Facial scars can make some feel self-conscious about their appearance. Whether from acne, an injury, or surgery, scars on the face can be unsightly. Thankfully, certain natural oils may help reduce the visibility of these scars over time when applied topically. Read on to learn which oils are best for fading different types of facial scarring.
Best Oils for Fading Scars
1. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil contains high concentrations of skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. These nutrients areexceptional at encouraging skin regeneration and reducing discoloration.
Studies show that regularly massaging rosehip seed oil into recent scars for at least 12 weeks leads to noticeable improvement in scar color,pigmentation, and texture. Its skin-regenerative properties make it ideal for smoothing and restructuring uneven, bumpy facial scarring
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is celebrated for its exceptional moisturizing abilities. Keeping scars well-hydrated prevents drying, cracking, and overproduction of collagen fibers that worsen their appearance.
The lauric acid and vitamin E in coconut oil boost collagen production within scar tissue. More collagen results in stronger, suppler scars that blend with surrounding skin over time.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E - two components excellent at repairing, protecting, and nourishing damaged skin. Applying olive oil firmly to thick, raised scars helps soften and flatten them by hydrating scar tissue and stimulating circulation.
In addition to massaging olive oil into scars, mixing it with sea salt or sugar to gently exfoliate the face may aid scar fading. The nutrients in olive oil then deeply penetrate freshly exfoliated skin for optimal revitalization.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Never underestimate essential oils when working to reduce scarring! True lavender essential oil is revered for its skin-regenerative and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It also promotes new skin cell growth to speed overall healing.
Try combining a couple drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil before gently massaging into facial scars. This infuses your scar tissue with lavender’s beautifying properties for a synergistic scar treatment.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent, antimicrobial botanical extract derived from the Australian tea tree. Along with boasting anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is highly effective at reducing post-acne scarring and other indentations in the skin.
It's believed that tea tree oil's ability to rejuvenate skin cells is largely responsible for its success at gently fading all types of depressions and uneven textures left behind from wounds.
6. Argan Oil
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for scar healing. The antioxidants in argan oil help protect the skin from free radicals, while vitamin E supports skin repair and regeneration. Applying argan oil to scars can contribute to a softer texture and reduced visibility over time. Its lightweight nature also makes it suitable for various skin types.
7. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is known for its high linoleic acid content, which is beneficial for skin repair and regeneration. Linoleic acid helps maintain the skin barrier and supports the healing process.
Grapeseed oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it a suitable option for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Regular application can contribute to minimizing the appearance of scars and promoting overall skin health.
8. Almond Oil
Amond oil is a nourishing oil that contains vitamins A, E, and D, along with fatty acids. These components can help moisturize and soften scar tissue, promoting a smoother and more even skin texture.
Almond oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in reducing redness and irritation around scars. Gently massaging sweet almond oil onto scars can aid in their gradual fading.
9. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is renowned for its skin-rejuvenating properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can support the healing process of scars. Mixing a few drops of frankincense essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, and applying it to scars may help improve their appearance over time. The aromatic properties of frankincense also provide a soothing effect.
10. Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. These fatty acids contribute to the skin's barrier function and help with the regeneration of damaged skin cells. Regular application of hemp seed oil can promote the fading of scars and may alleviate itching or discomfort associated with healing skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
How to Use Oils on Facial Scars
Implementing a simple routine is crucial when attempting to fade scars with oils. Here are some tips:
1. Cleanse/exfoliate skin to remove excess dirt and dead cells so oils can penetrate efficiently. Be very gentle when exfoliating scars.
2. Pour a dime-sized amount of oil onto fingers and gently massage into each scar using circular movements for 5 minutes per scar. Apply light pressure.
3. Allow the oil to fully absorb for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Leaving it overnight provides maximum benefits.
4. Repeat process once to twice daily for at least 12 weeks for best results. Consistency and patience is key.
5. Always do a patch test before applying new oils to avoid negative reactions. Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil.
6.cUse pure, high-quality, cold-pressed oils for maximum nutrient potency. Store in dark bottles out of sunlight.
7. Avoid picking/scrubbing/irritating scars as this can hinder fading. Wear sunscreen when going outside.
Which Scars Respond Best to Oils?
The efficacy of scar removal oils depends partially on the type of scar:
Raised/Hypertrophic Scars - These prominent, raised scars with often irregular textures respond very well to moisturizing and regenerative oils like rosehip seed, coconut, olive, and lavender.
Acne/Depressed Scars - Sunken acne scars created by inflamed pores benefit greatly from nutrient-dense oils like rosehip seed and tea tree that regenerate skin cells.
Surgical Scars - Straight, clean surgical scars tend to fade better over time than jagged, uneven ones. Applying shea butter, coconut oil or vitamin E oil helps minimize surgical scarring.
Keloids - Thick, rubbery scars that grow beyond the original wound do not fade easily with oils alone. Seek a dermatologist to remove/minimize these first before applying natural oils to refine their appearance.
Scar Fading Takes Time & Patience
While oils can help scars appear less noticeable over time, results require dedication and reasonable expectations. Some scars simply may not fade completely regardless of your best efforts. Don’t become discouraged if improvements come slowly at first. Subtle changes compound with consistent, gentle daily treatment.
Certain oils do offer skin rejuvenation potential that, when paired with patience, may surprise you with their ability to reduce the appearance of scars over time. Commit to a simple routine for at least 12 weeks before deciding if a particular oil works well with your unique scars.