Hair, Skin & Nails 3 MIN READ 5499 VIEWS June 10, 2022

Sunburn Treatment: Can We Trust Vitamin E?

Sunburn treatment
Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin as per Research
Is Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E Cream Advisable
Conclusion

This is one of the questions that are asked often. Let’s say you are planning for a beach vacation and you are worried about sunburn. No, the standard SPF sunscreen is not enough. If you have to believe the research of the experts, then there is an answer to the problem. You will need Vitamin E plus β-carotene supplements to counter the effects of sunburn. According to the latest study, β-carotene and Vitamin E can help in the sunburn treatment, according to experts.

But that does not mean that your SPF sunscreen is not good. Researchers have been studying more to find out the supplement amount that is required for getting adequate protection from sunburn.

Beta-carotene has been popular as a sunburn treatment. But owing to less research, there is not much evidence that it works. After that, a group of researchers from Germany embarked on finding out the protective qualities of beta-carotene. They also used it in a vitamin E combination. This particular research paper has been published in a popular US Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin as per Research

The sample study was performed on a group of volunteers which consisted of 20 fair-skinned people of both sexes. Before the supplements were provided to the volunteers, they were exposed to increased artificial UV light levels. Their skin colour was assessed before being provided with the supplements and afterwards also.

The research participants were divided into two different volunteer groups. The first group was given beta-carotene. The second group was given both vitamin-E supplements along with β-carotene. These supplements were consumed every day for 12 weeks. During these intervals, the volunteers were exposed to sunlight. Each volunteer was exposed for the same time.

After a month of the evaluation period, the body beta-carotene levels were measured. In addition, their skin colour was assessed. 

When the present results were compared to the earlier skin effects, redness in the skin was considerably diminished after two months in group 1. Group 2 fared better than group 1 in the research study. The redness of their skin was further diminished after two months.

This helped the researchers conclude that the beta-carotene and Vitamin E supplements result in the skin being able to withstand 2x or 3x UV exposure without any reaction. It also shows that β-carotene surely is not a sunscreen alternative.

Another aspect of the study which the researchers weren’t able to assess was that they aren’t sure if humans can receive sufficient β-carotene in their diet. For seeing the effect of sunscreen, people might need it as a dietary and nutritional supplement. Beta-carotene and Vitamin E need to be directly applied to the skin as well for superficial absorption.

Researchers have also not determined what dosage of β-carotene is most advantageous for protection from the sun. So, there has been continuous research to assess the best consumption of both dietary food supplements and secondary supplements of nutrients.

Researchers also suggest that the antioxidant consequences of vitamin E and β-carotene help to defend against various cancers. It may also slow down tumour growth. This research has been conducted by scientists at New York’s Columbia University. However, there is a caveat associated with this.

An extremely high dosage of β-carotene may give unfavourable outcomes specifically in smokers. It may affect the epidermal tissues under the skin and may cause problems in other organ tissues as well. Until more information is gathered about the best ingestion levels of Vitamin E and beta-carotene, the top tactic is to have a balanced diet. Consume an assortment of rich-coloured vegetables and fruits like apricots, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe. These have high beta-carotene content. Vitamin E is found in leafy green vegetables, plant oils, and nuts. 

Is Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E Cream Advisable?

You have understood the value of these two nutrients in your diet. What about these two nutrients being used in a facial cream? You could also make sunscreen with these two nutrients inside it. There are several products like these in the market. But they need to be clinically assessed for the benefits of Vitamin E oil on the face.

Conclusion

Sunburn treatment is not easy and therefore it is important to use the right kind of products for the health of your skin. As per the research studies discussed above, using skin care products and consuming a diet rich in vitamin E and Beta-carotene will prove to be beneficial for your skin.

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