One of the top skincare conundrums of all time: how to reduce scarring. Whether it’s from pregnancy, surgery, or normal development, scarring can be an inevitable part of your body’s healing process.
However, those who wish to reduce the appearance of scars have a few options to reduce their appearance. We’ll take a closer look at scars and explore how natural essential oils can support long-term scar management.
What causes scarring?
Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process. Scars are damages caused to the inner layers of the skin. The body responds by repairing the damaged tissue, which creates scar tissue.
Scar tissue is a collection of cells and collagen that covers the area of injury. This tissue can form in a number of ways, including:
#1. Keloid scar
A keloid is a raised, red plaque of scar tissue that can form where the skin has been damaged. Common causes are a cut, a puncture, a burn, chicken pox or acne. Keloids can rub against your clothes and become irritated. When exposed to the sun, they can become darker than the rest of your skin.
#2. Hypertrophic Scar
A hypertrophic scar is a raised scar with pink skin that most commonly forms on areas of stretched skin such as your back, chest, and shoulders. Unlike keloids, which can grow beyond the original wound area, hypertrophic scars remain within the damaged area. They can be itchy and painful, but more often it’s just a cosmetic issue.
#3. Contraction scar
If your skin has been burned, you may have a contraction scar. Contractions occur when the burn scar matures, thickens and tightens. This tight skin can impair movement of the affected area, especially if it occurs over a joint.
#4. Depressive (Atrophic) Scar
These sunken scars are often from chicken pox or acne. They look like rounded depressions or small indentations (sometimes called ice scars) in the skin.
#5. Streaks
Stretch marks often develop during pregnancy, puberty, or after weight gain or loss. They usually appear on the breasts, stomach, thighs and arms. They may appear red or purple at first and usually open up over time.
Can scars go away on their own?
The answer depends on two things: the type of scar and the cause of the scar. Surgical scars, large keloids, contractures, and scars in areas of motion may require medical treatment. Scars caused by minor cuts, scrapes and bruises can be made less noticeable with proper home wound treatment.
The sooner you start caring for your scar, the better the chances of successful healing. Timing is also important. give your wound TLC while it heals to minimize the appearance of a scar, rather than allowing time to pass.
While no scar can be completely erased, at-home options such as scar management and skin support may be a more realistic goal for healing your scar. Accelerating the healing and fading process with natural, botanical ingredients – such as essential oils – is a great option!
The best essential oils for scars
While some scars may fade over time, others cannot always be avoided. There is no definitive research that proves that topical treatment can make scars disappear completely. However, for those who experience less bothersome scars or stretch marks, it has been suggested that essential oils may help reduce their appearance.
Since some essential oils have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties – or sometimes both – these properties can help heal wounds and improve overall skin health. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits of using popular essential oils as effective options for promoting wound healing and reducing the appearance of scars.
#1. Helichrysum
Also called everlasting flower or curry plant, elixir has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep bacteria at bay. This could prevent infection and encourage wound healing, potentially resulting in less scarring.
If there’s one thing our skin doesn’t need from scar management, it’s harsh ingredients. Green Tea Cloud Foam Cleanser is free of artificial dyes and fragrances and features helichrysum flower to help reduce inflammation while gently toning the skin.
#2. Lavender
Its delicate purple flowers and divine aroma are essential gifts to unlock the beautiful properties of lavender essential oil, which has been used primarily to promote calmness and encourage healing. Lavender is loved for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for fighting acne and rejuvenating tired skin.
That’s why we knew the cleansing powers of lavender would be perfect in Lavender Oat Milk Soothing Cleanser. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal, combined with the deep cleansing of lavender and the restorative magic of echinacea, make this product a must-have for any beauty lover.
If lavender oil can promote calmness and healing, imagine the power it can have on your body. Our Lavender Body Scrub features a happy marriage of scar-healing vitamin E and lavender essential oil that work to lighten the appearance of scars while banishing acne-causing bacteria.
#3. Tea tree
Tea tree is one of the most widely used essential oils and is most recognized for its antimicrobial and antifungal benefits that prevent infection in healing the skin. Tea Tree Deep Detox Mask is a concentrated, purifying mask made with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, including peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Salicylic acid, lactic acid and turmeric gently soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
If you need spot treatment, Tea Tree Concentrated Spot Treatment is made with detoxifying herbs to calm and clear active spots. Concentrations of tea tree and neem essential oils quickly reduce inflammation, while lactic acid and witch hazel reduce the appearance of acne scars.
#4. Geranium
This flowering shrub has been traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. Since geranium oil has antibacterial properties, it can help keep wounds clean and encourage healing, which can help prevent or reduce scarring.
The gentle properties associated with using calendula on the skin are the main reason it’s included in one of our favorite cleansers: the Calendula Flower Cleansing Milk. This gentle foaming cleanser uses moisturizing sea buckthorn oil, hydrating rose water and soothing chamomile to deeply nourish and soften both dry and sensitive skin types. It benefits skin healing by supporting hydration and removing impurities without leaving your skin feeling stripped or irritated.
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#5. Chamomile
For most of us, chamomile just brings to mind relaxing cups of chamomile tea. But chamomile has so much more to offer! Chamomile essential oil can benefit your skin by helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars.
When it comes to scar management, the Rose Water Gel Cleanser is made with calming calendula flowers and uses balancing rose hydrosol to restore and protect the moisture barrier. Combine it with the skin-plumping Rose Hyaluronic Acid Serum to help restore skin’s youthful bounce and elasticity. Beta Glucan and Sodium PCA support a toned, youthful appearance by banishing redness and protecting essential moisture levels for deeper skin-soothing benefits.
Although a scar is a completely normal reaction of the body’s healing and there is nothing to hide – and it is often a badge of honor – you may choose to embrace it or want to minimize its appearance. The great news is that either choice takes courage, and if you want to reduce the appearance of your scar, there are essential oils and natural remedies to help guide you there.
The bottom line: essential oils are capable of promoting wound healing and are great for helping reduce the appearance of scars. Above all, don’t forget: scars and stretch marks don’t have to go away. They should be supported and cared for just like the rest of our precious skin! Now, that’s a real badge of courage!
Frequently asked questions about scar treatment
Can tea tree oil help minimize acne scars?
Tea tree is one of the most widely used essential oils and is most recognized for its antimicrobial and antifungal benefits that prevent infection in healing the skin. The tree oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and acne-fighting super powers mean it can be used on scars too.
What makes lavender oil beneficial for scars?
Lavender is loved for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for fighting acne and rejuvenating tired skin. It is especially soothing and healing for scars and wound healing.
What are the best carrier oils to mix with essential oils for scars?
Since some essential oils have anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties—or sometimes both—these properties can help heal wounds and improve overall skin health. It is best to decide what kind of scar you have to find the best essential oil to help your scar heal properly.
How often should essential oils be applied to scars for best results?
Twice a day.
It is best to apply twice a day for best results.
Yes.
Are there any precautions when using essential oils on sensitive skin areas?
For sensitive or reactive skin, it is best to do a sensitivity test.
