of the scar. But we have to keep it real. All the mentioned products are of high quality and people have great things to say about them. While some scars may vanish with time and proper care but aggressive or surgical scars are hard to fade away completely no matter what you use.
