According to MayoClinic.com, scars are the body's natural defense after any type of injury or surgical procedure. Though large scars may need medical attention, there are some treatments that can help reduce the visibility of mild to moderate scarring according to Julia Lawless, author of "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to The Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being," and Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures: More than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies."
Essential Oil Blend for Scars
Step 1
Combine ½ tsp. cabreuva essential oil, ½ tsp. carrot seed essential oil, ½ tsp. mandarin essential oil, ½ tsp. orange blossom essential oil, ½ tsp. lime essential oil, ¼ tsp. lemon essential oil, ¼ tsp. lemongrass essential oil, ¼ tsp. mastic essential oil and 1 cup olive oil in a dark-colored bottle with a tight top.
Step 2
Cover the bottle and shake it gently for 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of the mixture into a small bowl with a clean cotton pad inside. Let the cotton pad soak for two minutes.
Step 4
Rub the cotton pad on the scar. Allow the oil to stay on the skin for 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 5
Rinse your skin with cool, clean water and wash with a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel or a disposable cloth before applying your regular moisturizer.
Step 6
Use this treatment once per day in the evening only. Stop using the essential oil-treatment if it causes itching, burning, red skin or any other type of irritation.
Tips and Warnings
- Treatments that involve citrus essential oils should be applied at least two hours before exposure to direct sunlight or UV tanning lights. Direct exposure to UV light can cause extreme irritation in some situations.
- This treatment has not been tested or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. If you're concerned about the safety of this treatment, contact your doctor or dermatologist before you apply the mixture to your skin.
Things You'll Need
- ½ tsp. cabreuva essential oil
- ½ tsp. carrot seed essential oil
- ½ tsp. mandarin essential oil
- ½ tsp. orange blossom essential oil
- ½ tsp. lime essential oil
- ¼ tsp. lemon essential oil
- ¼ tsp. lemongrass essential oil
- ¼ tsp. mastic essential oil
- 1 cup olive oil
- Dark-colored bottle with a tight top
- Small bowl
- Clean cotton pad
- Gentle cleanser
- Clean towel or disposable cloth
- Regular moisturizer
References
- MayoClinic.com: Skin Problem Treatments at Mayo Clinic
- "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to The Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being"; Julia Lawless; 2002
- "Alternative Cures: More than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
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