Whether it's from shaving, an injury, a procedure, or teenage acne, virtually everyone has at least one scar they'd like to see gone. If you are a daily shaver and have been since an early age, you've probably put on a few scars on your face and body. The most visible scars are likely to be on the face for men and legs for women. Our natural shaving soaps are formulated to protect your skin from nicks, cuts and razor burns, but various other factors such as blade sharpness, razor type, and even human error can play a role in getting them still.
While there is no way to completely remove a shaving scar, the good news is that there a number of essential oils that can effectively and naturally reduce the appearance of scars by facilitating the healing process, lightening and shrinking scar tissue, and helping to repair and nourish the skin around them. Below are some of the most effective essential oils for treating those unwanted scars.
Rosehip Seed
Rosehip seed oil is excellent for overall skin health, but recent studies show that it can be particularly useful for people recovering from surgical scars, as the compounds it contains reduce swelling, prevent discoloration, and prevent excess scar tissue from forming during the healing process. Applying rosehip seed essential oil directly to the scarred area twice a day for at least three months can result in significantly improved healing and diminished scar appearance, making it one of the best overall options for scarring as a result of surgical procedures or minor injuries.
Helichrysum
Helichrysum oil is another effective all-around essential oil, boasting anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties to help moisturize the skin and prevent infections that could jeopardize a scar's natural healing process. Helichrysum oil contains a potent antioxidant called arzanol, which promotes skin cell regeneration and prevents free radical damage from making scars larger or darker. Unlike rosehip seed oil, however, it is not recommended to use helichrysum oil immediately following surgery, as it can be a mild irritant for some people, and because the oil makes the skin slightly more sensitive to sunlight.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil promotes rapid wound-healing and can help to treat scars by boosting cell growth and collagen production, which in turn helps scars shrink and become smoother. Lavender oil is especially effective in the early stages of recovery, and studies show that many people who use lavender oil following surgery or an injury can see noticeable improvements in only a few weeks. As with most other essential oils, pure lavender oil can be quite concentrated, and it is recommended to use another beneficial carrier oil to dilute it, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Carrot Seed
Carrot seed oil is high in antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, making it another effective tool for keeping skin protected and nourished during the healing process. Unlike many other oils, the carrot seed oil is also effective at treating older scars as well, thanks to its ability to tone the surrounding skin and slow the production of excess pigment in scar tissue.
Calendula
The essential oil extracted from the calendula plant, more commonly known as marigold, is one of the most effective natural methods of speeding up cell regrowth and skin damage repair. Calendula contains a variety of potent anti-inflammatory compounds, and it also improves circulation and oxygen availability to parts of the body it is applied to, which keeps scars supplied with the nutrients they need to heal quickly and cleanly.
Lemon
Lemon oil has many properties that make it an excellent option for scar treatment. It is naturally antimicrobial, and also contains very high amounts of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps to repel free radicals. Because it also promotes white blood cell production, lemon oil also contributes to the creation of healthy new skin cells. Finally, lemon oil boasts a very mild, natural bleaching ability, which can lighten older scars and help them blend in with surrounding skin more easily.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is an ideal choice for overall skin soothing and recovery, as it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and boosts collagen production. Frankincense also acts as a toning agent, and studies have shown that it is an effective choice for improving the overall appearance of scars, especially those related to acne. The effects of frankincense oil can be seen relatively quickly, but it best to consult with a doctor before using it, as some people report abdominal discomfort while using it, and it shouldn't be used by people who are on blood thinners.
Traditional shaving with shaving soap, safety razor, and brush significantly reduce the chances of getting scars. That said, if you shave without care and don't follow proper procedure, you'll experience some form of cuts and razor burns one way or another. But you live and learn – by using the right essential oils, it is possible to dramatically improve the appearance of even the oldest and largest shaving scars, making them less prominent and lightening the discolored tissue so that you can feel more confident and secure in your own skin.