6 Remedies to Remove Scars the Natural Way
Scars can be rather unsightly, and at
times, even embarrassing. Scars are typically the result of a cut,
laceration or burn. They can also be caused by stretch marks from
pregnancy or significant weight changes, or an incision due to surgery.
Acne may also be a cause. They can be flat, or they may protrude. While
they can be difficult to live with, especially if located on the face or
the hands, there are, thankfully, many natural scar treatment options
available without having to resort to surgical procedures. In addition,
many of these home remedies are also used to prevent acne, which will
leave your skin feeling healthier all over.
1. Shea butter and Coconut oil
1. Shea butter and Coconut oil
If you've experienced a cut, laceration or a
burn, keep the area moist and cover it, allowing the scar to heal. To
keep the wound moist you can use shea butter or coconut oil. This will
help prevent the scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
One of the benefits is that the omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in
both the shea butter and the coconut oil have been shown to inhibit
keloid scar tissue and repair the skin. They are also very effective at
moisturizing the skin and can be used as a continued regimen to help
minimize the scarring. All you need to do is apply the shea butter or
the coconut oil to the skin two to three times a day. You don't need to
wash it off, however, do be careful when wearing silk garments, as it
may stain.
2. Silicone Gel Sheeting
Silicone gel sheeting is another option you can use to help get rid of
scarring. It is a sticky, clear pad that goes over a cut and can speed
the healing process up. It also makes the scar less red and painful.
They have been widely used in clinical practice since the early 1980s.
Although gel sheeting can be an effective treatment, there are some
downsides to some of the conventional gel sheets. According to some
patients, skin reactions to the tape, excessive sweating and difficulty
and frustration in its application were reported. Furthermore, the
visibility of the treatment on scars located in visible areas like the
face, can be both obvious and unattractive.
3. Onion Extract/Gel
Another natural option is an onion
extraction which can be used because it contains several unique
bioflavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and cephalin. A study in
the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology asked six subjects to
apply onion extract to the affected areas for a period of four weeks. It
was reported that while some subjects experienced mild stinging, it
resolved pretty quickly. At two weeks, the subjects rated the
gel-applied scars to be significantly softer than the control scars.
After applying the onion extraction for four to eight weeks, all
appearance variables of the gel-applied scars had significantly
improved. Thus, it was decided that the onion extract gel is safe and
significantly improves scar appearance after four weeks of daily
application.
4. Pressure Garments
Pressure garments are another treatment option. A mechanical compressive
force exerted by pressure garments to treat scars in burn patients was
first prescribed in 1860. Currently, elastic compression using elastic
garments is the predominant means of using pressure garments.
However, some studies suggest no noticeable healing, but others, like a
2010 study published in the Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, have
claimed that pressure therapy achieves regression success rates of 60 to
85% in scarring.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been used as a great
natural remedy to help heal many skin conditions, including the
treatment of scars. It soothes damaged skin and can help regenerate the
damaged tissues by boosting the healing process. Be sure to opt for pure
aloe vera gel, which can be purchased from a health food store, and
simply apply directly to the scarred area. Leave it on for about 30
minutes or longer. You can also sleep with it as it dries up quickly.
Apply two to three times a day, and this will help diminish your scars
and give a nice glow to your skin, making it tighter whilst reducing
wrinkles.
6. Essential Oils: Tea Tree and Helichrysum
For an amazing natural remedy to heal scars, use tea tree oil. It's
effective because it has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and
antiviral properties. It is also effective in treating and healing acne
scars. But its biggest benefit lies in healing hypertrophic scars, in
fact, it may gradually diminish the scar. Simply take two to four drops
of tea tree oil combined with coconut oil and rub onto the affected area
twice a day.
Another alternative would be to use helichrysum essential oil which is a
great choice for helping to diminish the appearance of scars because of
its antibacterial properties, much like tea tree oil. Due to its
antioxidant properties, helichrysum helps prevent and regenerate damaged
skin.