Almost every person has a scar they’d really rather not see every day, some that you may notice on a daily basis, while others are hidden under layers of clothes. If you have scars from cuts and scrapes, injuries, acne, or surgery, chances are nobody else is noticing, but they can be annoying and make you feel self-conscious.
While scars are inevitable, there are a lot of natural remedies you can use to minimize their appearance. It’s important to note that it may take consistent applications—daily is ideal—for results to be noticeable over time.
10 Natural Scar Remedies
Putting everyday products into therapeutic use is fun and can give you a good feeling. Who knew that there is so much out there that you can use to help your body. If you have some unsightly scars and you’re also battling stretch marks, the following natural scar treatments can help
1. Cucumber
Cucumbers bring with them some anti-inflammatory effects from naturally-occurring phytochemicals, along with the antioxidant effects of flavonoids. This ‘fruit’ is especially helpful for acne scars, as a cucumber mask or cucumber lotion can minimize inflammation and the appearance of scars on the face or body. Cucumbers also have a lightening agent that will reduce residual redness.
Try this easy combination at home:
- 1 peeled cucumber
- 1 tablespoon organic Greek yogurt
Puree the cucumber and then mix in the yogurt. Apply to the face or other affected areas and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Here’s a bonus: you can eat it, too!
2. Frankincense Oil
This essential oil has well-known anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat dry skin. It has been used to reverse the signs of aging, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute apple cider vinegar with anywhere from 1 to 4 parts water (depending on how sensitive your skin is) and dab or swipe that on using a cotton ball to help fade scars and sun spots. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, try this wonder ingredient in an acne-fighting turmeric-apple cider vinegar astringent to make use of the antibacterial effects the liquid possesses.
4. Aloe Vera
This native plant can work wonders on scarring. Among many other benefits, aloe reduces inflammation, swelling, and redness
5. Lemon Juice
Another great treatment for acne scars, lemon juice is known for its bleaching action when used in combination with the sun, and it helps to fade any dark discolorations in the skin. Combine it with aloe’s inflammation-fighting power in an aloe-lemon face mixture to get more oomph for your skin.
6. Vitamin K Cream or Serum
Leafy greens are the best natural source of vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting. When it comes to skin, a topical application of vitamin K can help minimize spider veins, bruising, scars, and stretch marks. Find either a cream or serum form for best results.
7. Baking Soda
Beauty mavens from all around the world swear by baking soda for discoloration and acne scars. It’s also a gentle exfoliant. Baking soda is thought to work like a magnet, pulling any ickiness out of the skin. Mix a little water with baking soda to make a paste and apply to wet skin, then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also hold a warm compress on it for even better results.
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil helps loosen dead skin cells and lighten and soften scars. It’s inexpensive and readily available. You can even leave a little olive oil on the affected area overnight for extra moisturizing.
9. Cocoa Butter
In addition to working well for stretch marks, cocoa butter--either organic or raw--is a highly concentrated fat that penetrates deep into the skin to heal, smooth, and soften. This is a great remedy if you have larger scars because you can cover more area easily with a jar of this popular oil.
10. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has been shown to improve collagen synthesis, which is the major building block of healthy skin. In addition to helping treat burns, eczema, and acne, lavender’s healing and soothing properties may also help diminish scar tissue. Another benefit of lavender is its ability to help with sleep and anxiety. Lavender is gentle enough that you can apply a couple of drops to the affected area daily.
Conclusion
If you want to make a scar look less noticeable, you may want to try a natural remedy. It’s no question that natural remedies can get the job done for your skin, if you use them daily and use ingredients that are 100% pure. As with any home remedy, have a conversation with your doctor or dermatologist before starting. They can offer insights and recommendations about which remedies you should or should not try, based on your skin, your health history, and your lifestyle.