Vitamin E is an antioxidant that mainly protects the skin from effects of UV rays. When you eat food that is filled with vitamin E, the nutrient will pass through the cell membranes of the skin to add to the body's natural defenses.

Vitamin E oils, as one form of it, are produced from oils like canola, soya or corn directly through distillation. The oil itself is heavy, thick and has a shelf life of three-years. If the oil was exposed to excess heat or air, it can react with oxygen and becomes unusable. Therefore, the oil should always be stored carefully and protected from these elements. 

Benefits of Vitamin E Oil

1. For Skin

Benefits:

Control Aging Signs. Applying vitamin E to your skin will help to promote elastin and collagen production to help maintain the elasticity of skin. Vitamin E can also be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots and the antioxidant properties in the oil will help prevent new lines from appearing.

Solve Dry Skin Problems. Vitamin E protects the skin from water loss, so it can remain moist and healthy. It can also be used to help balance oil levels.

Treat Minor Sunburns. Applying vitamin E topically will allow the skin to absorb it readily into the epidermis to heal the UV damage caused to the skin. This will help soothe the tenderness of the pain and provide protection to avoid additional damage to the skin.

Remove Scars. Vitamin E can be applied to scars, burns, bruises or other damages to the skin to help them fade more quickly. Established scars will fade away within months as the damaged cells die out and are replaced with healthier ones.

Prevent Stretch Marks. Similarly to treating scars; vitamin E can be placed on stretch marks to help limit the itchiness that can develop in these areas. Those with established stretch marks can use vitamin E oil to return the elasticity to the skin, helping the marks to fade away and heal.

Heal Skin Diseases. Psoriasis patches can be repaired by the application of vitamin E to the affected areas. Those that suffer from eczema also find that the antioxidants in vitamin E can help relieve the itchiness and reduce the inflammation caused by this condition.

Clean Your Skin. Vitamin E can be used both as a toning agent and cleanser for the face. Rubbing the oil into the face in a circular motion with a cotton ball will help to remove dirt and contaminants that cling to the skin throughout the day.

Relieve Chapped Lips and Cold Sores. Placing a few drops of the oil on lips that are chapped will help to relieve the damage. It is also ideal for speeding the healing process to remove unsightly cold sores.

Directions:

You can apply vitamin E oil directly to the skin in areas that you would like to correct. The oil will easily absorb into the epidermis to provide quick relief. The oil can feel a bit sticky on the skin, so those that will be going outdoors may prefer to use a lotion or sunscreen that contains vitamin E instead. Apply these products 30 minutes before going outdoors to give them time to take effect. If you will be using vitamin E to lighten marks or scars, open a vitamin E capsule and rub the oil directly on the area with a cotton swab. Do not massage the oil in but allow it to absorb on its own. It may take months before this takes the full effects.

2. For Hair

Benefits:

Stimulate Hair Growth. Massaging vitamin E into the scalp on a regular basis will help improve the circulation to this area and improve the immune system. Taking vitamin E supplements will also provide these benefits. Supplements tend to provide more benefits for hair than applying the oil directly. Taking supplements regularly will improve the growth of hair.

Make Your Hair Shiny. Massaging vitamin E into the hair starting at the root and moving down to the shaft will help to nourish the hair and stimulate sebum production to make the hair look shinier. It may take a few months to get the desired results.

Repair Split Ends. Massaging the hair with vitamin E and leaving it in place overnight will help to repair damaged strands and split ends. The next morning, wash away, massage the hair again and rinse away any excess oil. Using a conditioner that contains vitamin E will help encourage these effects.

Directions:

There are many hair products including shampoo and conditioner that contain vitamin E. You can also apply vitamin E oil directly to the hair to help repair damage to the strands. This provides intense deep cleansing properties for hair that is damaged deeply.

Possible Side Effects of Vitamin E

• An overdose of vitamin E can impair the blood's ability to clot and may increase the mortality rate for those suffering from conditions such as Alzheimer's or heart disease.
• Some may be particularly sensitive to vitamin E, and applying it to the skin can cause eczema or contact dermatitis.
• Vitamin E can also cause gastrointestinal distress or interact with beta-blocker or antidepressants.

Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage of your medication to ensure that you can avoid these potential risks.