4 Essential Oils For Scars that will Surprise You

January 12, 2021
Skincare

From time to time, we all feel a little self-conscious about our skin. Whether you are dealing with acne, dryness, or scarring, it is important that you develop a skincare routine that leaves you feeling (and looking) good. One way in which you can do this is by using essential oils for scars. They can reduce the appearance of scars, alongside eliminating redness and inflammation.

What causes scarring?

Scarring is simply part of your body’s natural healing process. When your skin is wounded, the tissue breaks down. To repair the damaged tissue, your body produces excess amounts of collagen. Collagen then builds up around the tissue, helping to heal the wound but often leaving a scar in its place. However, the collagen is thicker and less flexible than the rest of your skin, which is why you may need essential oils for scars to minimize its appearance.

faces scars

Numerous different things can cause scarring. This includes:

Accidents/injuries
Acne
Chickenpox
Burns
Cuts

Scars come in different shapes and sizes, and some take longer to heal than others. However, essential oils for scars are a great way to make the process a little easier for you. With that in mind, here are some of the best essential oils for scars!

1 | Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum | Helichrysum italicum

Source: Helichrysum essential oil derives from the Helichrysum italicum plant. The plant grows in many areas of Southern Europe, particularly Italy. In fact, the name Helichrysum Italicum translates to ‘the Italian Hesperostipa.’ Helichrysum oil has a slightly spicy aroma.

Benefits: Helichrysum essential oil contains a large amount of arzanol. Arzanol is a chemical compound with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. This means it is great for treating scars. The antibacterial and antiviral properties reduce the risk of infection and further scarring, while the anti-inflammatory properties minimize any swelling and redness.

2 | Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood | Juniperus virginiana

Source: Cedarwood oil derives from the Cedar tree (Juniperus virginiana), primarily extracted from the wood. Cedar trees grow across the world, from Canada to England, but you may know them as ‘Juniper trees.’ Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woody aroma.

Benefits: Cedarwood essential oil has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Perhaps its most significant benefit is that it increases your production of sebum, a wax-like substance that moisturizes and protects your skin. This means it can reduce the risk of scarring altogether by clearing up skin conditions such as acne. However, it can also minimize the appearance of scars, resulting in a brighter, clearer complexion.

3 | Geranium Essential Oil

geranium flower, leaf, and essential oil

Geranium | Pelargonium graveolens

Source: Geranium essential oil derives from the leaves of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, which originate from South Africa, though the essential oil has a long documented history – for centuries, it featured in medicines in Europe and Asia. Geranium essential oil has a sweet, floral aroma.

Benefits: Geranium essential oils contain a variety of chemicals, including Citronellol and Geraniol. Citronellol has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which promote healing and reduce swelling. Geraniol is a powerful antioxidant, which encourages skin repair. Therefore, the oil restores your skin, reducing the appearance of scars.

4 | Neroli Essential Oil

Neroli | Citrus aurantium

Source: Neroli oil derives from bitter orange trees (Citrus aurantium), which grow in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. The oil comes from the tree’s flowers as opposed to the fruit. Neroli oil has a sweet, citrus-like aroma.

Benefits: Neroli oil is one of the most popular essential oils for scars. This is because it has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it is known for being particularly gentle. This means it is suitable for those with sensitive skin, who may find it hard to find ingredients that do not irritate their skin. It can also speed up the healing process, meaning that scars will heal quicker.

Improve Scars with Plant-based Skincare

There are many essential oils for scars. Even better, they are easy to use and apply. When introduced to your skincare routine, they can reduce redness and inflammation and promote healing. This means that your scars will fade quicker, leaving you feeling like your old self in no time at all. Read more about essential oils, including those offering skin tightening benefits.