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Vitamin E for Scars and Stretch Marks

By Sara Niec Carnahan, Founder, Sara N.C. Beauty April 20, 2021

We all have them! Scars and stretch marks are beautiful reminders to what our bodies can do. They also are the most stubborn, and sometimes even impossible to banish. Whether it’s a baby or battle scar, many of us search for ways to lighten or reduce these visible signs of skin damage. With no shortage of scar treatments on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is worth its weight in gold. 


What Is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant available in both oil and capsule form. There are eight different forms of vitamin E; of those, tocopherols are the most abundant and commonly found in skincare products. A known superstar in skincare, vitamin E has excellent hydrating, antioxidant, and protective benefits. Vitamin E is essential for the basic maintenance of the human body, giving cells their ability to interact with each other to carry out important functions. The tocopherol form of the vitamin is recognized to meet human requirements, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  


Using Vitamin E for Scars

The benefit of using vitamin E for scars derives from two key features: antioxidant and moisturizing properties. Free radicals – from UV rays to environmental stressors like smoke and pollution – can damage skin cells and accelerate signs of aging. Since vitamin E is fat-soluble, it can penetrate your skin to strengthen the outer protective barrier and guard your skin against harmful damage.

Vitamin E is also praised for its moisturizing and soothing benefits, especially for delicate or damaged skin. With these anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin E is able to calm irritated skin and deeply nourish dry skin. This antioxidant also promotes the production of collagen, a structural protein that’s responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. Stretch marks are essentially microtears in our skin’s dermis: its middle layer. When stretch marks occur, that’s a sign that the tissue has been stretched beyond its abilities.

This is why promoting skin elasticity, and moisture are the best remedies for ensuring your skin’s comfort and support as you stretch, grow, and evolve. Vitamin E is an ingredient that can do just that!


How Can Vitamin E Help Scars?

Scars can’t always be avoided, and there isn’t conclusive research that any topical treatment can erase them. Yet, for those experiencing microtears and hyperpigmentation in the form of stretch marks and scars, it has been suggested that vitamin E may be able to help. Those with acne scars, sun damage, and changes in skin pigmentation have all seeked help from vitamin E at some point. If there’s one beauty tip that moms-to-be or postpartum mothers are told, it’s to use some sort of vitamin E oil or body lotion to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. While we don’t agree that stretch marks are shameful or should be erased, we do believe in supporting the skin of a growing tummy, breasts, or other stretch-prone areas.

Stretch marks can occur for many reasons: During pregnancy, weight loss or weight gain, increased height, and other hormonal changes. Even weightlifters and elite athletes deal with stretch marks! They’re a natural part of the body’s journey and ultimately cannot be prevented – for better or worse. Since vitamin E works as an antioxidant within skin tissue, it’s often prescribed to help mitigate the appearance of scars both pre and post-surgery. Using a topical form of vitamin E before and after surgery may improve the way wounds heal, but research is inconclusive. Vitamin E is also critical for the formation of red blood cells, which distribute oxygen around the body. Both functions are vital to healing.


Adding Vitamin E to Your Diet

While prevalent in topical products, vitamin E can also be found in a wide variety of foods. Vegan sources include vegetable oils like wheat germ, sunflower, and safflower oils. Nuts (such as peanuts, hazelnuts, and, especially, almonds) and seeds (like sunflower seeds) are also among the best vegan sources of vitamin E. Green vegetables like spinach and broccoli also boast high levels of vitamin E. This vitamin can even offer anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin when ingested; this means that both internal and external supplementation can help dial back your inflammatory responses. Symptoms of inflamed skin can be recognized as redness, scaling, or irritation.


The Best Products with Vitamin E

There is no shortage of scar treatments, just as there are endless claims that vitamin E can make scars disappear completely. We all know that using vitamin E for scars is touted as an effective option for healing and lessening the appearance of skin damage. But it should be noted that it is rare to see scars completely erased without medical intervention.

Vitamin E oil has a long proven history as a superior healer for common skin ailments such as sunburns, signs of aging, and dry skin conditions like eczema. The great thing about pure, all-natural vitamin E oil is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can apply the oil directly to your body or mix a few drops into your favorite body lotion or cream. Look for body lotions with high concentrations of vitamin E, such as ultra-nourishing body creams or whipped body butter.


Wheat Germ and Vitamin E

Wheat germ oil is one of the highest natural sources of vitamin E. This viscous, golden dark oil is made from pressed wheat germ: the most mineral-rich part of the wheat kernel.

Why is wheat germ important for lessening the appearance of scars? Due to its high levels of antioxidants, nutrients, and essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil helps regenerate scar tissue and lubricate the skin. You’ll want to apply wheat germ oil to the scar as soon as it has formed; new scars tend to heal faster than old scars.


So is vitamin “E” really short for vitamin excellent? It is supremely capable of calming any inflammation and nourishing dryness while boosting your skin’s natural ability to stretch and repair itself. Above all, we should remember that scars and stretch marks shouldn’t be erased but instead supported and nurtured just like the rest of our precious skin.


Sara was born and raised in the Czech Republic. In 2012, she moved to the US and worked many jobs but never felt fulfilled, which lead her to share her story and her passion for fitness (former fitness professional), nutrition tips (vegan) and makeup. She is also a new mom. Sara and her husband welcomed their baby boy in June 2020.

Sara is a makeup junkie at heart and decided to start her own business to help women look and feel their best. She loves supporting other business moms feel beautiful inside and out as they work to create their own destinies. You could find out more about her HERE.


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