Although some people love their scars because it makes them look tough, or so they think, most of us don’t really like the appearance of scars, especially scars on our face or other highly visible places. This can occur for several reasons like minor burns, cuts, scrapes, acne, a fungal infection, bites or some kind of surgery.
Technically speaking, scar tissue is the same type of tissue as healthy skin. But it looks different because the fibers in this tissue are arranged differently.
Treating our skin as nature intended is the best way to prevent and heal tissue damage like scars and stretch marks. Using natural remedies to treat scars can restore your skin`s natural ability to heal, without exposing your skin to chemicals or investing in costly treatment. Here are some effective remedies for scars and stretch marks:
Lemon Juice
Lemons are rich in vitamin C that plays an important role in synthesis of collagen in the body. For this reason, regular use of lemons – both internally as part of the diet and externally on the skin – can help keep your skin healthy and free from scars. First, clean the skin with a gentle cleanser, dunk a cotton ball into lemon juice, then apply to the affected region. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
You can also combine lemon juice with other ingredients for scar-reducing effect. Mix one tablespoon each of lemon juice, honey and almond oil with two tablespoons of milk. Apply this mixture on your scars once a day for about one week to see an improvement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil or capsules are probably the best known remedy to heal scars or stretch-marks naturally. It stimulates the formation of collagen, which improves skin texture, strength, and flexibility.
Concentrated vitamin E oil, vitamin E lotions, or the contents of vitamin E capsules can directly be used on the affected area. Let set for a while and repeat twice a day. Make sure the wound has fully healed, as vitamin E can interfere with the healing process. You could combine the topical use with daily internal vitamin E supplements or add more vitamin E rich foods to your diet (like almonds, hazelnuts, olive oil, and sunflower seeds) for a better effect.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its ability to regenerate skin tissue and can help reduce the size and appearance of scars. Its soothing and moisturizing property will increase the elasticity of scar tissue and help reduce inflammation. The gel-like substance obtained from the leaves of aloe plant has a magical ability to heal skin problems.
Wash a leaf of aloe plant and peel out its outermost green layer to reach the inner jelly-like substance. Scoop out the jelly with a spoon and apply a little quantity directly onto the scarred tissue. Repeat this twice a day, leaving the gel on for about half an hour each time. Wash it off every time with plain water. Repeat for a few days and you will notice that your scars become undetectable and your skin feels tighter to get a distinct glow.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is useful for removing scars because it doesn’t clog pores and loosens dead skin cells. Try massaging a dime sized amount to your scars daily and allow them to dry. Place the oil in the affected area overnight and rinse in the morning. This will help to lighten the scar and soften your skin. Within a week you should start to see scars and stretch marks starting to fade.
Honey
Another natural moisturizer which can help heal scars is honey. It is best to use raw honey, not the processed kind found on the shelves of most chain grocery stores. To obtain the best quality, try your local farmer’s market or natural health care store. Once you’ve gotten the good stuff, simply massage a small amount of honey over your scars and let this wonder of nature work its magic. You can also mix about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon per two tablespoons of honey for added pore-cleansing power. Use this treatment as often and for as long as you like.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is known for its uses as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent. But tea tree oil is also lesser known for its skin healing properties. Many users have reported that applying tea tree oil to scars and stretch marks on a daily basis works to reduce the appearance noticeably.
Although most people dilute tea tree essential oil in a carrier oil, it can be used topically and undiluted as well. But keep in mind, it can sting and cause irritation if you have a sensitive skin. So try it on a small healthy patch of skin first. Apply the undiluted tea tree oil, once a day, on the affected area and leave for about 20-30 minutes. Safety reminder: never use tea tree oil internally!
Or add the tea tree oil to a good base oil, like coconut or olive oil, and massage the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Another way to use tea tree oil, is to add it to warm water and use as a soap to clean the affected area.
Note: The key to natural lessening and elimination of scar tissue is persistence. Serious scars may take up to several months, but with persistent and consistent effort you should eventually see good results.