Does Vitamin E Heal Scars?

Last Updated on April 8, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Can Vitamin E heal scars? M

I’ll tell you a secret.

Vitamin E has many superpowers:

• It hydrates your skin
• It fights offs wrinkles
• It even boosts sun protection.

But healing scars?

That’s where the plot twist comes in. Because – contrary to legend – that’s something it CAN’T do. Let’s look at the science:

Beauty Myth: Why Everyone Thinks Vitamin E Helps Scars

I know, I know. Everyone and their mother swears by Vitamin E for scars. It’s one of those old-school “remedies” that gets passed around like a family recipe. You scrape your knee, someone hands you a vitamin E capsule. You get a surgical scar, your aunt’s texting you about vitamin E oil before the anesthesia wears off.

Here’s why: Vitamin E is known for being a great antioxidant. It helps protect your skin from free radical damage and keeps it hydrated. So somewhere along the way, people made the leap: “If it’s good for skin, it must be good for scars too.”

On top of that, it feels healing. The oil is thick, it’s moisturizing, it gives you that instant “I’m doing something” vibe when you smooth it over a mark. Plus, it’s cheap, it’s natural, and it’s easy to get your hands on. That combo is skincare folklore gold.

Add a few anecdotal success stories: “My friend’s cousin used it on her C-section scar and it disappeared!,” and boom: you’ve got a full-blown myth that refuses to die.

But the problem? None of that is based on actual science. Just because something is popular (or feels good on the skin), it doesn’t mean it’s doing anything for scar healing. And in this case, Vitamin E really isn’t pulling its weight.

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Can You Use Vitamin E On Scars? (What Science Says)

Well, science doesn’t take for granted old wives’ remedies work. It puts them to the test. And what it found out ain’t pretty.

A 1999 study tested two ointment (A and B) on 15 patients who had undergone skin cancer removal surgery. A was Aquaphor (a common emollient) while B was Aquaphor mixed with vitamin E. The patients were told to use ointment A on some of their scars and ointment B on the rest of their scars twice a day.

The results? “In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars.”

Yep, that’s right. Not only Vitamin A did squat, it actually made things worse!

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“But I’ve Been Using Vitamin E for Years and It Worked for Me?”

Totally fair question. And honestly? Maybe it looked like it worked. But here’s what could really be going on:

1. Your scar just faded naturally. Most scars will improve on their own over time, especially when you moisturize and protect them from the sun.
2. You were doing other things right. Maybe you were using SPF, or keeping the area clean and hydrated. That helps. A lot. But the Vitamin E didn’t necessarily deserve the credit.
3. You have resilient skin. Some people can use motor oil and still glow. Others break out from a gentle toner. Skin is weird like that.

Anecdotes are valid experiences, but they’re not proof. If something worked for you, that’s great, but that doesn’t mean it works across the board.

Vitamin E & Scars FAQs

Q: What if I already used Vitamin E on a scar. Did I ruin it forever?
A: Nope. Don’t panic. Just stop using it if you notice irritation, and switch to something proven like silicone.

Q: Is oral Vitamin E better than topical for scars?
A: It’s not really about the form. Vitamin E just isn’t a key player in scar healing either way.

Q: Can I mix Vitamin E with other oils to make it work better?
A: Nah. You’re just making a greasier version of something that still doesn’t work.

Q: What if it worked for my friend?
A: Great for her! But anecdotes ≠ evidence.

What Should You Use for Scars?

Let’s get practical. If you’re dealing with fresh scars and actually want to help them heal smoother, softer, and less noticeable, skip the Vitamin E and try this instead:

1. Silicone Gels or Sheets

I know, people get weird about silicones. But they’re literally the gold standard for scar healing. Used consistently, silicone can:

• Flatten raised scars
• Fade hyperpigmentation
• Improve texture
• Lock in moisture to speed up healing

They’re also way less likely to irritate your skin.

2. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Let’s be real: the sun is not your scar’s friend. At all. In fact, UV exposure is one of the worst things you can throw at a healing scar.

Here’s what happens: when your skin is injured (like from a cut, surgery, or a breakout), it’s already more sensitive and vulnerable. Add sun exposure on top of that, and boom – your scar can become darker, thicker, and way more noticeable. We’re talking hyperpigmentation city. And once that sets in? It’s a lot harder to fade.

So yeah. That “little pink mark” you thought would fade in a month? UV rays can turn it into a stubborn brown or purple patch that sticks around way longer than invited.

That’s why sunscreen isn’t just a “nice-to-have”. It’s essential. It’s your scar’s bodyguard. Your damage control. Your insurance policy against regrets.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, every single day – even if it’s cloudy, even if you’re just walking the dog.Reapply if you’re outside for more than a couple hours. And if the scar’s in a spot that gets a lot of sun (like your face, chest, shoulders), double up with a hat or some fabric for physical protection.

Because protecting your scar now = less time, money, and stress spent trying to fix it later.

Seriously, slather that SPF like your healing depends on it. Because… it kinda does.

3. Gentle Moisturizers

Moisturizing a scar might sound basic, but it’s actually one of the most important (and most overlooked) steps in helping it heal well.

Here’s the deal: when a scar is dry, it’s more likely to itch, flake, and even crack. That irritation? Not only uncomfortable, it can also slow down healing and mess with the final texture of your skin. The goal is to keep the area soft, supple, and calm so your skin can rebuild itself in peace.

This isn’t about loading up on fancy ingredients or slapping on your strongest acid serum. In fact, don’t do that. What you want here is hydration, not harsh actives. Nothing that’ll sting, tingle, or exfoliate. Think soothing, barrier-repairing, “wrap me in a blanket and leave me alone” energy.

Look for ingredients like:

• Ceramides: Help restore your skin barrier and lock in moisture. Think CeraVe or La Roche-Posay vibes.
• Hyaluronic acid: Attracts water into the skin and keeps things plump without feeling heavy.
• Shea butter or squalane: Adds that rich, nourishing layer that seals everything in and protects from external irritation.

Stick with fragrance-free if possible. You don’t want any unnecessary extras in there making things worse. And pro tip: apply your moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. It helps seal in hydration more effectively.

Hydrated skin = smoother scars, less itch, better healing overall.

Related: The Best Ceramides Skincare Products

4. Patience (Sorry, But It’s True)

Most scars take months to fade. There’s no overnight fix. Even the best treatments need time to work. Be patient!

The Bottom Line

Vitamin E is a wonderful antioxidant that can help prevent the signs of aging, but it doesn’t do anything for scars. You’re better off trying topical silicone gels and sheeting. I know that a lot of people dislike silicones, but it’s the only topical treatment that works for raised scars.