Vitamin E is an excellent topical ointment for reducing scars. You can rub vitamin E oil on old scars and new wounds to reduce permanent scarring. While many commercial creams contain it, you can also just use the contents of a vitamin E capsule to apply to the scar or the wound.
How to Use Vitamin E to Reduce Scars
Clean the scar or wound area very carefully. Vitamin E is not antibacterial or antifungal. Topical oils can actually trap bacteria and provide fertile breeding grounds for an infection, so clean the area well.
Use a sterile pin to poke the vitamin E capsule open. Squeeze out some of the oil onto a cotton swab. Be careful not to touch the oil directly with your hands or spill it on clothing or upholstery.
Carefully dab the vitamin E oil on the scar or wound until lightly coated. Do not rub the oil in.
Cover the area with a light layer of gauze if you're concerned about the oil getting on fabric, in eyes, or on upholstery. Do not use a bandage over the vitamin E oil for long periods of time; this can trap bacteria or fungus.
Keep the vitamin E oil on the scar or wound for at least four to five hours. Wash the area within eight hours to remove bacteria or fungus.
Apply vitamin E to the scar or wound at least once a day for a few weeks, or until the wound has healed. For scars, you may need to apply the oil for one to two months for best results.
In addition to other common household items, vitamin E oil helps keep your skin healthy, soft, protected from the elements and relatively scar-free. Be sure to keep your skin clean and moisturized once the wound has healed.