Worried about an unsightly wound that may leave a scar on your flawless skin? Time heals every wound they say but what about the ones that are stubborn on one’s delicate skin and refuse to fade with time? Fear not for we have Vitamin E to the rescue. Let us summarize through this article how this essential skin-nutrient not only adds life to our skin but also helps in the healing of certain wounds.
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is nutrition for healthy skin. It is an antioxidant that is important to maintain the glow on the skin making it look younger. It is fat-soluble which simply means that the human body can store it and use it as and when needed at a later stage. The type of vitamin E that is beneficial to human beings is termed as alpha-tocopherol. It helps to improve the immune system, avoids clots in the arteries and mainly performs the function of preventing the damage of cells by free radicals; as well as it can also inhibit the formation of cell-damaging free radicals. One must understand that smoking, exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun as well as over-exposure to pollution increases the risk of an increase to free-radical exposure. This is where an adequate prevalence of vitamin E comes to the rescue. Mostly it can be introduced to the skin through the sebum, can be taken as dietary supplements as well as through creams and lotions. Whilst ingesting vitamin E one should bear in mind not to go overboard with the recommended dosage which is not more than 15 mg for ages 14 years up, for either gender per day. Pregnant women can also intake the same amount.
How Affective Is Vitamin E To Heal Wounds And Scars
When someone speaks of a wound what they technically refer to is redness of the skin, pain, heat around the affected area, bleeding, swelling and the likes which most of the times are caused as a result of accidents or injuries resulting from surgeries, radiation exposure, chemical injuries, etc. The positive effect of vitamin E application upon a wound would to an extent depend on the type of wound. Generally speaking vitamin E helps in wound healing but before going for this treatment method it is recommended to consult one’s dermatologist. In the case of surgeries and radiation therapy wait for the doctor’s approval to safely use vitamin E for wound treatment especially to have a better idea of the recommended dosage and type of application. Some studies suggest that it is safe to use vitamin E on the skin that has healed since it protects the cells from free radicals as well as promotes the production of red blood cells both of which contribute to healing. Other studies have found that vitamin E also worked effectively on burns and related scars. Topically applied vitamin E helps to get rid of swelling, the thickness of the skin, edema, etc caused by exposure to UV rays owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Orally consumed vitamin E is also known to treat wounds caused by bedsores. In an independent study conducted on children who underwent surgery, upon administration of vitamin E to the surgical wounds it was found that vitamin E inhibited the formation of any added scars over the wounds. All of this substantiates the fact that vitamin E does help in healing wounds depending on the type and cause of the wound.
Various Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E can be best sourced in the following forms:
- Supplements – vitamin E is available to us through supplements in the natural form which comparatively is active biologically and the synthetic form; with d-alpha-tocopherol being the former and dl-alpha-tocopherol being the latter. For the recommended dosage best to scan the enclosed leaflet so as to avoid risks, if any, related to over-dosing on the same. Factors that affect dosage may depend on age, gender, the reason for intake, etc.
- Through food – As in the case of any essential nutrient, food is the best source for vitamin E intake. Some foods to consider and include in one’s diet to get the adequate vitamin E supply would be dry roasted nuts like peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, through boiled spinach, raw mango and tomato, pumpkin, red capsicum, avocado, broccoli, kale, and kiwi fruit. Sunflower seeds are also a great source of vitamin E.
- Topical application – through creams and lotions containing vitamin E components. Many companies catering to the beauty requirements of clients claim that vitamin E containing creams and lotions help to get rid of tan as well as helps to heal acne wounds and blemishes.
Caring For Wounds
On the onset of an injury to one’s skin, there are certain basic aspects to bear in mind in order to care for the wound to avoid deterioration of the same which can lead to infection. Let us take a look at some points to remember:
- In case of bleeding take necessary precautions to stop the bleeding by gently applying pressure to the wounded region.
- Make sure the wounded region and the area around it are washed using a mild soap and cool water, kept clean to get rid of dirt and debris.
- Apply a safe, thin layer of over-the-counter ointment on the cleaned wound and put a bandage.
- Make sure to daily clean the wounded region using water and mild soap and change the bandage regularly until the wound heals.
- If the injury has been caused due to burns then immediately run cold water over the wound or apply organic honey to the affected area.
- If blisters are formed make sure to not break the blister using any external device and simply let it be.
- If the wound or injury looks like a deep cut and bleeding doesn’t stop then immediately get medical attention.
- It is recommended for everyone to immunize their system by getting timely dosages of tetanus vaccinations as some wounds of the skin can cause serious infections which can lead to further complications. Tetanus vaccinations help avoid these complications.
Conclusion
As in the case of any nutrient essential to our body, one should bear in mind that vitamins obtained through natural means pose least to no risks that may affect the body adversely. So it is always recommended to get the required doses through food items especially well cleaned, raw organic food. In this article, we have listed certain food items that provide an adequate supply of vitamin E to the body so it would be a good idea to write down a list inclusive of the same next time you go grocery shopping. Enhancing our immune system from within is what counts and hands down it totally depend on the intake of a nutrient-enriched, balanced diet. So far no major studies have reported toxicity related to vitamin E overdosage however sticking to the recommended daily dose would be a better choice which would not only help the body in the process of self-healing but also help us in the long run. Our skin is after all the first part of our body to give off an impression of our outward appearance and personality, as to how well cared for it is, so makes wise decisions, empower it with the essence of vitamin E and let impressions do the talking.