Protect the face from aging

September 26, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

Q. I’ve read a lot about the benefits and risks of vitamin E supplements and vitamin E oil, but I can’t find anything reputable about applying vitamin E capsules directly to the skin. Are there similar benefits/risks if I apply vitamin E oil to my face?

I’m interested in this for anti-aging. I’m being proactive since I’m still relatively young and don’t have lots of wrinkles.

A. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, putting vitamin E on the skin can increase the amount of this vitamin in skin cells. It helps to protect skin from ultraviolet light (an important source of skin aging), but vitamin E itself breaks down upon UV exposure. Products that combine vitamin E with vitamin C might work better.

Dermatologists generally discourage people from putting vitamin E on their skin because of the possibility of an itchy rash due to contact dermatitis (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, September 2016). Protecting your face from excess sun exposure might be the best way to avoid premature aging.

Q. Most people don’t take constipation seriously. I can assure you it is no laughing matter.

I almost ended up with an impacted bowel because I was taking calcium carbonate without realizing it could cause severe constipation. Daily bran cereal didn’t make a difference. Besides avoiding calcium, what else can I do to stay regular?

A. People may not realize that some supplements or medications can cause overwhelming constipation. Calcium carbonate is notorious for this side effect. Some blood pressure pills, pain relievers and even cholesterol-lowering drugs can lead to constipation.

Many readers report that Uncle Sam cereal with flaxseed can be helpful. Others have found that sugarless gum with a sweetener such as sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol can loosen things up.

Q. I have a family history of arthritis and have spent 30 years doing manual labor. Recently I have been plagued with pain in my shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.

My doctor has advised me to stop heavy labor, and I have done so. But I still enjoy jogging, hiking and canoeing. If I stop doing everything, I will develop more dangerous health problems.

I’ve heard that glucosamine can help repair damaged cartilage and relieve joint pain. My pharmacist, however, says that it is useless. What is the latest on glucosamine?

A. Glucosamine has been a popular arthritis supplement for decades, but it remains controversial. The most recent study concluded that there is little scientific evidence of effectiveness (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, online, July 28, 2017).

The authors analyzed six randomized controlled trials that compared glucosamine with placebo. There was no difference with respect to joint pain or function.

Unfortunately, the researchers did not have access to data from 15 other studies, some of which showed benefit. One crystalline form of glucosamine sulfate was reported to be superior to acetaminophen in relieving joint pain (International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, online, March 23, 2017).