Scars can be a great way to tell a story, however not everyone wants to put them on display. They’re a natural part of the body’s healing process after an injury, burn, surgery, or other trauma to the skin. And depending on where the scar is and its size, it may make you feel self conscious. Turns out, there are a number of natural remedies for scars so you can treat them safely at home. From aloe vera to shea butter, coconut oil, and more, take a look at how to get rid of scars.
5 Common Types of Scars
- Normal Fine Line Scars: These are the typical scars that form as part of the natural healing process, usually from a minor wound like a cut. Over time, they may fade and become less noticeable, blending in with the surrounding skin. They’re common following a wound or surgery, and aren’t usually painful, but may be itchy for a few months.
- Keloid Scars: Keloids are raised, thickened scars that extend beyond the original wound. They result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process and are typically more common in individuals with darker skin. Keloid scars are red or purple when newly formed, before gradually becoming paler. They’re often itchy or painful and can restrict movement if they’re tight and near a joint.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Similar to keloids, hypertrophic scars are raised and red, but they stay within the boundaries of the original wound. They’re also the result of excess collagen being produced at the wound site, and may continue to thicken for up to six months. They may improve over time but are usually more noticeable than normal scars.
- Atrophic Scars: These scars appear indented or sunken into the skin, as they heal below the normal layer of skin tissue. They form when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue, leaving behind imbalance scarring. They can result from the loss of underlying tissue, such as in the case of acne scars.
- Burn Scars: Scars resulting from burns can vary in appearance, from raised and red to sunken and white. The severity of the burn influences the type of scar that forms. Contracture scars are common after burns and can limit movement if they’re severe.
9 Natural Remedies for Scars
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that may promote healing and reduce scar appearance. Not only does it soothe damaged skin, it helps regenerate the damaged tissues by boosting the healing process. It’s best to use the gel found directly from the aloe vera leaf, however, it’s easy to find pure aloe vera online or in health stores. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scar, two to three times daily.
2. Shea Butter
Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which can help moisturize and nourish the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants have been shown to inhibit keloid scar tissue and speed up the healing process. It’s also super moisturizing, so is very beneficial to your skin in general.
3. Onion Extract
Another more surprising remedy is onion extract, which may help reduce inflammation and improve the texture of scars. It contains several unique bioflavenoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and cepalin, which help improve the appearance of scars.
4. Raw Honey
Raw honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up tissue repair and wound healing. It also contains flavonoid and polyphenol compounds that can reduce the redness colouring of scars. Keep in mind, processed honey doesn’t have these properties so make sure to use raw unfiltered honey.
5. Coconut Oil
Similar to shea butter, coconut oil contains fatty acids that help moisturize the skin, creating a barrier as it heals. It’s also believed to boost collagen production, which can help minimize scarring by binding new tissue together. Plus, it’s high in vitamin E, which can help with scarring-related redness and hyper pigmentation.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon contains citric acid, which aids in lightening scars. The acidity may also help exfoliate the skin. Before you apply lemon juice, clean the skin with a gentle cleanser, then soak a cotton ball into lemon juice, and apply it to the scar. Once the area is dry, rinse thoroughly. And make sure not to go out into the sun with lemon juice on your skin, as it can cause a severe burn-like rash.
7. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is naturally rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A,C, and E, which may promote skin regeneration. It’s been shown to have the ability to heal and fade post-surgical scars, as well as prevent premature aging. Combine a couple drops of rosehip oil with coconut oil and massage it on the area to reduce the appearance of scarring.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil has been shown to improve collagen synthesis, a major building block of healthy skin. It can help treat skin conditions like burns and eczema, and due to its healing and soothing properties, may also help diminish scar tissue. Lavender oil is gentle enough to use directly on your skin, but you can always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil if you prefer.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda works as a natural exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells, and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells. The new, regenerated skin can reduce the prominence of scars over time. Mix water into two tablespoons of baking soda (a little at a time), until it forms a paste. Wet your scar with water, then apply the paste to the wet scar. Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 10 minutes. Rinse the area and repeat daily.
If you’re looking to get rid of an old scar, we hope these tips help you get rid of your scars naturally.
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