According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a scar is the body’s way of repairing wounds after surgery or an injury like a burn. While burn scars are a normal part of healing after an accident, they can be embarrassing for some people. However, there are some home remedies that can help to lighten burn scars. These treatments have not been backed by the FDA however, so talk to your doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatment on yourself.
Cedar Essential Oil, Sage Essential Oil and Jojoba Oil
According to Ann Worwood, author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” a mixture of cedar essential oil, sage essential oil and jojoba oil can be made and applied to the skin to help lighten burn scars. To make and use this mixture, combine ½ tsp. cedar essential oil, ½ tsp. sage essential oil and 10 tsp. jojoba oil in jar or bottle and shake to thoroughly combine. Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a clean cotton ball or pad and dab the cotton on the skin. Leave the mixture on for approximately 20 minutes or until the mixture is almost completely dry. Rinse the skin with cool, clean water and wash the mixture off with a gentle cleanser. Apply a gentle moisturizer to the area if you typically use one. This treatment can be repeated up to twice per day as long as you do not notice any irritation or excessive redness. Unused portions of this mixture can be kept in a dark, cool place for one month.
Fresh Banana and Mint Leaves
According to Melanie A. Sachs, author of “Ayurvedic Beauty Care,” a mixture of fresh banana and mint leaves can be used to help lighten burn scars. To make and use this mixture, combine 1 whole banana and ¼ cup fresh mint leaves in a blender or food processor with 1 tbsp. clean water and puree on high speed until a thick paste is formed. Transfer the mixture to a clean container and apply a thick layer to the affected area. Leave the mixture on the skin for 30 minutes and rinse with cool water before washing with a gentle cleanser. This treatment can be repeated three times per day as long as you do not notice any irritation or redness. Unused portions of this mixture can be kept for 24 hours in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.
Egg Whites and Lemon Juice
According to Jethro Kloss, author of “"Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies since 1939,” a mixture of egg whites and freshly-squeezed lemon juice can be applied to the skin to lighten burn scars. To make and use this mixture, combine 1 egg white with 1½ tbsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine. Gently massage the mixture onto the affected area and leave it on until it dries. Rinse the skin with cool water and wash with a gentle cleanser before applying your regular moisturizer if you use one. This treatment can be repeated daily as long as it does not irritate your skin or cause extreme redness. Unused portions of this mixture should not be kept for more than 24 hours.
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Ann Worwood; 1991
- "Ayurvedic Beauty Care"; Melanie A. Sachs; 1994
- "Back to Eden: The Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Foods, and Home Remedies since 1939"; Jethro Kloss; 2004
- American Academy of Dermatology: What is a Scar?
