Scars are typically stubborn skin issues that require patience and often a significant financial investment. Medical treatments, while effective, are not only expensive but can also make the skin more sensitive and prone to hyperpigmentation. I tried to remove scars with laser therapy; it didn’t help but instead it made my skin hypersensitive to the sun, and I acquired brown spots. Fortunately, you can easily find many natural remedies that can effectively reduce the appearance of scars. I have compiled a list of treatments that you can easily incorporate into your home skincare routine. With consistent use, you will notice positive results.
To expedite the scar healing process, try a three-step DIY spa treatment that you can do from the comfort of your own home: a steam facial, exfoliation, and a face mask.
Steam Facial to Reduce Scarring
A steam facial opens the pores, softens the skin, and enhances the absorption of skincare products. Additionally, the herbs used in a steam facial can promote skin regeneration and allow their healing properties to penetrate deeper. Here are some excellent herb options for preparing a steam facial for scars.
Comfrey possesses astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities, which help reduce the appearance of scars. However, refrain from using comfrey on broken skin because its rapid healing action can potentially trap impurities.
Roman chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and soothing properties. When used in steam inhalation, it calms inflammation and soothes the skin. Exercise caution if you are allergic to ragweed and similar plants.
Calendula possesses anti-inflammatory, healing, and astringent properties, making it an ideal herb for use in a steam facial to address scars.
Steam Facial

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried herbs (any one or a mix of the three mentioned above)
- 2 quarts (4 cups) water
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add herbs, stir, turn off heat, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Put the pot on a table (ensure to use table heat protector).
- Drape a large towel over your head and around the pot to trap the steam.
- Stay under the towel as long as you can, lift the towel from time to time if it gets too hot.
- Gently pat your face dry and apply toner. Follow up with exfoliation.
Caution: Use your judgement to ensure you do not get a burn. Do not get closer to the pot than 6 inches.
Exfoliation to Minimize Scars
After a steam facial your skin will be softened, making it easier to remove dead skin cells when exfoliating. However, don’t overdo it; use a gentle exfoliator. Here are a couple of natural and mild exfoliation treatments that will help you achieve smoother skin and fresher complexion.
Soothing Scrub
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (preferably full-fat or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon of finely ground oatmeal (you can use a coffee grinder or food processor to achieve a finer texture)
- 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt and aloe vera and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add the finely ground oatmeal and poppy seeds and stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the exfoliating ingredients.
- Gently massage the mask onto your skin using circular motions.
- Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, using gentle circular motions to continue exfoliating while rinsing.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Moisturizing Scrub

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of oatmeal flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground almonds
- ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of tamanu oil
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
Steps:
- In a mixing bowl combine oatmeal flour and ground almonds. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- In another container, combine the tamanu oil and vitamin E oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Add lemon juice to the oil mixture and continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently massage the mask onto your skin using circular motions.
- Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, using gentle circular motions to continue exfoliating while rinsing.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Caution:
This mask contains lemon, which will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the sun for 12 hours and use sunscreen for added protection.
Face Mask to Minimize Scars
Regularly applying masks will nourish your skin and help get rid of old scars. Here are a couple of the ingredients that have previously been proven to reduce the visibility of scars.
Iodine is a potent antiseptic. If you’re a hiker, you’re likely aware that iodine tablets are used to effectively purify water. Recently, iodine has also been utilized topically to aid in scar reduction.
Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties. Additionally, it may boost collagen production and is often used to treat scars and stretch marks.
Gotu kola possesses profound wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting tissue repair and boosting collagen production. It can be applied externally to promote local healing in the surrounding tissue.
Gotu Kola Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon powdered gotu kola
- White wine (enough to make a paste)
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
Steps:
- Mix gotu kola with white wine to create a paste of a liquid cream consistency.
- Cover and let it steep for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, add 10 drops of vitamin E oil to the mixture and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to a clean face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water and follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Regenerative Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon castor oil
- 2 drops of iodine
Steps:
- Carefully separate the egg yolk from the egg white.
- In a bowl, combine the egg yolk with honey.
- Add castor oil and two drops of iodine to the mixture.
- Apply the resulting mask to a clean face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water and follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Healing Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Steps:
- In a bowl, thoroughly mix honey, lemon juice, and aloe vera until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix turmeric and cinnamon and add it to the liquid mixture.
- Apply the resulting mask to a clean face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water, and then follow up with toner and moisturizer.
Caution:
- This mask contains lemon, which will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the sun for 12 hours and use sunscreen for added protection.
- Cinnamon might be irritating to the skin, so it’s advisable to do a patch test before applying the mask.
Supplements to Help Heal Scars
When consumed internally, gotu kola aids in promoting wound healing, boosting tissue repair, and increasing collagen production. You can take gotu kola as a supplement to facilitate tissue repair from within.
Gotu Kola as a Supplement
Take ½ teaspoon powdered gotu kola with water once a day.
As with most natural scar remedies, these treatments will nor provide an immediate result because natural healing process takes time. For a list of the best carrier oils and essential oils read Remove Scars Naturally with Oils.
Works Cited
Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, New York, Dk Publishing, 2016.
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy : New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pa., Rodale Press ; [New York, N.Y, 1997.
Prevention Magazine Health Books. The Complete Book of Natural & Medicinal Cures : How to Choose the Most Potent Healing Agents for over 300 Conditions and Diseases. Emmaus, Pa., Rodale Press ; [New York, 1994.