Vitamin E for Skin Discoloration

Skin discoloration occurs for reasons that include sun damage, liver spots and acne scars. When they're serious or noticeable, blots on the skin can make you want to hide. You can choose from numerous treatments to lighten dark patches and even out your skin tone. Vitamin E is often touted as a home remedy for skin discoloration, and it's included in numerous skin care products.

Definition

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient and should be included in your regular diet. The vitamin, an antioxidant, is present in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can prevent sun damage and other signs of aging, making vitamin E a useful ingredient in skin care products and anti-aging creams.

Hyperpigmentation

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One of the most typical causes of skin discoloration is hyperpigmentation. This occurs when the skin encounters inflammation from an injury or sun damage. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, these dark patches occur when too much melanin or skin pigment collects in one spot.

Function

Vitamin E is thought to help improve skin health and fade skin discoloration because it is essential for the processing of vitamin A. Vitamin A is included in many topical solutions like retinoids, which help lighten dark spots on the skin. Without vitamin E, the body cannot absorb the vitamin A properly, meaning the topical solutions won't work, according to the Acne Resource Center.

Expert Insight

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According to AcneNet, hyperpigmentation can be treated using topical methods like vitamin E if the discoloration is new. On the other hand, a study published in 1999 in "Dermatologic Surgery" showed that vitamin E creams don't do anything for scarring or skin discoloration. Though they may moisturize the skin, they can actually irritate and cause contact dermatitis in some people. Consult your doctor before using vitamin E creams or ointments for skin discoloration.