When our skin is injured, then the scar tissue (fibrous tissue) is formed over the wound to repair it and protect it. This process leads to scars. There are many causes which can lead to scars on your skin such as vaccinations, surgical cuts, piercings, chickenpox, burns, acne, scrapes, insect bites, and accidents. Scars come in all sizes and shapes and they can affect your self – conscious and appearance. Our bodies are capable of taking care of scars and they tend to get lighter as time passes by.
There are some home remedies which can help to speed up the healing process. The focus of scar removal remedies is to create healthy skin, minimize scar tissue and support effective cell growth. You should remember that there is no procedure which can make the scar disappear completely.
Home remedies and treatments can make scars less noticeable. Before you apply some of the below-mentioned home remedies, you should be sure to cleanse the affected area thoroughly. You should be persistent and patient because it can take some time depending upon the type, size, and shape of the scar.
You should know that not every scar removal which is given in this article, will for everyone. This is a reason why you should consult with your doctor before you start using some of the mentioned home remedies for scar removal.
9 natural treatments for scar removal
Contents
Honey
This is a natural moisturizer which is making it an effective scar removal treatment [1]. It can prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells and it will stimulate skin tissue regeneration. You should apply some honey to your scar. Cover it with a bandage and let it stay there throughout the night. The next morning, wash it off using warm water. Repeat this home treatment on a daily basis before you go to bed.
Also, there is another option and that is to make a scrub with equal amounts of crystallized sugar and honey. You should apply it to the affected area and scrub gently for a period of a few minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Pat dry and then apply a moisturizer. You should use this natural treatment once or twice per week.
Lemon
This scar removal home remedy has alpha-hydroxy acids which are possessing healing properties that can help to treat all types of scars. This home remedy can improve skin elasticity, promote the growth of new skin cells and it will remove dead skin cells [2]. It has Vitamin C which can help to regenerate and repair the damaged skin. Also, it has bleaching properties that will help lighten scars. You should apply some lemon juice to the scars.
People who have sensitive skin should dilute the lemon juice with equal amounts of Vitamin E oil or rose water and then apply it to their scars. You should wait for ten minutes and then rinse it off using warm water. You should repeat it once per day until your scar fades. It is a known fact that the lemon can make your skin photosensitive, so this is a reason why you should avoid going out in the sun immediately after the use and you should always use sunscreen when you go outside.
Olive oil
This is also a very effective home remedy for scar removal. It is rich in Vitamin E and it can help to keep the skin moisturized and soft. This will promote the healing process of the damaged skin. You should use extra–virgin olive oil because this will help you to have the best results. You need to apply some warm extra virgin olive oil to your affected area and massage using small and circular motions. You should wait for thirty minutes. Then, wipe off the oil using a clean cloth. Also, you can let the oil stay on your skin overnight.
Also, there is another option and that is to mix a little lavender oil with some extra–virgin oil. Apply this home remedy to your scars and massage gently for a few minutes. You should let it stay there throughout the night for a period of twenty to thirty minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. You should repeat some of the mentioned home remedies several times per day until you are satisfied with the result. [3]
Vitamin E oil
This is a very effective antioxidant which can help to fade scars. It has moisturizing properties that will hydrate your skin it will help to repair the damaged tissue and will improve the appearance of your skin. You should open some Vitamin E capsules to get this oil. You should smear this oil onto the scar and then massage gently for ten minutes. Let it stay there on for about fifteen to twenty minutes and then wash it off using warm water. You should do this scar removal natural treatment several times per day. Some people can have an allergic reaction to Vitamin E oil, so you need to make a small patch test on your skin before you use it. [4]
Coconut oil
This is also a very effective home remedy which can help fade scars. It has Vitamin E which is an antioxidant that will accelerate the healing time and also it will prevent new scars from forming. Coconut oil has capric, caprylic, and lauric acid which will stimulate collagen production, reverse free radical damage and promote the healing of damaged skin. You need to heat some extra virgin coconut oil to liquefy it. You should put this warm oil on your palm and then massage it onto the affected area for a period of five to ten minutes. Let it stay there for at least one hour so your skin can absorb the oil. You should repeat this natural treatment two to four times per day if you want to have the best results. [3]
Aloe Vera
This is a natural scar removal because it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it works as a natural emollient to help repair the damaged skin and it will promote the growth of healthy skin. Also, it can improve skin texture. You should peel the outer green cover off an Aloe Vera leaf and scoop out the gel-like substance. You should apply this gel to the scar and massage it in circular motions. Let it stay there for about thirty minutes and then wash it off. You should apply Aloe Vera gel two times per day. You should never apply Aloe Vera gel on open wounds. [5]
Cocoa butter
This is one of the best natural moisturizers which can help to heal scars of all types. This natural cure will penetrate deep into your skin and will keep the affected area moisturized longer. This can promote the growth of new skin tissues in the place of damaged ones. Also, it has Vitamin E which can aid in skin repair. You should apply a spoonful of pure cocoa butter to your scar and massage it gently using firm and circular motions. You should let it stay there throughout the night and wash it off the next morning using lukewarm water. You should repeat this natural treatment on a daily basis until the scar fades.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies which can help you to heal different types of scars. It has acidic nature that can help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. This will promote the growth of healthy skin cells and can reduce the appearance of scars. Also, this home remedy can balance the pH levels of the skin which is very important for healthy skin texture. You should mix equal amounts of water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You should dip a cotton ball in it and then apply it to your scars. Let it stay there for five minutes and then rinse it off using water. You should do this scar removal natural treatment once per day.
Also, you can make a scar removal home remedy using one teaspoon of honey, 2/3 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. You should apply this mixture to your scars. Let it stay there for thirty minutes and then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Do this natural treatment once per day.
Tea tree oil
This essential oil is a very effective scar removal home remedy which can help to manage skin conditions and to reduce blemishes and scars due to skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
You should add four drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of water. You should use this home remedy to wash the affected area two or three times per day.
Also, there is another option and that is to add two or three drops of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of almond oil. You should apply this home remedy to the scar. Leave it on for thirty minutes and then rinse it off using warm water. You should use this scar removal home remedy once per day. You should never use the tea tree oil in undiluted form. If you are using it for the first time, then you should make a patch test. [6]
References:
[1] Thamboo A, Mulholland G, Matthews K, et al. Objective and subjective scar aesthetics with topical Manuka honey post-thyroidectomy: A randomized control study. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;2(4):203-207.
[2] Packianathan N, Kandasamy R. Skin care with herbal exfoliants. Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology. 2011;5(Special Issue 1):94-97.
[3] Lin T-K, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70.
[4] Baumann LS, Spencer J. The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery. 1999;25(4):311-5.
[5] Oryan A, Mohammadalipour A, Moshiri A, Tabandeh MR. Topical application of aloe vera accelerated wound healing, modeling, and remodeling: An experimental study. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2016;77(1):37-46.
[6] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19(1):50-62.
