Essential oils and skin health
Essential oils may help reduce the appearance of scars. They work by regenerating the skin cells of damaged skin. There are also other oils that can improve the appearance of scars and improve skin health.
Essential oils support skin health by:
- balancing skin tone
- reducing redness
- reducing inflammation
Some oils also have wound-healing properties, which may help prevent scar tissue from forming. You can experiment to see which oils — or combination of oils — bring you the best results and if used correctly presents little risk.
1. Helichrysum essential oil
Helichrysum essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that may be useful in healing skin.
Helichrysum essential oil contains an anti-inflammatory substance called arzanol, which plays a part in healing wounds.
It also has antioxidant properties that can help to prevent scarring by regenerating new cells and preventing the accumulation of free radicals. This oil is also said to:
- relieve skin rashes
- relieve infections
- increase collagen production
You may begin to see results within a few months of consistent daily use. Helichrysum essential oil may cause sun sensitivity. Don’t use this oil if you’ve recently had surgery or are at risk for internal hemorrhaging.
Helichrysum may be more expensive than some of the other options, so you may want to start with a smaller jar to see if you like the oil before buying it in larger quantities. You can purchase it online or at your local natural foods store.
2. Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense essential oil helps to:
- soothe skin
- even out skin tone
- kill bacteria
These characteristics make it useful for treating scars. Frankincense essential oil:
- may promote the growth of new skin cells
- tighten the skin
- reduce the appearance of scars
Also, the active ingredient in Frankincense,
You may start to see results after a month of using frankincense essential oil.
This essential oil may cause skin irritation and abdominal issues. Do not use frankincense oil if you take blood thinners.
Frankincense is a mid-range essential oil and may be purchased online.
3. Geranium essential oil
Geranium oil is useful in treating scars by:
- relieving inflammation
- evening out skin tone
- encouraging new cell growth
Its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial wound-healing properties may help make scars less visible. In 2013, research found that rose geranium oil is effective in preventing and treating inflammatory skin conditions.
It may take at least a month to see results with geranium oil.
Use geranium oil with caution if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Geranium essential oil is inexpensive and may be purchased online.
4. Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil may help to prevent scarring by promoting cell and tissue growth. It has antibiotic, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties.
According to a
Another 2016 study found that lavender essential oil promotes wound healing by increasing collagen and regenerating tissue, especially in the early phase of treatment. Topical application of lavender oil helped to speed up wound closure and promoted wound shrinking.
You may see results in as little as one week. Lavender is especially useful in the beginning phase of scar treatment.
It has the potential to irritate the skin and cause allergic skin reactions.
Lavender is a mid-range essential oil that is available online.
5. Carrot seed essential oil
Carrot seed essential oil has been
It may take up to a month before you see results from using carrot seed essential oil. Carrot seed essential oil is inexpensive and may be purchased online.
6. Cedar wood essential oil
The rejuvenating effect of cedar wood oil shows potential in treating skin conditions including scars. It has been
Cedar wood oil is also useful in treating acne. More research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings.
You may start to see results after a month of consistent use. Cedar wood essential has the potential to cause allergic reactions.
Cedar wood essential oil is an affordable option and is available for purchase online.
7. Hyssop essential oil
Hyssop essential oil has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that aid in repairing damaged skin. Hyssop oil has been shown to have
- heal wounds
- prevent infections
- reduce the visibility of wrinkles and acne scars
Research published in 2011 suggests that the antioxidant activity of hyssop oil shows potential for medicinal use. Further research is needed to expand upon these findings and find out exactly how hyssop can help to treat scars.
Use hyssop oil consistently for a few months to see results. Do not use hyssop oil if you have epilepsy or hypertension. It should not be used in high doses.
Hyssop is a mid-range essential oil that you can buy online.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has enormous healing potential due to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. The
It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s ability to boost immunity is helpful when you’re caring for wounds and scars.
In 2015,
It may take up to a month of consistent use before you see results using tea tree oil. Use tea tree oil with caution if you have any allergies or autoimmune conditions. It has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Tea tree oil may not be appropriate for use in children.
Tea tree essential oil is relatively inexpensive and is available for purchase online.
9. Neroli essential oil
Neroli essential oil is used for a variety of skincare conditions. It’s useful in treating scars. Neroli oil has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation.
Its
You may see results after a month of consistent use of neroli oil. It has the potential to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Neroli oil is one of the more expensive essential oils and can be purchased online.
10. Rosehip seed oil
Rosehip seed oil may be used to:
- improve the condition of your skin
- treat scars
- treat wrinkles
- treat acne
In a 2015 study, researchers found that rosehip seed oil improved the appearance of post-surgical scars. Participants who used the oil twice daily for 12 weeks experienced significantly less discoloration, atrophy, and redness.
You may start to see results after six weeks of use. It’s possible for rosehip oil to cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Do not use if you have diabetes, kidney stones, or anemia.
Rosehip seed oil is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online. It can be used as a carrier oil for essential oils.
11. Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil may prevent scarring by helping your skin to retain moisture while boosting collagen production. It also helps to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Research demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin E oil in treating scars has been mixed. A few studies have shown it to significantly improve the cosmetic appearance of scars. Additional research is needed.
You may start to notice results after a few weeks of use, but you can continue to use vitamin E for a few months. Vitamin E may cause an allergic reaction, rash, or itchiness. Vitamin E oil is an affordable option that’s available online.
12. Almond oil
Almond oil has numerous benefits to the skin and may help to reduce the appearance of scars. Almond oil contains vitamin E, which helps hydrate, soothe, and moisturize dry or damaged skin.
There’s some evidence that almond oil can:
- rejuvenate the skin
- improve complexion
- even out skin tone
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help skin to heal. More research is needed to understand its potential in healing scars. It has been found to reduce the formation of stretch marks and reduce itching.
You may start to see results after a month of using almond oil. Don’t use almond oil if you have diabetes. Avoid use for two weeks before any scheduled surgery. Almond oils are often used as carrier oils for essential oils.
Almond oil is an affordable option that’s available online.
13. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains fatty acids and micronutrients that may help to reverse skin damage, heal skin disorders, and moisturize. It’s a highly respected moisturizer.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to prevent and heal skin conditions. Coconut oil may also:
- increase collagen production
- help the skin to retain moisture
- soften the skin
Research published in 2010 found that topical application of coconut oil on wounds in rats had a positive effect on the healing process. This was due in part to its antioxidant activity and effect on collagen production.
A 2019 study found coconut oil to protect skin cells from inflammation in the lab, and this is important step in understanding how the action works.
You may notice results after as little as 10 days of consistent use. Coconut oil has the potential to irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. It’s an affordable option that’s available online.
| Oil | Length of use to start seeing results | Additional benefits |
| Rosehip seed oil | 6 weeks | may improve wrinkles and acne |
| Vitamin E oil | 3 or more weeks | may boost collagen production |
| Helichrysum essential oil | 3 or more months | anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties |
| Frankincense essential oil | 1 month | may improve skin tone and kill bacteria |
| Geranium essential oil | 1 or more months | antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties |
| Lavender essential oil | 1 week | antibiotic, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties |
| Carrot seed essential oil | 1 month | antibacterial and antifungal properties |
| Cedar wood essential oil | 1 month | anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; may treat acne |
| Hyssop essential oil | 3 or more months | may help heal wounds, prevent infections, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars |
| Coconut oil | 10 days | may soften the skin and reduce inflammation |
| Tea tree essential oil | 1 month | antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties |
| Almond oil | 1 month | contains vitamin E; may soothe and moisturize skin |
| Neroli essential oil | 1 month | may reduce pain and inflammation |
Some of the oils presented here are not essential oils and do not need to be diluted.
Essential oils should always be diluted before being applied topically to the affected area. They can irritate your skin if used in an undiluted state. Also, you should never ingest essential oils.
Essential oils must be diluted in oils called carrier oils. You can test a few carrier oils to see which ones work best for your skin and which scent you prefer. Some carrier oils you may use are:
- grapeseed oil
- avocado oil
- sweet almond oil
- olive oil
- apricot kernel oil
- jojoba oil
- hazelnut oil
Do not use oils on:
- an open wound
- burn
- skin that’s extremely sensitive
Inflamed skin is more likely to react to the oils. Serious wounds may require medical attention. In this case, you should see your doctor to see if another treatment is necessary.
To use essential oils:
- Dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a carrier oil. You can use fewer drops of essential oil for sensitive skin.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area several times per day.
- You don’t need to wash off the oil. Bathe how you normally would, following your regular schedule.
- You’ll get best results if you constantly apply the oils for at least a few months.
- It may take up to a year for a scar to completely heal.
Look for pure, organic essential oils that are 100 percent therapeutic-grade. They shouldn’t contain any additives. Find a reputable brand that you trust. The company should be upfront about their practices and be able to answer any questions you may have.
High-quality oils are less likely to create an adverse response and are more likely to generate the best results.
Scars may not disappear completely. But the likelihood that they’ll be less noticeable or visible following consistent use of oils and essential oils is promising.
Don’t expect immediate or drastic results. It may take up to six months before you begin noticing any changes to your scar. Larger scars from surgery or wounds may take longer to heal.
Experiment with a few different oils to discover which one works best for you. You may discover that the aromatic qualities of essential oils are equally beneficial to your well-being. Always talk to your doctor before starting to use essential oils.