Oral and topical vitamin E may help lessen eczema symptoms, according to limited evidence. Whether vitamin E is better taken orally or topically is still unknown.
Antioxidant vitamin E is found in nature and can be obtained from some vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Additionally, topical and nutritional forms are offered.
It has been shown to improve immune system function, liver health, and heart health. Additionally, it's used to treat wrinkles, psoriasis, and acne, among other skin issues.
Owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, it aids in the fight against free radicals, which can harm cells, including skin cells.
It could aid in the treatment of eczema via the same method. Although the relationship between vitamin E and skin disease is not well understood, it appears to be a potential strategy for reducing flare-ups.
Does it work?
Though the exact aetiology of eczema remains unknown, doctors believe it may be related to an overactive immune system. Vitamin E may lessen breakouts because it regulates the immune system.
In a 2016 trial, oral vitamin E or placebo was administered daily for eight months to 96 patients with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema. By the end of the trial, the symptoms of those receiving vitamin E treatment had significantly improved and were almost completely gone.
Additionally, they discovered that the group receiving vitamin E had 62% lower serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). Elevated levels of lgE antibodies may be a sign of an overreaction by the body to allergens, which could lead to episodes of eczema.
Consequently, scientists concluded that vitamin E might be used as a medicinal treatment for atopic dermatitis.
Researchers observed in a review published in 2021 that inflammation and oxidative stress are two factors thought to play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Researchers concluded that vitamin E offers significant promise as an adjunctive treatment for eczema because of the vitamin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, researchers cited human and animal trials using injections, topicals, and oral forms of vitamin E. The four investigations, which took place between 2012 and 2014, all showed improvement in eczema symptoms.
It is still early to conclude, but evidence thus far points to vitamin E as a potential treatment for eczema, especially when combined with more established therapies like corticosteroids.
How to use it
There are lots of lotions, serums, and oils that contain topical vitamin E. It may increase the quantity of vitamin E stored in your sebaceous glands and is readily absorbed by the skin.
Before using any vitamin E-containing supplement, think about conducting a patch test. After putting a small amount of the product on your skin, give it about a day. Applying it all over, including to your rashes, is harmless if you don't experience any adverse reactions.
Since vitamin E oil is often quite thick, spreading it can be difficult at times. Nevertheless, it is effective in moisturising extremely dry skin that is prone to eczema. To make applying vitamin E oil simpler, try mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut or sunflower oil.
Vitamin E-containing products are available over-the-counter.
Diet and supplements
There is currently no evidence to support the idea that there is a better way to apply or consume vitamin E. Therefore, eating foods high in vitamin E may be equally as good for the skin as taking supplements or applying them physically.
Research from 2020 indicates that vitamin E supplementation helps lessen inflammatory allergic reactions and the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in many randomised, controlled trials.
Vitamin E-rich foods include:
- seafood like salmon and abalone
- green veggies, such as broccoli and spinach
- Nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds and hazelnuts
- oils from vegetables, such as safflower and sunflower
- processed foods, such as some cereals and drinks, that have been fortified with vitamin E
You might also want to include lots of both vitamins in your diet, as vitamins E and C tend to be absorbed more readily by the body when taken together.
Potential risks
Eating foods high in vitamin E doesn't raise any red flags, even when consumed in large amounts. Furthermore, skin problems should not arise from vitamin E oil if a patch test is conducted beforehand.
However, like with most supplements, going beyond the suggested dosage can raise your levels too high and result in certain health problems. Although the recommended dosage is subject to change, it usually falls between 15 and 1000 mg per day.
It is important to constantly check the amount of supplements before taking them, as excessive consumption of vitamin E supplements may result in excessive bleeding or cerebral haemorrhages.
The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults, teens, and expectant mothers consume no more than 15 mg per day.
Large doses of vitamin E supplements may also raise an individual's risk of prostate cancer in otherwise healthy people.
Depending on your demands for care, think about consulting a doctor to find out if taking vitamin E supplements may be beneficial.
FAQs
Which vitamin fights eczema?
Numerous supplements have been studied by researchers. Probiotics are the most successful in avoiding eczema in several research. Vitamins D, E, and B12 may be useful in the management of eczema. There is no proof that any supplement helps treat eczema, and the overall results have been minimal.
Is vitamin E oil good for eczema and psoriasis?
Vitamin E is a common ingredient in moisturisers because of its moisturising qualities. It lessens the flakiness and irritation associated with skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. Vitamin E-based moisturisers must be used often because the advantages are thought to be transient.
Can vitamin E be applied to the skin?
Because it has been shown in multiple studies to prevent inflammatory damage from UV exposure, vitamin E has been regarded as an anti-inflammatory agent in the skin. Topical vitamin E, as previously established, helps lessen erythema, edoema, UV-induced skin swelling, and skin thickness—all indicators of skin inflammation.
How much vitamin E should I take for eczema?
Apart from shielding the skin from oxidative damage, certain researchers have indicated that it could potentially lessen eczema symptoms. A recent assessment also found that taking up to 600 IU of vitamin E daily is thought to be safe and may help with skin health.
The bottom line
Research indicates that taking vitamin E can help minimise or drastically lessen flare-ups of eczema. Vitamin E, when applied topically or taken orally, appears to help with symptoms.
Additionally, foods including fish, seeds, almonds, and green vegetables naturally contain vitamin E. Eczema treatment typically involves a multimodal approach. The best outcomes might come from combining vitamin E with more conventional therapies like corticosteroids.
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