Best Essential Oils for Scars – Acne, Burns & Surgical Scar Treatment

Essential Oils for Scars

Scars are marks from previously healed wounds which may be caused by acne, burns, surgery or other injuries. Scars can range from barely visible to disfiguring. When the skin is cut, it quickly tries to re-grow over the wound, but depending on the severity of the infliction, may form a permanent scar. Scarred skin is often thicker, may be shiny, or a different color than the rest of your skin.¹ Some people may find dealing with the scars as traumatic as the injuries that caused them in the first place.

Scars may cause side effects such as pain, tenderness, itchy skin, disrupt sleep or other daily activities. Scars may also cause emotional or mental side effects such as anxiety, loss of self-esteem, depression, or stigmatization.  These symptoms can all be treated with essential oils, but it’s important to treat the underlying cause itself; scars.²

There are several forms of scars including keloid, hypertrophic, acne and contracture scars. These can range from small, surface level abrasions to deep scars. Some scars may impair movement, muscles or cause damage to nerves.²

Regardless of the cause or type, proper wound care can make a significant difference in scar treatment. It’s important for individuals to learn how to fade scars the right way to improve the chances of proper healing.

Individuals are cautioned to not treat wounds with hydrogen peroxide or vitamin E, which can inhibit healing or damage surrounding skin.² Using gentle or natural alternatives, such as essential oils for scars may promote wound healing while protecting surrounding skin.

As a part of a comprehensive approach to scar treatment, individuals are often encouraged to gently massage the scar once it has healed. This action helps prevent concentrated collagen from forming in the tissues below the scar.² Using specific essential oils for healing scar tissue may improve these results and reduce visibility.

Essential oils contain various natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and wound healing properties that make them a good alternative method to reduce scars. For those wondering how to get rid of burn scars, essential oils may provide temporary soothing and long term relief. Individuals can even use essential oils for old scars, or as a part of natural acne scar remedies.

To date, there is little existing research on essential oils for internal scar tissue. As a rule, essential oils for scarring are to only be used externally and if redness, irritation or pain exists, discontinue use and consult your health care practitioner.

What Essential Oil is Good for Scars?

Factors such your age, tendency to scar, type of scar and how big the wound, will all help determine the best essential oil for scar treatment. Thanks to increasing scientific research into natural and home remedies for scars, the following are considered the top essential oils for healing scars.

The Best Essential Oils for Scars are:

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
2. Lemon Essential Oil
3. Helichrysum Essential Oil
4. Lavender Essential Oil
5. Carrot Essential Oil

Tea Tree Oil Scars

Melaleuca alternifolia – better known as tea tree oil – is a native plant from Australia. For treating scars, tea tree essential oil’s primary benefits include anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Thanks to continuing research on essential oils for face scars, tea tree has been increasingly noted as one of the best essential oil for acne scars.

Tea tree oil for acne scars may be a less invasive and more affordable method than other traditional acne scar treatments such as chemical peeling or laser resurfacing.³ Fortunately, using tea tree oil for scars is an ideal and easy-to-use treatment that can be done at home.

DIY Tea Tree Scar Recipe

To treat acne scars, mix 3 drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil or unscented lotion. Gently massage the mixture over the entire scare. Use up to twice daily.

Lemon Essential Oil for Acne Scars

Individuals with acne scars often want to improve their complexions and restore a balanced pH level to their skin. It is widely believed that the valuable qualities in lemon essential oil work as a natural skin toner to help improve complexion and even out skin tone. It’s also one of the best oil for scars of a hypertrophic nature.

Scar Lemon Essential Oil Recipe

Using lemon essential oil for acne scar treatment is easy to prepare at home. Simply mix 2 drops of lemon essential oil in a cup of water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and lightly dab it on acne scars.

Helichrysum Essential Oil for Scars

Traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as acne, scars and burns, helichrysum essential oil’s valuable benefits include natural wound healing, antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

In a 2014 study, helichrysum essential oil was topically applied to scars on post-surgery patients. Results indicate that helichrysum essential oil was able to reduce visible scarring by up to 50% in some patients. With natural antibacterial properties, helichrysum essential oil can also help keep the wound clean and prevent infection. Out of all the essential oils good for scars, helichrysum is often considered one of the best.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Recipe

For scar care, mix 1-2 drops of helichrysum essential oil with 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil. Gently apply to the affected areas until absorbed.

Lavender Essential Oil for Scars

There are several benefits of lavender essential oil including natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities. Lavender essential oil has been used for natural beauty treatments and cosmetics since the 1920s.

When applied topically, lavender essential oil may help keep the area around the scar moist, and help reduce tenderness.

Using lavender essential oil for acne scars is beneficial because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Diluted lavender essential oil can be used as a face wash and gentle scrub to promote moisture to help acne scar healing.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil for Scars

Three notable benefits of carrot seed essential oil are its anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial activity, and natural SPF protection. These qualities help protect skin from dryness, discoloration, and potentially harmful free radicals.

Because of versatility, carrot seed is considered one of the most effective essential oils for acne scars. As well as keeping the skin moist, it helps balance the color around scars and protect the skin from darkening when exposed to UV rays.

To use carrot seed essential oils for surgical scars or acne scars, mix 3 to 5 drops with 1 Tbsp. of carrier oil, such as coconut or sunflower, and apply in a circular motion.