Scars are tissues consisting of collagens, which are produced by special cells of the skin called fibroblasts. They are produced continuously. When skin is burned, cut or scraped, collagens fill up the hole to heal the wound and close it. Since collagens are numerously produced when the skin is cut, and they are haphazardly placed, they appear discolored and noticeable to the eye.

The healing of the wound and the disappearance of the scars take time either by fading on their own or changing color and shape. Scars are initially red in color, as the body creates many tiny blood vessels to bring in extra supply of blood to heal the wound faster. The final shape and color of the scar is a soft, flat white line. Normally, scars take 12-18 months to completely mature.

A scar, once formed, is always there. Collagen is made to close the wound and as the healing takes place, an enzyme called collagenese is made, which removes the extra collagen. If, after the healing is over, extra collagen is left, a thick, raised scar is formed; it is not possible to remove the scar.

Vitamin E is believed to heal the wounds faster, although there is no clinical evidence. Vitamin E has been shown to decrease collagen generation, fibroblast proliferation and reduce inflammation. Vitamin E can be applied topically and is easily absorbed by skin cells. It may improve the scar characteristics by its hydrating effect, thereby softening the scars.

Vitamin E is not known to have any beneficial effects on acne scars and keloids. A keloid is a tumor of scar tissue that is developed, instead of maturing, and it is permanently red, hard and raised. There is also a small risk of skin allergy to vitamin E. A study shows vitamin E, when combined with silicone, improves keloids.

There are many vitamin E products available over the counter and some studies indicate that not all are effective.