This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
Understanding Scars ¶
Scars form as part of the natural healing process following an injury. When the dermis, the second layer of skin, is damaged, your body forms collagen fibers to repair the damage, resulting in a scar.
Typically, the severity of the scar is based on the severity of the injury or damage. In most cases, the faster a wound heals, the less collagen will be deposited and the less noticeable the scar will be.
Top Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Scars ¶
While there's no known way to make scars totally disappear, many will become lighter over time on their own. Advocates of natural healing believe that there are remedies that can speed up the lightening process and make a scar less noticeable.
Aloe Vera ¶
Apply aloe vera gel directly to your scar using circular motions. After half an hour, wash the gel off with fresh, cool water. Repeat twice each day.
Vitamin E ¶
Massage vitamin E oil onto the scar for about 10 minutes. After about 20 minutes, wash off the oil with warm water. Repeat this process a minimum of 3 times per day.
Honey ¶
Before going to bed, cover your scar with a layer of honey. Wrap the honey-covered scar with a bandage. Leave it on for one full night. In the morning, remove the bandage and wash off the honey with warm water.
Coconut Oil ¶
Heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil, just enough to liquefy it. Massage the oil into the scar for about 10 minutes. Let the skin absorb the oil for a minimum of one hour. Repeat two to four times every day.
Apple Cider Vinegar ¶
Combine 4 tablespoons of distilled water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Dip a cotton ball into the water-cider mixture and generously dab your scar. Let it dry. Do this every night before you go to bed, washing the area in the morning.
Lavender and Olive Oil ¶
Mix three drops of lavender essential oil into three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Massage the mixture into the scarred area for about 5 minutes. Leave the oil in place for about 30 minutes. Rinse the area with warm water. Repeat this process a minimum of three times a day.
Lemon ¶
Cut a wedge from a fresh lemon. Gently rub the juicy side of the lemon on the scar while you squeeze the juice onto the scar. Relax for about 10 minutes before rinsing off the area with cool water. Do this every day at approximately the same time.
Potato ¶
Slice a potato into medium thick rounds. In a circular motion, rub the potato slice on your scar. Once the potato slice starts to dry out, discard it and continue rubbing with another slice. Continue rubbing and replacing for about 20 minutes and then let the scar air-dry for about 10 minutes. Rinse the area with cool water. Repeat this process at least one time each day.
Rosehip and Frankincense ¶
Mix equal parts rosehip essential oil and frankincense essential oil. Massage the rosehip-frankincense mixture onto the scar. Wait for 45 minutes before gently rinsing the area with warm water. Follow this procedure three times a day.
Baking Soda ¶
Mix distilled water — a little at time — into two tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a paste. Wet your scar with distilled water and then apply the paste to the wet scar. Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 15 minutes. Rinse the area and repeat daily.
