Scars have a broad concept. They refer to the marks left on the outermost layer of the skin followed due to a wound, injury, surgery, burn, blemish, disfiguration, and much more.
Essential oils for scars are known to be one of the best remedies to heal them and make them disappear. Depending on the cause of the scars, several methods are available to repair them and make them go away permanently without any medication.
Causes
- Allergic reaction
- Certain medications
- Accumulation of dead skin cells
- Damaging of the skin layer
- Blood clot
- Surgery
- Burns
- Cuts
- Skin infection
- Injuries or wounds
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Skin Tone
- Acne
- Pimples
- Cosmetic procedures
- Injections
Symptoms
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bumps
- Itching
- Irritation
- Discoloration of the skin
- Patches on the skin
Types
- Acne Scars
- Old scars
- Surgical Scars
- Keloid Scars
- Face scars
- Burn Scars
- Skin scars
- Contracture scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Cosmetic procedure scars
Essential Oils for Scars
Essential oils provide cures and treatments for a lot of problems by treating them naturally without medication. Essential oils are extracted from plants which have a long history in acting as a fold medicine for almost all ailments.
Essential oils for scars treat it amazingly and effectively. However, choosing the right essential oil is vital. Essential oils have nourishing properties and help to heal the wounds and injuries quickly which makes the scars go away readily. They help in regenerating new skin cells and removing the old ones who assist in the disappearing of the scarred skin.
[Read: Natural Tips To Get Rid of Scars]
What are essential oils good for scars?
Ways to Use?
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for getting rid of consistent face scars. The oil reduces the appearance of raised, hypertrophic scars(1) and makes a great alternative to synthetic chemicals and medications. It will not rip your skin off its natural oils. It is a useful tool to fight against acne scars as well as it makes your skin free of the inhibited bacteria, which is one of the most significant causes of acne and acne scars.
How to use?
- You can apply tea tree oil directly to your skin with a cotton pad, bud tissue, or directly with your fingertip
- If you use any face packs, you can add a few drops of the oil into it and apply to your face
[Read: Tea Tree Oil for Scars ]
2. Coconut Oil
The main components of coconut oils are MCFAs (Medium- Chain Fatty Acids). They have great moisturizing effects and heal the skin efficiently. Coconut oil also boosts up the collagen production. Not only this, but coconut oil also reduces fine lines by binding new tissues with each other. It reduces the redness of the skin and pigmentation.
How to use?
- Directly apply it on the scars as the oil is very mild
- Massage the area for a few minutes
- You can either wash it off with cold water or leave it, as it also acts as a natural moisturizer
[Also Read: Coconut Oil for Scars]
3. Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil reduces surgical scars, acne scars, etc. and reduces the visibility and redness of the other injuries along with healing them(3). For stretch marks, acne pock marks, burn marks, the Vitamin E oil is one of the best solutions to lighten them and also even tone your skin.
How to use?
- You can directly massage Vitamin E oil on your skin as it is mild
- With circular motions, cleanse your skin every night with the oil
- You can also add this oil in your moisturizer
4. Bio Oil
Bio oil is extensively used for the minimization of the scars. It helps to improve the appearance of the new as well as the old scars whether they are from scratches, burns, acne, chickenpox, smallpox, accidents, injuries, wounds, surgeries, stitches, or any other kind. It heals breakout and acne scars on the skin and keeps the skin hydrated. It is one of the most effective oils amongst other essential oils for scars.
How to use?
- Bio oil is a great moisturizer
- You can replace your night care creams with bio oil and apply it overnight
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil heals keloid scars by removing dead skin cells from the skin along with unclogging the pores from dirt, bacteria, and excess oil(2). It is rich in ricinoleic acid which helps to break the excess oil and does not block skin pores. It contains fatty acids which promote the growth of new and healthy skin tissues and replaces the old skin tissues.
How to use?
- Add castor oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil
- Apply it on your face
- Let it stay for a while
- Wash off with lukewarm water
[Read: Benefits of Castor Oil ]
6. Emu Oil
Emu oil reduces the discoloration on the skin and also the color of the burn scars. The oil does this during the healing stage itself. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the redness and burning sensation of the skin. It keeps the skin healthy and regenerates the dead skin cells.
It even tones the skin and minimizes blemishes. It has a lot of fatty acids which help fight off the bacteria that causes acne which in turn causes scars on an abrupt removal. Not only it treats acne scars and other scars, but also helps prevent any future bacterial infection or any other infection on the skin.
How to use?
- You can rub the oil on all the areas that have scars
- Only with a few drops, you can cover the entire face
7. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip essential oil helps the most in reducing old scars. Scars older than 20 years and more are treated with the use of these essential oils. It reduces wrinkles, marks due to acne, and reduces the process of aging of the face. It helps the skin with the scars to regain its natural tone and skin color.
How to use?
- For using the oil for face, make sure you dilute it well
- Add a few drops of rosehip oil to carrier oil
- Mix the ingredients well
- Apply it on the areas prone to scars
8. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum essential oil contains compounds which heal the old scars and help in preventing the new ones from coming. The oil has the capability of increasing the blood flow on the scarred area which aids in the circulation of the blood and helps in healing and re-growth of the skin of the scarred area. The oil detoxifies the skin and serves as an excellent remedy for the beautiful and clear skin.
How to use?
- The oil is mild and gives best results when applied on the skin directly on the areas having scars
9. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is the gentlest healing tonics for the scars. It reduces the visibility of the scars and keloid and minimizes the blemishes of the skin. It can make the overall appearance of the scars disappear entirely and enhances the growth of new tissues. It is applied to cuts, injuries, burns, wounds and all other types of scars.
How to use?
- You can apply the oil directly to the affected area as it is very mild
- You can also add a few drops of the oil in your night cream or moisturizer
[Read More: Lavender Oil Benefits]
10. Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is a fantastic cleanser and decongestant for your skin. It cools down the skin, reduces blemishes, and the growth of bacteria on the skin. It removes dead skin cells from the skin and unclogs the pores which ultimately reduce skin scars.
How to use?
- Products having geranium oil are readily available in the market, and you can apply them to your skin
- You can also use a few drops of the oil directly on your skin
Side Effects
Essential oils are highly photosensitive and can cause burns and damage your skin severely if you expose your skin in sunlight after application. The oils can also cause irritation and itching on the skin depending on the skin type or on majorly sensitive skin.
Risks
The direct application of the essential oils for scars on the skin does not suit everybody and can exaggerate the depth of scars on the skin. Overly sensitive skin is not able to adopt all the essential oils and may get highly itchy after use.
Precautions
Before using any of the essential oils for scars, consult your doctor as he might be able to guide you better. Before applying an essential oil to your skin, take a patch test on the back of your hand as the oil might cause allergy and irritation to your body. The lid of the bottles of the oil must remain close.
Other Home Remedies/Natural Remedies for Scars
- Apply shea butter
- Apply apple cider vinegar
- Moisturize with aloe vera gel
- Apply onion extract along with a carrier oil
- Apply honey
- Apply baking soda to lighten the scars
- Apply lemon juice
- Apply raw potato
Bottom Line
Essential oils for scars are a house of natural remedies. Scars can be treated entirely with the regular and accurate use of essential oils along with taking necessary precautions.
Happy skin your way with essential oils!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Castor Oil Made My Skin Quite Itchy. Why?
Castor oil has a cooling effect. Direct application of the oil on the skin might not be the right way to use it; especially on sensitive skin. Your doctor might be able to help you better. Make sure you consult a doctor before applying any essential oils for scars.
2. Can Essential Oils Treat Scars Entirely?
Essential oils are useful in treating scars. Some stubborn scars may still have a little shadow of their appearance; however, regular use of essential oils might reduce the appearance of scars to a great extent.
