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You’ve probably already heard about the effectiveness of rubbing a crushed Aspirin pill directly on your pimple. It’s probably one of the oldest DIY at-home spot treatments. Well, have you ever thought about doing the same thing with a vitamin E capsule?
This idea seems to be all the craze now. Thousands of people swear by it, and many have tried to prove that it works equally great for both acne and scars. Is this just another case of pseudoscience or can vitamin E actually help tame acne?
Vitamin E contains a high number of antioxidants, which are widely known to tame acne and acne scars, all the while preventing future acne from happening. Antioxidants fight the harmful free radicals that are in the body, which are one of the most prominent causes of acne in the first place.
Other than treating acne, vitamin E also hydrates the skin and gives it a natural glow. This makes it a perfect option not only for people who suffer from acne and hyperpigmentation but also for those with dry skin.
On top of that, it’s known to treat premature signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines, and delay the signs of aging.
When your skin becomes overly dry, it can produce excess sebum which leads to acne. Putting vitamin E on your skin will prevent this from happening and provide natural moisture. In addition, vitamin E also retains the natural oils that are found in your skin which are crucial for healthy skin. Dry patches make the affected area become irritated and itchy, which will increase the chances of you touching the face with your hands. And since we all know that that leads to acne, applying a hydrating oil can prevent that from happening.
Not only that, but it can also treat other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis due to its moisturizing properties.
It’s important to note that vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning it gets easily absorbed in the skin, and thus it works faster than other treatment options out there.
Vitamin E also plays a role in controlling the production of our skin proteins, such as elastin and collagen, which give the skin elasticity and a youthful look. Collagen is also responsible for strengthening the skin and providing hydration.
Now that we’ve discussed all the benefits that come from this magical oil, let’s delve into how to use a capsule directly on the pimple.
The liquid extract from the capsules is very potent and effective for treating pimples. All you need to do is pierce the capsule with a needle and apply the extract directly on the area you wish to treat, which can either be a zit or a dark spot. Leave it on for a couple of hours and then wash it off.
If you want to be more thorough with the treatment and let it work for a longer period of time, then your best option is to apply the extract and leave it overnight. Your skin will be repaired and refreshed while you sleep, and you will wake up with a brighter complexion and the size of your pimple will be reduced.
If you can’t get your hands on vitamin E capsules, then you can substitute them with vitamin E oil. You can find pure oil in most drugstores and healthy food shops, and the difference in the price is not large.
Another option is to opt for skincare products which already contain vitamin E oil in them. While reading the ingredients of cosmetic products can be a bore, it’s a bulletproof way to ensure that you get all the benefits from this oil.
Homemade face masks are a fun home remedy that can step up your pampering routine. If you want to go the extra mile and provide deeper nourishment for your skin, then try out these following face masks which are both easy and time-efficient.
Papaya is amazing for the skin. It’s naturally rich with vitamin A, C, and E and it contains enzymes which are extremely beneficial. For this mask, you’ll need half a cup of crushed papaya, a teaspoon of honey and the extract from one vitamin E capsule. Apply this mixture on your face and leave it for 20 minutes. After you’re done, wash your face with lukewarm water.
Give this nourishing and calming face mask a try. You’ll need one capsule of Vitamin E oil and one tablespoon of aloe vera. Combine the two ingredients together and apply them on your face. You can either wash it off in 20 to 30 minutes or let the mixture work as a natural face moisturizer overnight and wash it off in the morning.
This mask is great for giving you a brighter complexion. You’ll need one teaspoon of whisked egg white, one teaspoon of yogurt and one capsule. Combine the egg white and yogurt together and open the capsule in the mixture. Apply the mask on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Wash it off thoroughly after.
We’ve already established why vitamin E can work as an amazing spot treatment. But does it have the same effect for acne scars? Let’s find out.
Many people claim that putting oil on scars and marks will aid their healing. Unfortunately, studies suggest that this is a myth and that vitamin E doesn’t automatically heal scars, but it can help with the formation of collagen. Therefore, whether you suffer from bad scarring and pigmentation or you simply have a wound that needs treating, putting vitamin E oil on it wouldn’t hurt.
Due to the consistency and thickness of the oil, it might not be appropriate for people with oily skin. For those skin types, it’s best to use an oil that’s lighter, such as almond or rosehip oil.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which not only means that it’s absorbed easier but that it also stays longer on the skin than other oils. This makes it potentially comedogenic, meaning that it can clog the pores of certain skin types, such as those with oily skin.
If you decide to try it out for yourself, make sure to use smaller amounts and build it up gradually.
These are the things you should keep in mind when buying capsules if you want to try out the methods mentioned above.
Be very careful when purchasing them, since there are two types of vitamin E – natural and synthetic. If you want to use it on your face, the natural kind is recommended. In order to ensure that you’re buying the natural kind, check the ingredient list! The natural ones are listed under the following names: d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate.
In addition, make sure the capsules don’t contain a lot of additives and coloring. If the ingredient list is too long, then it’s probably not the right choice for you.
Result time will vary depending on your condition and the severity of your acne. Generally speaking, it will take longer than other conventional methods, ranging from a few weeks to months before you start seeing results. If you don’t have the patience to wait for that long, then you’re better off trying other methods like retinoid creams or chemical peels.
According to dermatologists, vitamin E should be applied once a day, preferably at night. If you have dry skin, you can apply it more than this, but if you suffer from oily skin then you shouldn’t do it more than 2 times a week.
There are many side-effects that can come with ingesting too much vitamin E, such as hypervitaminosis, bleeding issues, and even vitamin K deficiency. But does applying vitamin E topically have the same risks?
The most common side-effects include irritation, redness and even breakouts if your skin doesn’t agree with it. If any of these symptoms occur, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
Although relatively rare, changes in skin color and skin infections might happen.
Allergic reactions are rare, but if you notice any symptoms like rashes (eczema or dermatitis), itching, and swelling, dizziness and breathing contact your doctor immediately.
Don’t forget that vitamin E has a shelf life of about 2 years, so avoid putting it on after it’s expired.
Vitamin E capsules can be effective when applied to acne. They’re rich in antioxidants and can reduce the redness and size of the pimple. However, for some people, it might not have the same effect, and since everybody’s skin is different, you won’t know how it responds to your skin unless you try it out for yourself. Make sure you do a patch test first (ideally on the fold of your inner arm) before you apply the capsule all over your face.
Adding it in masks, especially for people with dry skin, is an amazing option to test its effectiveness. Most likely, you’ll be left with smooth and glowing skin.
Consult a dermatologist if you want a quicker solution since it will take weeks to notice any significant results in terms of acne and scarring.
