Scars – some are beautiful, most are not. Almost every scar has a story to tell, and a few could even hold a horrific incident behind them. Deep inside, we all desire to get rid of them and keep scouting for options that could possibly help us remove them permanently.
Though, once the skin is damaged, it is really impossible for the scar to disappear completely. However, in some cases, their impact can be drastically improved. There are many over the counter ointments and other treatments your doctors can probably prescribe you with. While these creams and treatments might be extremely effective, they are costly. Moreover, there have been instances where it has been noticed that creams contain substances like hydroquinone which has shown to be carcinogenic or have major side effects. So, here we are with an absolutely magical formula of natural therapies and treatments that can heal your skin and help improve those marks.
Before we proceed, there is something that you should know. With age, the quality of skin diminishes. Hence, the reversal of scar marks to a healed skin might be a time taking process. Also, this natural therapy has to be a constant process and you will have to apply these oils for consistently on a daily basis for a duration of over 3 to 6 months.
What are the different types of scars?
Scars are a reflection of your skin’s attempt to recover after an injury, surgery or an inflammation. What treatment is ideal for them and how they would look is dependent on the scar, its location, the size, the depth and the reason why it occurred.
To determine which of the natural therapies would work for you or the essential oil you should use on your mark, it is important to first identify your scar type. Primarily, there are four types of scars:
1. Acne Scars
This is the mildest form of a scar. Severe acne can leave a mark on anyone’s skin. And when the acne inflamed skin is tortured more, the mark get more severe. Adult or mature acne can penetrate into the skin deeply and damage the tissues beneath it. If left untreated, adult acne can leave behind a dark scar on your skin. Picking, popping or squeezing adult acne triggers more inflammation on the skin and causes more damage. While there is no guarantee that a scar will appear, yet it is important to treat your skin just right.
Also read: How to treat Adult Acne
2. Keloid Scars
The rubbery lesion, sometimes with a fibrous nodule, that you notice over your injury is the Keloid scar. Such scars usually occur after an injury, skin burn, ear piercing, scratches, surgical cuts, vaccination spots, chicken pox or incision. The colors of Keloid scar may vary from light pink to the color of the skin to red and dark brown. Such scars are generally accompanied with pain, itchiness, and changes in the texture of the skin. The formation of the scar is because of the excessive collagen deposit on the affected area. Such scars take a lot of time to heal, regardless of the age. While there may be treatments and creams available for such treatments, however, it is always a good idea to first try a natural remedy. Also, it is always a good idea to start treating the scar in its early stage. The skin is soft, supple and sensitive then and the effect of biochemicals present in the oils fasten the healing process.
3. Hypertrophic Scars
Often hypertrophic scars can be confused with Keloid scars. However, they both are quite different. Hypertrophic scars are only 4 millimeters above the surface of the skin. These scars have a higher chance of getting cured faster than keloid scars. The hypertrophic scars are generally pink or red in color, and itchy during the initial days. They are harder than the keloid scars.
4. Contracture Scars
Probably, the most unwanted form of scars is the contracture. They are usually a result of a burn on the skin. Contracture scars can tighten the affected area of the skin and impair the movement. They penetrate deep into the skin, affect the nerves and the muscles and are mostly never appreciated – on any part of the body.
Even with the best of treatments, it is nearly impossible to reverse the effect of such scars. However, one must not be disheartened at the possibilities available today and realize that scars are a way of your body healing you. In cases of a minor, there still are possibilities that the impact of the scars can be reduced significantly, yet it is difficult to eliminate it completely.
Now that you have a fair idea of the type of scar you might have and the results you can possibly expect from the natural therapies, let us introduce you to the most valuable gems of the Ayurvedic, Chinese and Unani medicines – the essential oils. Listed below are some of the most wondrous essential oils that are known to work on scars.
Essential Oils for scars
1. Helichrysum Essential Oil
One of the most widely used essential oils across the world for the treatment of acne scars is the Helichrysum oil. Slightly heavy on the pocket, this wondrous oil consists of antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The oil helps in regenerating damaged skin and prevents any form of unnecessary damage.
Remember to mix helichrysum essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil before topical application on the skin. You must apply this on your skin at least 3 to 4 times a day.
2. Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Considered as a skin regenerator, carrot seed oil is also a popular choice for people looking forward to healing their scars. This oil helps in improvement of the skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles too. The oil contains strong antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and aid in skin infections like eczema and psoriasis.
3. Geranium Essential Oil
The essential oil of Geranium is an effective skin tonic. It revitalizes the skin cells and controls the production of sebum on an oily skin. Ideal for acne and keloid scars, Geranium oil improves the marks with its cicatrisant properties. Moreover, the oil filters your body of toxins and reduces water retention in the body.
4. Lavender Oil
This all-rounder therapeutic oil of lavender is a blessing in disguise. The oil works superbly on wound healing, on the formation of healthy skin cells, reduces inflammation, acne, psoriasis and wrinkles. Perfect for all kinds of scars, the lavender oil helps in the preventing the formation of the scar tissue by ensuring optimum production of collagen in the affected area. The oil is effective on an existing scar too.
5. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is amongst the must have essential oils. The oil works wonders on thermal burns that could have been caused due to fire, hot water, coffee or more. This property makes it an ideal oil for keloid and hypertrophic scars.
In addition to healing the scar marks, Frankincense oil ensures a healthy blood circulation and softens skin. It balances the production of sebum and promotes the growth of healthy skin cells.
6. Neroli Essential Oil
The magical essential oil of Neroli promotes skin regeneration and is an ideal pick for those with a mature skin and a scar. Neroli is amongst the most expensive essential oils, however, it works extremely well on the scars. Typically, Neroli essential oil should be used with a carrier oil such as sunflower or apricot oil.
7. Rosemary Essential Oil
Another essential oil that makes it to the list is the oil of rosemary. The natural extracts of this plant can work wonders on a range of skin conditions. Be it acne, eczema, dermatitis, or any other skin condition causing a scar, this oil is what you need to heal the skin cells. In addition to its skin healing properties, the oil eliminates dryness and patchiness on the skin and makes the tone even.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is not only good for adult acne and pimple related skin issues, it is an amazing natural cure healing scars as well. Of all the types of scars, tea tree oil is ideal for acne and hypertrophic scars. Remember tea tree oil should always be mixed with a carrier oil before topical application on the affected area. Also, the oil is very potent and may not suit every skin type. A patch test is highly recommended.
Other natural remedies to cure scars:
Shea butter and coconut oil
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, both coconut oil and shea butter work amazingly on keloid scar tissue. These ingredients repair the skin, nourish it and moisturize the skin cells. The mixture should be applied at least two to three times in a day.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps you get rid of dead skin cells. It is a natural disinfectant and an astringent that possesses an effective treatment for scars. Apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar with honey using a cotton swab on the affected area. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and later, rinse. Repeat these steps two to three times in a day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera never fails to surprise us. From the many benefits it offers for skin conditions, it works as an amazing remedy for treating scars too. The gel of the herb boosts the healing process and repairs the damaged tissue. It works effectively on scars caused due to burns.
While there are many products available in the market that contain aloe vera extracts in them, yet we advise that you use pure aloe vera gel on your skin. The best would be to peel a fresh aloe vera leaf to reveal the gel. Apply this fresh gel directly on your scarred area. Repeat these steps at least two to three times a day. Leave the gel on the affected area for at least 30 minutes. Overnight application of the gel is highly recommended.
How to use essential oils to cure scars:
It is advised that you consult your doctor in case you have a really sensitive skin. Also, pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised to not use essential oils.
You can use essential oil blends on your scarred area. A gentle oil blend would include:
- A carrier oil, preferably coconut oil
- Lavender Oil
- Pick an oil ideal for your scar
It is extremely unlikely that you would experience an allergic response to essential oils if you use it in specific quantities.
Do you know of more such DIY treatments and essential oils that could help one alleviate their marks? It would be great if you share them in the comments section below with us and all our readers.
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