Scars are a result of the natural healing process, and so they are usually nothing to be worried about. However, self-care measures and other remedies may help lighten the scars.
It is best to protect yourself from injuries and take proper care of your wounds to avoid scar formation in the first place.
You can help improve the appearance of scars at home using various commonly available ingredients. Here are some methods you you should keep in mind.
1. Coconut oil + rose petals
This miracle oil can remove all stretch marks, accidental marks, acne scars from your skin in just 3 days. Believe me its true you can notice a big change in first 3 days of consecutive use. You need:
– Take 1 cup coconut oil in a pan
– Add dried rose petals in to this
– Cook this oil on low flame for 20 minutes
– Let it cool and filter it
Application
Apply this oil on affected area every night before going to bed
Massage for few minutes and then leave it
Wash it off next morning
2. Turmeric powder
To clear scars caused by accidents, roast turmeric powder (not packed turmeric available in markets but turmeric used on face) and mix it with desi ghee. Apply this gently on your scars with the help of your fingertips. Wash this off in about 20 minutes. This mixture completely clears scars but it is always good to ask your physician before starting off on any beauty regime.
3. Onions
Onions are rich in medicinal compounds that stimulate the healing of a wound or injury.
A study demonstrated that the use of a 12% onion extract gel thrice a day could help reduce scar height and other scar symptoms post-operation. Another study found that onion extract gels can safely improve the appearance of new scars by influencing their redness, smoothness, and softness.
How to use:
Ground onions to a paste and apply topically to help reduce the formation of scars.
Application of onion in the form of paste or extract-containing gels not only improves scars but also helps prevent scar formation.
4. Baking soda
Another homemade remedy to clear scars is by the use of baking soda, which is a natural exfoliator and aids in gently scraping the scar tissue layer by layer. Make a light paste using two parts of water and one part of baking soda. Scrub this gently on the scars for about a minute after which you can rinse it off. Make sure you avoid rubbing vigorously.
5. Almond oil
Almond oil has a high content of vitamin E and fatty acid, which help in skin repair.
A study demonstrated the effectiveness of a 15-minute massage using almond oil during pregnancy in reducing the appearance of striae gravidarum. Another study revealed that sweet almond oil helped relieve the itch associated with striae and prevented its progression.
How to use:
Massage the affected area with almond oil at bedtime can help improve scar appearance. Besides, coconut and olive oil can also be used to massage the scar. However, these are just anecdotal remedies, and therefore, should be used with caution.
Almond oil has been shown to help inhibit striae development and therefore aids in preventing stretch marks.
6. Aloe vera
The use of aloe vera for healing scars is popular due to its anecdotal evidence. However, there is a lack of scientific proof. Aloe vera gel is known to provide nourishment and heal the skin, thus suggesting its use for scar removal.
How to use:
Extract fresh aloe vera gel and apply it directly over acne scars for around half an hour before washing it with warm water. Repeat the remedy twice a day. Alternatively, you may mix aloe vera gel in your moisturizing cream and apply overnight.
5. Honey
Honey has been long used as a therapeutic dermatological agent due to its antimicrobial properties. While honey has been used anecdotally for treating scars, there is a need for more scientific studies to establish its efficacy.
How to use
Mix two tablespoons of honey with ¼th cup of oatmeal and apply on acne scars. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes and wash with warm water.
6. Try essential oils
Different essential oils are used for dermatological purposes such as toning, reducing inflammation, soothing, and also as an antimicrobial agent. However, their use for treating scars lacks scientific evidence.
Anecdotally, lavender rosehip, tea tree, and frankincense essential oils have been used for massaging the scar tissue.
What to remember:
1. Apply vitamin E oil, you can extract it from a capsule and apply it on your scars before you hit the bed everyday. This is an effective method to fade out spots and scars.
2. Drink a lot of water. Keep a track that you eat healthy because this helps in removing the toxins from your body and in turn gives you a scar-free face.
3. Never use plain lemon juice on your face because it can harm the skin. Dilute lemon juice in water or rose water and then use it on your skin.
4. Wash your face at least twice a day if not more, using fresh cold water. This prevents the clogging of pores.
5. Use a good oil control face wash to help prevent excess oil secretion which leads to acne and scars.
References: emedihealth.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, sex-health.net
