A study has found vitamin E (ascorbic acid) supplements are more effective in treating skin conditions than regular care.
The research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed a dose of 100mg of vitamin E daily for 30 days was as effective as a single daily dose of vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate) for the treatment of moderate to severe acne.
The study also found a dose, of 60mg, was more effective.
However, the researchers did not make a recommendation on how to use the supplements.
More research is needed to determine whether the results of the study are accurate, said lead author Dr Sinead O’Connor.
“The best way to use this is to give it to people who need it, not for those who don’t,” she said.
She said the findings were not meant to be a blanket recommendation about all people, and that some people would benefit from a dose lower in the range of 100-200mg.
“You might get a dose that’s too high for someone who’s sensitive and needs more than 1-2 doses,” she added.
Vitamin E is known to be anti-inflammatory, but a previous study showed it also boosts collagen production in the skin.
Dr O’Conner said that, in theory, the supplements could have other health benefits, such as helping prevent the formation of blood clots, and prevent the buildup of plaque on the skin surface.
There are currently no clinical trials for vitamin E and other skin care supplements, so Dr O’Connors research was carried out on volunteers.
She said that the study’s results could be helpful in educating people about vitamin E. Dr O ‘Connors said she was “very interested” in future studies, and she was not interested in getting involved in clinical trials.
If you or anyone you know needs vitamin E, you can reach Dr O ‘Conner at [email protected] or 0800 942 907.