Vitamin E is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds. It exists naturally in certain foods like seeds, nuts and vegetables, and is also available as a supplement. Vitamin E plays an important role in the body. It is applauded for its antioxidant effects.
Vitamin E protects the body from oxidative damage, which is caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Apart from that, vitamin E is also required for proper immune functioning.
Usually, vitamin E deficiency is not common as people get enough of this vitamin from their diet.
Vitamin E is also used in dermatology to help protect the skin against ageing and inflammation. These fat-soluble antioxidants are important for maintaining healthy and plump skin.
Approximately 15 mg of vitamin is recommended for adults every day.
What benefits does vitamin E offer for the hair?
Various researches suggest that vitamin E will help improve the health of the scalp and hair. Further studies are required to exactly understand how these are possible.
Some of the potential benefits vitamin E can provide for hair or as follows:
Prevent hair loss
Small researchers conducted on a few samples concluded that vitamin E supplements can improve hair growth in people.
Vitamins can also help reduce hair loss. It is believed that the vitamin's antioxidant properties can help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp. Oxidative stress is due to free radicals and can increase hair loss.
Enhances circulation of blood
Vitamin E can increase blood flow. As a result of which, it can promote hair health. Various studies found that an increase in blood flow can increase hair growth by increasing the hair follicle size.
Still, there is a need for research to conclude if vitamin E directly affects the blood supply to the scalp and improves hair growth.
Balance oil
Vitamin E is essential for creating a barrier on the skin surface. This barrier acts as a protective barrier for the skin. This layer helps to lock moisture and would help with dry or irritated skin caused by vitamin deficiency.
Healthy scalp
Vitamin E is a pivotal vitamin for healthy skin, including the scalp. When the scalp is not healthy and is under-maintained, it will lead to poor hair quality.
Vitamin E can support the scalp and give the hair a strong foundation to grow. Vitamin E can also help in preserving the protective layer of the skin.
Improve shine
Vitamin E is required to replenish the shininess of hair. When hair loss damages the shine of the hair, vitamin E can replenish the lost shine.
There are a few chemicals that can damage the natural shine of the hair. Heat and other grooming products can also play an important role in it. When a person uses vitamin E enriched oil, it can provide an extra layer of protection to the hair and restore shine.
How to get vitamin E for your hair?
Vitamins naturally occur in various foods. It is easy to obtain vitamin E through a balanced diet.
In fact, finding people with vitamin E deficiency is rare. The main reason for this is people get adequate vitamins through dietary sources.
Diet
When a person consumes food, what they eat and how much they eat is essential for having healthy hair. When there are no calories, proteins and other micronutrients, the body will not allow the hair to grow properly, which leads to hair loss.
Some of the foods that are rich in vitamins or as follows:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Fortified
- Breakfast
- Cereal
- Vegetable oil
- Sunflower oil and
- Olive oil
By consuming these foods, the body gets adequate vitamin E.
Supplements
Vitamin E supplements are commercially sold in the market. They are readily available, yet they are not necessary. The majority of people get enough vitamins through diet. Also, various research suggests that people benefit more from vitamin E when acquired from natural sources rather than as a supplement.
Another important point to consider while taking vitamin E supplements is that the body might get too much of it, which can be dangerous. This is because supplements contain a synthetic form of vitamin E and people only require 50% of it.
People should also check if the supplement is fat-soluble. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to know the risks of consuming supplements.
Oil
Vitamin E enriched oil is sold to provide various skin benefits. Certain oil is available in the market that is infused with vitamin E.
They can either mix these oils with a carrier or dilute them before applying.
This will help prevent skin irritation. However, vitamin E oils can be applied directly to the scalp, and infused versions may not be a budget-friendly option for most people.
To improve the effectiveness of vitamin E oil, a person can gently massage the oil into the scalp and comb through the hair with a comb that has a wide tooth. Allow the oil to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes before washing out the oil with regular shampoo.
If your hair feels moisturised, there is no need for a conditioner. This varies from person to person; it is important to not dry the scalp completely.
Conditioner and shampoo
Shampoos and conditioners can provide treatment without consuming much time of a person's daily routine.
Anyone can choose a product that includes vitamin E; they are formulated for frequent use and can repair damaged or dry hair. The product can sit on the head for a few minutes so that it can work its way into the hair and reach the scalp.
Another advantage of such products is that they can contain essential oils like peppermint, lavender or tea tree oil for additional benefits.
Hair mask
Just like the mask a person wears on their face, a hair mask is meant to treat the scalp. Vitamin oil present in the hair mask can help release the locks in the hair and smooth it.
However, the mask should be put on the scalp so the oils can be absorbed.
What are the potential side effects or risks of vitamin E?
As a standard set of instructions, it is important for people to remember to dilute vitamin E before applying it to the skin, hair on scalp. This is because undiluted vitamin E oil may cause skin irritation or even a rash.
Taking supplements will increase the chances of the body getting overdosed on vitamin E.
When the body is overdosed, it can
- Disturb thyroid hormone production
- Weaken the bones and connecting tissues
- Increase the risk of prostate cancer.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor before considering any supplement.
To sum up
Vitamin E is a great inclusion for hair care. Vitamin E can be acquired through natural sources.
There are plenty of products that include antioxidants and vitamin E for various skin and hair benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using vitamin E for treatment or consuming them as supplements.
Medical supervision is mandatory if a person has particular hair or skin conditions.
FAQ
1.Which vitamin E food promote hair health?
1. Sunflower seeds
2. Spinach
3. Avocados and
4. Almonds are fine sources of vitamin E. They promote a healthy scalp and could assist with hair growth.
