Scars have been one of my biggest worries since I was a teenager. I suffered from acne and once it healed, it left scars. I tried removing them with laser treatment, but it didn’t help; instead, it made my skin more sensitive to the sun, and I got brown spots on my face. Great…
While researching other skin issues, I came across numerous natural remedies for scars. I decided to share them with you. It may take some time to naturally eliminate scars, but in this case, persistence pays off.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best carrier oils for treating and preventing scars, along with essential oils known for their effectiveness in reducing scarring. Lastly, I’ll provide a couple of DIY oil blends to help you get started.
Best Carrier Oils for Scars
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, and they are the main ingredient in the preparation of skin products. Therefore, it is important to purchase organic and fresh oils to ensure that the healing properties are preserved to the fullest extent. Here are the best carrier oils for scars:
Wheat germ oil is rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamin E, which promotes the growth of new skin cells. Due to its sticky consistency, it is advisable to mix wheat germ oil with lighter oils for better absorption.
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E along with omega-3 fatty acids. It provides deep moisturization and contains antioxidants, making it an effective solution for combating wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks.
Rosehip seed oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with fatty acids. It is readily absorbed by the skin and possesses remarkable healing properties that aid in scar reversal. With regular use it also diminishes discoloration and stimulates collagen production.
Pomegranate seed oil is a deeply penetrating oil that promotes collagen production and helps reverse skin damage and scarring.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic and omega-6 fatty acids. It possesses strong healing properties. It is best to dilute this oil before application for better absorption and to reduce the chance of irritation.
Tamanu oil is a luxurious, thick oil known for its numerous healing properties and tissue-regenerating abilities, making it an effective treatment for scars. To enhance absorption, it’s best to mix tamanu oil with lighter oils.
Best Essential Oils for Scars
Here is a list of the best essential oils that possess profound healing and regenerative properties. If used continuously, they will help reduce the appearance of scars.
Benzoin essential oil is extracted from the resin of the tree. It is strongly antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent. Caution: It might act as a sedative. If using benzoin together with galbanum, cross-sensitization may occur.
Helichrysum essential oil is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It possesses powerful healing properties and is known to restore the skin’s youthful appearance.
Frankincense essential oil is analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant, and cicatrizant. It promotes healing process in general and can be used to help heal scars. Caution: Avoid old, oxidized oil because skin sensitization may occur.
Myrrh essential oil is antifungal, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral. Caution: Do not use it if pregnant or breastfeeding. It might be toxic if ingested.
Geranium essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and cicatrizant. It regenerates skin tissue and encourages rapid wound healing. Caution: Avoid use during pregnancy.
Galbanum essential oil is healing and is sometimes used to treat acne scars. Caution: If using galbanum together with benzoin, cross-sensitization may occur.
Jasmine essential oil is anti-inflammatory and soothing. It is often adulterated, so make sure to buy it from a credible source. Caution: Do not use it if pregnant. Might act as a sedative.
Neroli essential oil (orange blossom oil) contains 35% linalool, which is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and has anti-cancer properties. This oil is often used to treat scars and stretch marks. Caution: It may act as a sedative.
Lemon essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, and cicatrizant. Steam-distilled lemon oil is not photosensitive. Caution: If using cold-pressed essential oil, use no more than 2% dilution (18 drops per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil). Cold-pressed lemon essential oil will make skin sensitive to the sun, avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours after application and use sunscreen.
Tea tree essential oil is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, cicatrizant, and disinfectant. Caution: Do not ingest tea tree oil.
Rose essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizant, and disinfectant. Caution: Do not use more than 0.6% dilution (5 drops per 2 tablespoons).
Sandalwood essential oil is known for its antiseptic and soothing properties. It is derived from a parasitic plant that grows on other trees, drawing nutrients from its host. For an authentic sandalwood essential oil, seek out Indian sandalwood oil. Caution: Do not ingest.
Copaiba essential oil possesses profound antiseptic and healing properties. Brazilians used copaiba oleoresin to help heal wounds and remove scars. Caution: Do not ingest.
DIY Oil Blends for Scars
Here are a couple of oil blend suggestions to aid in scar removal:
Healing Oil Blend
- 1 teaspoon of wheatgerm oil
- 2 teaspoon of rosehip oil
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops myrrh essential oil
- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 10 drops steam-distilled lemon essential oil
Apply to scars 3 times a day for the best effect.
Caution: Contains citrus oil, please avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after application and use sunscreen.
Regenerative Oil Blend
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil
- 2 teaspoon pomegranate seed oil
- 10 drops copaiba essential oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 10 drops steam-distilled lemon essential oil
- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Apply to scars 3 times a day for the best effect.
Caution: Contains citrus oil, please avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after application and use sunscreen.
As with most natural treatments, using oils to heal scars may take some time. Ensure that you remain consistent and patient, and over time, you will notice a reduction in scar tissue. For more ideas on how to remove your scars naturally, continue reading Remove Scars with DIY Spa Treatments.
Works Cited
Anthis, Christina. The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils : Everything You Need to Know to Get Started. Emeryville, Ca, Althea Press, 2019.
Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, New York, Dk Publishing, 2016.
Malle, Bettina, et al. The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook : Extracting, Distilling & Enjoying Plant Essences. Austin, Tx, Spikehorn Press, 2015.
Minetor, Randi. Essential Oils of the Bible : Connecting God’s Word to Natural Healing. Berkeley, California, Althea Press, 2016.
Press, Sonoma. Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, an Introductory Guide: More than 300 Recipes for Health, Home and Beauty. Arcas Publishing, 1 Dec. 2014.
Zielinski, Eric. The Healing Power of Essential Oils : Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way. New York, Harmony Books, 2018.
