Best Herbal Scar Treatment

A scar begins to form when the dermis layer of skin is damaged through an injury. The body's natural response to a flesh injury is to immediately begin repairing the wound by increasing the amount of collagen fibers to close and mend the wound. Once the wound has completely healed, scar tissue is visible and it retains a different surface texture than surrounding and undamaged skin. While scars can range in appearance, they can be treated through topical applications. Herbal scar treatments work to diminish the appearance of a scar without the use of synthetic chemicals.

Olive Oil

• The main active property within olive oil is polyphenols, which are antioxidants that are filled with catechins and flavonoids. Olives contain a high level of polyphenols, which when applied topically to a scar increases the amount of antioxidants to the area. By increasing antioxidants, and other chemicals, the skin is able to repair itself and through its conditioning properties moisture will be drawn to the area. While olive oil will not completely diminish the appearance of scars, it will reduce redness and help bring the area back to the original skin tone. Both virgin and extra virgin olive oil contains the same amount of polyphenols.

  Applying the oil topically involves pouring 2 tsp. of olive oil into a small container and generously covering a cotton ball with the oil. Apply directly to the scar and the surrounding tissue three times per day, once in the morning, afternoon and evening. Allow the olive oil to soak into the skin for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Continue this treatment until the scar is less visible.

Lemon Juice

• Lemon juice contains a high level of citric acid, which when applied topically to the skin it has the ability to lighten any discoloration within the skin. An example of how lemon juice is used to lighten skin and hair is if you drench your hair in lemon juice and then sit in direct sunlight for 30 minutes, your hair will become significantly lighter. While there are many synthetic medications on the market that will lighten the color of scar tissue, pure lemon juice will have the same affect without the need of placing chemicals into the body. You can purchase lemon juice that has already been squeezed out of the fruit, however, juicing your own lemons will produce high quality juice that has not been diluted or altered.

  Squeeze two lemons, if you have a large scar area you may have to squeeze more lemons. Once you have gathered the juice from your lemons, use either a cotton ball or a soft cloth to soak the scar in this solution. Allow the juice to rest on the scar for 30 minutes prior to going outside or rinsing clean. Repeat this process two times per day until the scar is noticeably lighter.