Nine Oils That Can Help Reduce Scars

Natural Treatments To Try Individually or In Combination 

Scars are a normal part of healing. They form when the dermis (the second layer of skin) is damaged and collagen forms to repair the injury. Often a scar isn’t very visible or just not a problem. In some situations, it can even be a point of pride. But if it’s highly visible or unsightly, you may be looking for a way to make it less visible with clean beauty products.

If you’re interested in a more natural treatment, here are nine oils to consider adding to your natural skincare regimen.  

• Almond Oil
• Carrot Seed Oil
• CBD Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Frankincense Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Marula Oil
• Rosehip Seed Oil
• Vitamin E Oil

Note that some oils, like carrot seed and lavender, in pure essential oil form can be irritating, so they are better with a carrier oil (like almond oil or apricot kernel oil). Also keep in mind that it usually takes some time to experience results, so stick with it to give it a chance to work.  Lastly, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor if you have a medical condition before using any new oils in your organic skincare routine.

Let’s take them in alphabetical order.

Almond Oil

In addition to being an effective carrier oil, almond oil offers several natural skincare benefits, including helping to reduce the appearance of scarring. In fact, it was used in Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine to reduce the appearance of scars and overall skin soothing. It contains Vitamin E, which helps hydrate and soothe, and is especially good at moisturizing dry or damaged skin.  With anti-inflammatory benefits and Vitamin K, almond oil has been shown to help reduce the formation of stretch marks and to heal the skin. It’s also rich in Vitamin A, which is known to help prevent breakouts, maintain healthy skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells. If you have a nut allergy though, you’ll want to skip this one.

Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed essential oil has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal benefits which can be helpful in treating scars, especially older scars, as well as wound healing. There is some evidence it helps prevent dark spots as well.  Avoid applying undiluted carrot seed oil directly to skin as it can cause redness or irritation. Instead, look for carrot seed oil in a carrier oil like coconut or sweet almond oil. It takes about a month to see results, so be patient. Importantly, if you’re pregnant or on estrogen therapy, check with your doctor before using carrot seed oil. 

Hemp Oil

With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, hemp oil can help tame redness and inflamed skin. Applied topically, it penetrates deeply into the skin to get the maximum benefits. There is also evidence that it assists wound healing, helping to minimize scar formation. It helps overall skin hydration and elasticity, so it nourishes the skin as well.

Coconut Oil

Often used as a carrier oil, coconut oil offers several benefits for skin. It contains micronutrients and fatty acids which moisturize, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help repair damaged skin or skin disorders. It also helps stimulate collagen production and soften skin overall. Some report seeing a noticeable difference in their skin in less than two weeks.

Frankincense Oil

This fragrant essential oil has literally been used for centuries by cultures throughout the world for skincare. It provides anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful for treating dry skin as well as healing wounds or skin damage. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, frankincense can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. It helps tighten and brighten skin, which is good for treating discoloration. On ingredient labels, you’ll often see it listed by its botanical name, Boswellia Carterii. 

Lavender Oil

You’re probably familiar with the relaxation benefits of lavender. But with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, some research suggests it may help prevent scarring by promoting cell and tissue growth. Topical application of lavender essential oil has been shown to help with wound healing by increasing production of collagen and regenerative tissue. It may be most effective to help speed up wound closure and the beginning phase of scar treatment. Note that it may be irritating, so you may want to test it on a small patch of skin, especially if you’re using pure lavender essential oil.

Marula Oil

Marula oil can be used as an essential oil and is a popular ingredient in natural skincare products. It contains amino acids for hydration and anti-aging benefits, fatty acids for moisturizing and emollient benefits and antioxidants (including Vitamins C and E), which fight free radicals and sun damage caused by UV rays. If you have a nut allergy, you may also have a sensitivity to marula oil, so definitely test it on a small patch of skin before using.

Rosehip Seed Oil

As the name implies, this nutrient rich oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes. With anti-inflammatory fatty acids plus Vitamins A and C, it helps treat signs of aging, hydrates and helps repair damaged skin and rebuild collagen. It can help reduce skin discoloration overall and has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation in some scars. Another study found that it helps reduce the appearance of post-surgical scars, among patients who applied it twice daily for about three months. Another benefit of rosehip seed oil is that it absorbs easily and doesn’t leave a greasy feeling.

Vitamin E Oil

You probably noticed that some of the oils discussed here contain Vitamin E, so why not go straight to the source? Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Because it can penetrate the skin and reduce the formation of free radicals, it can assist the healing process. It helps retain moisture in the skin while boosting collagen production. While it can be used directly on its own, for some people that may cause irritation, redness or itching, so be sure to test it first.

One way to easily access several of these oils is Hälsa Skincare So Sensitive Facial Oil.  With four organic plant oils - apricot kernel, marula, rosehip and sunflower seed - plus 100mg full spectrum hemp extract, it packs lots of nourishment. You can use it as a spot treatment on scars as well as dry or irritated skin, or even dark spots - or as an allover facial oil. And it’s packaged in a pocket sized roller bottle that you can take with you.

For even more hemp oil benefits, try Hälsa Skincare Calm Body Oil with 1000mg full spectrum hemp extract in a base of organic carrot oil as well as organic sesame, avocado, raspberry seed and Swedish twinflower oils. Even if your intention is to treat a scar, you’ll also appreciate the overall benefits and nourishment of this soothing body oil.