Is Vitamin E Oil and Aloe Vera Good?

Tip

Aloe vera and vitamin E can protect the skin, soothe burns, promote wound healing and potentially aid several other dermatologic conditions.

Antioxidant Vitamin E Oil

You've probably heard about the health benefits of getting vitamin E in your diet or taking a supplement. Found naturally in nuts, seeds and some vegetables, vitamin E is a complex of eight different compounds that each play individual roles in health, including skin protection and maintenance.

Vitamin E's most important role in health is as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals that may promote disease. This makes it an especially important nutrient for skin health, since exposure to UV rays from the sun can create free radical damage. Because vitamin E can absorb UV light, it has photoprotective properties, which can prevent some of this damage.

Skin-Soothing Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The aloe plant produces two substances: a clear gel and a yellow-colored latex. The clear gel is widely used topically on its own or in creams and ointments to treat burns, acne and a skin condition called psoriasis — and there is some research to support its efficacy.

Additionally, people may drink aloe for such conditions as osteoarthritis, bowel diseases and fever; there are also claims that oral ingestion of aloe can detoxify the liver and alkalize the blood, however there is no evidence to support any of these internal uses.

Side Effects and Dangers

There is little risk of side effects from topical vitamin E oil. Although rare, it may cause contact dermatitis or other skin reactions in people who are sensitive to it. The same is true for topical aloe.

However, greater concern should be taken with ingesting aloe. According to Mayo Clinic, aloe gel may be safe in small doses for a short period of time. At the very least, taking aloe gel orally may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting and rash.

Latex or whole-leaf aloe is potentially unsafe, especially at high doses. Ingesting 1 gram of aloe latex for several days can lead to kidney failure and death. According to Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center, excess aloe consumption can lead to seizures, severely low blood potassium levels and electrolyte abnormalities.

Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

As long as you don't have a sensitivity to either product, you can use topical vitamin E oil and aloe liberally. There are many ways to include vitamin E oil in your skin-care regimen, including:

  • Cuticle softener: Put a drop on each cuticle, then massage in with your fingers or a cotton ball.
  • Lip balm: Using your fingers or a cotton ball, smear on vitamin E oil to keep lips moist and protected from the elements.
  • Scalp massage: Treat a dry, itchy scalp by massaging a few drops of vitamin E oil into your scalp with your fingertips. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
  • Softening rough spots: Rub into knees, elbows, heels and other areas that tend to develop thickened, rough skin.
  • Aromatherapy: Mix the oil with a few drops of essential oils and rub into body skin or scalp.
  • Soak: Add some vitamin E oil to a warm bath.

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