The Best Proven Ways to Heal Scars Naturally (Evidence Based)
Home remedies to help heal scars naturally can help prevent unsightly marks on your skin. Scars form when wounds caused by burns, cuts, acne, or surgery heal and new tissue forms. You could prevent scars or help them heal faster by applying healing remedies to your skin that allow wounds to heal properly. In some cases, essential oils for scars help to reduce the appearance of existing old scars, although getting rid of an old scar can often be challenging.
To help heal scars naturally, you can apply healing oils that moisturize the skin and help skin tissue repair itself. Some of the best ways to heal scars quickly include rosehip oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and vitamin C. You can also add essential oils to the scar-healing remedies to boost their effectiveness.
In this article, you will learn how to heal scars naturally so that wounds heal properly and cause a minimum of scarring. You will also find out if there is any scientific backing for claims that natural remedies heal scars quickly.
Why Do Scars Form?
Scars form as new skin tissue develops in the wound where the thick layer of skin has been damaged. Scars are formed after damage to the skin caused by pimples, burns, deep cuts, or skin conditions.
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, scar tissue is made up as new collagen fibers form over the wound. Scars can develop in different shapes and sizes. Some scars appear flat and pale whereas others are raised and red. For example, if too much collagen develops too quickly, raised scars may form. (1)
Although scar tissue is from the same type of tissue as your skin, the scar will have a different texture and appearance. Scars left over after surgical operations or acne usually don’t have any hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. (1)
In many cases, (especially if the wound was especially deep) it may not be possible to completely get rid of a scar. In some cases, helping scars to heal naturally results in improving the appearance of the scar so it is less noticeable. This may be desirable if you need to heal scars on your face.
The possibility of making scars heal faster depends on your age, skin color, skin type, and extent of the injury. Also, trying to get rid of an old scar can be especially challenging, even for doctors. (2)
To help prevent scars from forming, it is important to treat wounds properly so they heal with the minimum of tissue damage. That is why many of the home remedies to heal scars fast are designed to promote healthy wound healing.
Types of Scars
Knowing the best methods for healing scars naturally requires identifying the type of scar you have. Types of scars depend on the reason for scaring and where on your body you have the scar.
Acne scars. Scars formed by pimples or pustules can leave the skin looking dimpled or pitted. These types of scars form due to a loss of fat under the skin’s surface. These scars are also called icepick scars, rolling scars, or boxcar scars. (3)
Fine line scars. These types of scars are usually the result of surgery or a knife wound. The scars may leave a thin white line and may almost disappear over time. Doctors say you can help these scars heal naturally by using pressure therapy. (4)
Stretch marks after pregnancy. Stretch marks can appear as red markings under the skin without any raised skin tissue. They are sometimes called widespread scars. (5)
Scar contractures. Burns tends to leave scar contractures that appear red and form over joints or skin creases.
Hypertrophic scars. These raised scars form by an excess of collagen developing as the wound heals. Hypertrophic scars tend to be red and itchy and may even cause pain.
Keloid scars. Keloids can quickly appear after skin piercing, burns, surgery, acne, or an insect bite. Keloid scars are an overgrowth of skin tissue and are raised, flat bumps that may itch or become inflamed. They are similar to hypertrophic scars but are less common and can be bigger and expand beyond the boundaries of the initial injury. Keloids are extremely difficult to remove naturally and require consultation with a dermatologist. (6)
Factors affecting scar formation
For scars to heal naturally with a minimum of cosmetic damage, it is important to recognize factors that affect how scars form.
For example, researchers say that it is important to protect healing wounds from infection and foreign bodies. Also, proper oxygen levels in the wound are necessary to help prevent scarring. (7) That is why hydrogen peroxide isn’t recommended to help make scars heal faster as it increases oxygen levels in the wound (hyperoxia) and may cause additional tissue damage.
Other factors that can influence how quickly scars heal naturally include your age, gender, stress levels, hormonal balance, nutrition and body weight. (7)
Best Home Remedies to Heal Scars Naturally
Let’s look at some of the best ways to make scars heal faster. While these home remedies won’t get rid of scars overnight, they should help in time to reduce the appearance of some types of scarring.
Treating the scar while it’s relatively new is the best option to achieve the best results. Old scars are difficult to remove completely and often require a medical approach such as surgical scar revision or laser treatments.
Keep in mind that improving scars will take some time, we’re talking about weeks here, so don’t give up after just a few days. Daily treatment and patience is a key.
Rosehip Oil to Treat Scars Naturally
To help heal scars on your face naturally, you can apply rosehip oil regularly to help deal with scars or prevent potential scarring.
A 2018 study into the healing properties of rosehip oil found that it promotes fast wound healing. Rosehips are packed full of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage. The research found that rosehip oil helps wounds help better and improve the appearance of scars. (8)
Apply rosehip to your skin where wounds have started to heal. Put a few drops on your fingertips and gently massage into your skin to help improve skin texture and gradually reduce the appearance of scars.
You can also use rosehip oil as one of the best oils for scars after stitches and it may even help some old scars to fade.
Why not try using rosehip oil to massage your abdomen for stretch marks or on your face to reduce the appearance of acne scars?
Learn more about the benefits of rosehip oil for your skin and how to use rosehip oil for acne.
Coconut Oil for Scars
You can apply virgin coconut oil to help prevent scarring to your skin caused by skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
One trial found that applying coconut oil to wounds helped them heal quicker. Virgin coconut oil helped collagen to form in healing wounds and prevent secondary infections. Wounds treated with coconut oil also had lower levels of peroxides which can hinder wound healing. (9)
Other studies have shown that coconut oil helps provide a protective barrier on the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps skin heal faster. (10)
Use coconut oil for scars by putting some coconut oil on the tips of your fingers and applying to your acne scars, stretch marks, or wounds as they heal. Apply 2-3 times a day for as long as is necessary to help heal a scar faster or become less noticeable.
For your skincare regime, apply a small amount of coconut oil to your face in the morning and at night to keep your skin moisturized and in good condition.
If you want to use coconut oil for scars, the best type to use is organic virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A little coconut oil mixed with a drop or two of tea tree oil can help treat acne pimples and prevent scarring due to acne.
Honey Can Help Scar Heal Naturally
You can help to prevent scarring caused by burns or sunburn by applying raw honey to the wound to speed up the healing process.
Researchers have found that burns cause oxidative stress which can result in permanent scarring. Applying honey to burns can help to kill off free radicals and prevent scar contractures or superficial scars. The healing power of honey also protects wounds from infection which is another way it helps heal scars faster. (11)
Some studies have shown that applying Manuka honey may help to reduce pain in scars as they heal naturally. (12)
You can apply raw honey directly to the wound to help wounds heal faster and treat scars. Cover the honey-treated wound with a dressing and change the dressing as necessary.
You can learn more about how to care for wounds to speed up healing and why using honey is good for your skin.
Vitamin E Oil May Be Good for Scars
Vitamin E oil contains antioxidants and may help to reduce surgical scars naturally and promote healthy healing.
One study showed that using vitamin E for scars twice a day can help wounds heal with minimal scarring. Applying vitamin E oil after surgery was a natural way to help scars heal and improve cosmetic results. (13)
Although some studies have shown that you can use vitamin E to heal a scar faster, other studies have not been as conclusive. (14)
A review on the benefits of using vitamin E oil to treat scars found that much could depend on the type and location of the scar involved. (15)
Find out how to use vitamin E to improve your skin’s appearance and how taking vitamin E supplements can help your skin from the inside.
You can also use vitamin E oil for scars on legs by mixing a capsule of vitamin E oil with sweet almond oil. Apply twice a day by thoroughly massaging the remedy to your legs to help scars fade away. You could also add a few drops of rosehip oil for treating scars on legs.
Aloe Vera Gel for Scars
One of the best natural remedies for treating irritated and inflamed skin is aloe vera. There is also some evidence that applying aloe vera to your skin may reduce the appearance of scars naturally.
The journal Annals of Plastic Surgery reported that compounds in aloe vera have natural scar healing properties. Applying aloe vera gel helped improve the appearance of scar tissue and decrease scar tissue size. (16)
Other studies have shown that aloe vera has a positive effect on collagen production that helps wounds heal with the least amount of scarring as possible. (17)
To help increase the effectiveness of aloe vera, you can use aloe vera and vitamin E for scars. Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera with 2 or 3 capsules of vitamin E oil. Apply the home remedy to your scars 2-3 times a day until the scar has decreased in size.
Learn more about the amazing effect that aloe vera can have on your skin. You may also be interested in how to use aloe vera and coconut oil to maintain healthy-looking skin.
Shea Butter for Natural Scar Treatment
You can help get rid of stretch marks and other widespread scars by regularly applying shea butter to your damaged skin.
Research into the scar-healing potential of shea butter has found that it may be good for scars such as stretch marks. Applying skin preparations containing shea butter helped to increase skin elasticity and visibly reduce the appearance of existing scars. (18)
Some shea butter remedies contain a combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil to help reduce the appearance of widespread scars. (18)
For more information on helping to make scars heal faster, please read this article on the skin benefits of shea butter.
Silicone Gel to Help Get Rid of Scars
One way to improve the appearance of surgical scars naturally is to apply silicone gel or silicone sheets. While silicone gel is not a natural product, it can help your scar heal naturally without a surgery.
The International Journal of Cosmetic Science reported that silicone can be used to create a scar healing cream. Using silicone gel in pressure dressings can help prevent hypertrophic scars after surgery from forming. Other results were experienced using silicone sheets for scar prevention. (19)
While it may be very difficult to get rid of keloids naturally, some studies have shown that silicone sheets may help prevent keloids and other types of raised post-surgical scars. For the silicone remedy to heal scars naturally, it’s important to use them daily for up to 6 months. (20)
Vitamin C to Heal Scars Naturally
If you need to get rid of acne scars or help heal other types of scars, then applying vitamin C can make you have better-looking skin.
One study found that a vitamin C cream for scars can help prevent raised scars from forming after stitches. For example, a silicon gel and vitamin C cream applied daily for 6 months was shown to reduce surgical scars naturally. The researchers noted that this cream can help heal scars on the face. (21)
There is evidence to suggest that taking vitamin C supplements is also an important way to heal scars. Scientists say that vitamin C is essential in all stages of wound healing to prevent scars from forming. Low levels of vitamin C could hinder wound healing and prevent healthy collagen synthesis. (22)
Onion Extracts as a Home Remedy for Scars
Some people ask the question if onion can remove scars. You may be surprised to find out that onion remedies can be effective to make scars heal faster.
Research has revealed that compounds in onions promote wound healing and can heal surgical scars naturally. After 10 weeks, the onion gel had helped reduce redness, improved scar tissue texture, and soften the scar. Overall, the onion remedy was shown effective in treating scar development. (23)
Onion extracts or tinctures can be bought in health stores or online and may cause mild stinging when applied, but the stinging should resolve quickly.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Heal Scars?
Although no research has been carried out on its effectiveness, using apple cider vinegar may help wounds heal with a minimum of scaring.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic that helps prevent infections from developing in wounds. There is actually some evidence that acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to treat burns and promote healing. (24)
So, you could use apple cider vinegar to help heal scars by mixing some with raw honey to create an antibacterial dressing. First of all, dilute 1-part apple cider vinegar with 2-parts water (never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the skin). Mix a little of the mixture with some raw honey and apply to your wound for 10 minutes. Apply the remedy twice a day until the wound heals.
You can also use the diluted apple cider vinegar remedy for scars by dipping a cotton ball in the mixture. Use to clean the wound daily to help speed up healing and prevent scars forming due to wound infections.
Learn more about using apple cider vinegar to treat acne naturally and how it can prevent acne scars from forming.
The Best Essential Oils for Scars
You can also treat scars naturally by applying essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or frankincense oil. Many of the best essential oils for scars help collagen synthesize properly in dermal healing and prevent infection.
In general, due to the high concentration of compounds, essential oils are good for healing scars when combined with a carrier oil.
For example, because vitamin E oil is good for scars, a drop or 2 of essential oils in a tablespoon of vitamin E oil can help to heal scars. Same with coconut oil.
At the end of the article, you will find out how to use essential oils to heal scars faster and naturally.
Tea Tree Oil for Scars
Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for scars because it helps wounds heal faster with fewer complications.
One study found that specially prepared capsules containing tea tree oil helped to reduce inflammation in wounds and promote speedy healing. (25)
Other scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil has wide use in treating dermatological conditions. Tea tree oil can help treat acne and eczema and speeds up the wound healing process. (26)
While tea tree oil may not get rid of already-existing scars, applying tea tree oil can prevent scars from forming while a wound is healing.
Lavender Oil for Scars
Lavender is another of the essential oils for wound healing that can also help prevent scarring.
Research published in 2016 found that you can use lavender oil for scars because it helps wounds heal. Lavender oil increases collagen synthesis as wounds are healing and increase wound contraction. The reason why lavender essential oil is good for scar prevention is that it prevents too much collagen from forming too fast. (27)
This means that wounds heal faster especially when a lavender oil blend is applied to fresh wounds. (27)
Frankincense Essential Oil for Scar Treatment
Some of the best scar cream natural remedies should include frankincense essential oil as it helps prevent scars as wounds are healing.
Research has found that frankincense helps to heal scars faster because it prevents the type of collagen that forms scar tissue from developing. Frankincense essential oil also helps speed up the wound healing process. (28)
Other Essential Oils to Heal Scars Naturally
There are a few other essential oils that you can add to scar healing cream to help avoid fine line scars and other types of scars.
Helichrysum Essential Oil as a Scar Remedy
A review of essential oils that are good for promoting healthy wound healing found that helichrysum essential oil is good for preventing scar tissue from forming. (29)
Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Carrot seed oil could help wound heal faster because of its antibacterial properties. Research has found that carrot oil helps to kill off various strains of bacteria that may hinder healthy wound healing. (30)
How to Use Essential Oils for Scar Healing
You can create your own healing ointment for scars by combining essential oils with a carrier oil.
The best carrier oils to use for wound healing are coconut oil, rosehip oil, or sweet almond oil. You can also add some vitamin E oil because that is also good for scars.
Here is how to make your anti-scar healing cream:
- Mix 2 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Add 1 capsule of vitamin E oil and mix well.
- Apply the healing scar oil to wounds as they are healing to help prevent scars.
You can also use the essential oil blend for old scars by massaging a little of the oil twice a day to the scar tissue.
Is Scar Massage Effective for Scar Reduction?
Does a gentle scar massage help scars heal faster due to improving blood circulation to the scar area? The journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare published a review on 2015 about treating scars through complementary and alternative medicine.
The review found that some evidence supports massage therapy for treating scars. Some studies have reported that scar massage is effective in pain reduction and itching. However the evidence is not consistent, and some studies didn’t find it to be effective. (31)
If you decide to try this method, there are few important things to remember:
- If your scar is due to a surgery, wait until the stitches have been removed and the scab has fallen off by itself.
- Use the tips of your fingers and massage gently the scar and the surrounding skin in circular motions. Start with light pressure and continue with a firmer motions that you can tolerate. Do it twice or 3 times a day for a few minutes each time for several weeks.
- During this time avoid sun exposure that may cause hyper-pigmentation of the skin.
- Stop scar massaging and contact your doctor if you experience bleeding, redness or if you have unusual pain.
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