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Scar tissue, especially ones invisible parts of bodies, is a great beauty concern of many people. Although it does not affect the health, its existence causes the loss of confidence in the appearance. Treating scar tissue is not easy. Some old scars can be blurred by lasers, skin grafting, or punch technique (cosmetic surgery conducted by a doctor using a punch tool), which causes pain. However, there are also some tips on how to get rid of scar tissue naturally at home, which does not cause pains like tips below. Continue reading this article to discover more. You should take such treatments immediately when your wounds are healing, or when your scars have just formed to get the desired result.
There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.
- Top 26 home treatments for scars removal
- Top 33 excellent ways to get rid of stretch marks (This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Janine Kelbach – BSN, RNC-OB)
10 Tips On How To Get Rid Of Scar Tissue On Lips And In Ears And Back
I. Causes And Types Of Scars
All the wounds in any parts of the body can become scars. The wounds can stem from accidents, burns, chickenpox, acne, and so on. When being injured, the collagen fibers and elastic fibers of the skin are destroyed. Without proper care and treatment, the colour of these scars becomes darker and the skin loses its sensation. The skin, at that time, is not smooth anymore since fibroblasts have been ruined, which will affect the elastic fibers of the skin and regeneration of collagen.
There are six main types of scars including:
- Keloids: This type of scars that has the most impact on the aesthetic, psychological, and health of the patient. Keloids are caused by excessive accumulation of collagen in the middle layer of the skin – the result of an imbalance between the synthesis and collagen degradation. These scars appear clustered, thick, and darker than the surrounding skin.
- Hypertrophic scars: They are somewhat similar to keloids in terms of appearance and characteristics but form only on the areas of injuries.
- Atrophic scar: These are the type of scars that are depressed, serrated or flat against the upper layer of the skin. If you have chickenpox as a child, you may suffer from a parting gift in the form of a little divot or pitted scar.
- Scar contractures: These occur when you are burned and make your skin look ruined. If these scars are deep, they can disrupt the normal functions of your nerves and muscles, affecting your movement and flexibility.
- Acne scars: Although acne and pimples usually heal after a period of time, they leave your skin, especially your face ugly scars. Their forms are mainly based on the seriousness of acne.
- Stretch marks: Pregnant women and obese people are those who usually experience stretch marks. Initially, stretch marks may look purple or red in colour, but over time they will lighten and look silver or lighter in colour.
II. How To Get Rid Of Scar Tissue
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is not only a cooking ingredient but also a natural remedy for scar tissue healing[1]. Coconut oil comes with medium-chain fatty acids, which functions as antioxidants, preventing and fighting free radical damage. This oil may effectively stimulate collagen production and soften the skin to speed up the healing process[2]. Besides, it can help minimize the size of the scar by binding new skin tissue together. It is also proven to be helpful in acne scars treatment because it boosts collagen, repairs the skin, and fades dark spots left from acne.
How to do:
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- Take one teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil and warm it in the microwave.
- Apply this warm oil to the affected area, gently massage in circular motions until it gets absorbed (about 5 minutes).
- Leave it on for 10 minutes to let the oil fully sink into the skin.
- Rinse it off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
- Follow this remedy several times every day for best results.
2. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is beneficial for both skin and eyes, so it is not ridiculous to use vitamin E for scar tissue treatments[3]. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant, which has a moisturizing property that helps revitalize and nourish new skin cells, replace old cells. Besides, it can stimulate the formation of collagen, improve skin texture and strength, and fight against the aging of skin cells.
How to do:
- Clean the scar areas with warm water.
- Pick up one vitamin E capsule and extract the liquid from it.
- Apply it to the scar (or you can mix vitamin E liquid and lemon juice in a ratio of 3: 1, stir well, and apply to your affected areas), massage gently for 5 minutes and relax.
- Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes, then clean the skin and pat dry with a towel.
- Repeat the treatment daily in several weeks for the best result.
You can also supplement your body with foods rich in vitamin E such as almonds, safflower oil, hazelnuts and peanut butter for the treatment form inside.
3. Aloe Vera
Not many people know the use of aloe vera in healing scar tissue. Aloe vera contains more than 150 nutrients including water, enzyme catalysts, fiber, fatty acids, carbohydrates, 20 amino acids, moisturizing polysaccharides and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. Aloe vera can regenerate skin tissue and reduce the size and appearance of scars. Besides, scientists found the gibberellin which can stimulate the production of proteins and lectin, leading to enhanced collagen synthesis. Therefore, it helps to support and speed up wound healing[4] [5] [6]. Also, it contains salicylic acid, which supports the treatment of acne scars.
Method 1:
- Take one aloe vera leaf, cut it in half and squeeze out the gel.
- Apply the gel to the scar and gently massage for 5 minutes.
- Wait about 15 to 20 minutes until it dries on its own.
- Wash it off with warm water and pat dry.
- Do this several times a day until you get better results.
Method 2:
- Clean the scar area with warm water.
- Mix the gel with honey in a ratio 2:1 or with lemon juice or coconut oil in a ratio 3:1 and stir well.
- Apply the mixture to the area, massage in 5 minutes, and relax.
- Clean the skin with warm water after 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do this method daily to get a good result.
Aloe vera can cause allergies to some people, so before applying this gel, you should test your reaction first.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Aside from its medical ability to control blood sugar and soothe stomach ache, apple cider vinegar is another excellent remedy to get rid of scar tissue. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that help to eliminate the dead skin cells, dirt on skin pore while regenerating skin tissues for healthy skin growth. Besides, its acidic nature will exfoliate and soften the affected skin, remove dead skin, and alleviate red marks, which in turn will reduce the appearance of scars[7].
How to do:
Method 1:
- Dip a cotton ball in ACV (in case it causes skin irritation, you can dilute with some water and honey) and apply it to the affected area.
- Rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes with water, pat dry, and apply some moisturizer.
- Repeat this treatment several times daily for a few weeks.
Method 2:
- Mix ACV, green tea, sugar, and honey in the ratio of 1:2:5:1.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar into to thicken the mixture.
- Clean the affected areas, apply the combination, and massage in circular motions for 3 minutes.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Make a toner from apple cider vinegar, green tea and olive oil, lemon juice in the ratio of 2:4:1:1.
- Wash the affected areas, dip a cotton ball in the toner, and apply to your skin.
- Rinse it off in the next morning.
- Do the repetition twice or thrice per day.
5. Lemon Juice
No one can deny the great effect of lemon juice in dealing with scar tissue. Lemon contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which help remove dead skin cells and regenerate and repair damaged skin, nourish new skin cells, and increase skin elasticity. Moreover, AHA plays the role of a natural bleach, lightening scars and dark spots by acne[8]. However, lemon is a strong acid, so you need to use sunscreen carefully before going out to avoid sunlight.
How to do:
- Apply freshly extracted lemon juice to the affected area.
- Gently massage in about 5 minutes and leave it on to allow it to dry for 10 minutes
- Rinse it off thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
- Apply some moisturizer.
- Follow this remedy daily for several weeks until you are satisfied with the result.
Note: You should do this in the evening to get the best result.
6. Honey
Honey, nowadays, has become one of the most popular materials in beautifying. Honey is also used in fading scarring. It contains strong antimicrobial agents, which releases hydrogen peroxide to help eliminate skin infections. Besides, honey is rich in nutrients and enzymes, which may help stimulate tissue regeneration, heal the skin, and prevent excess collagen growth and dead skin accumulation[9].
Method 1:
- Clean the scar areas with warm water.
- Apply raw honey to your affected area and massage for 5 minutes.
- Leave it on for about 1 hour.
- Wash it off with warm water.
- Do this twice daily for several weeks.
Method 2:
- Clean the affected areas with warm water.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of baking soda or mix 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Apply this paste to your affected area and massage for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Place a hot washcloth over it.
- When the washcloth becomes cool, wipe the area with it.
- Use this remedy 3 or 4 times per week for a couple of months.
Note: If your scar is not healed, you should not use lemon juice since the acid in lemon juice can make pain.
7. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains skin cell rejuvenating properties that can help treat scar tissue and keloid scars. It helps to increase the skin cell turnover rate, in turn preventing new scar tissue from forming and becoming permanent, and reducing the appearance of existing scars[10]. Lavender oil is very gentle, so it can be used with any kind of skin without irritation. However, you should dilute it with a little water before applying to fresh wounds.
How to do:
- Clean the scar areas thoroughly.
- Take several drops of lavender essential oil and apply it to the scar.
- Massage gently for 10 to 15 minutes in circular motions.
- You can also mix lavender oil and olive oil in equal amounts.
- Apply it to the affected area and massage for a few minutes.
- Follow methods twice daily for several weeks for quick results.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of little – known tips on how to get rid of scar tissue, especially one caused by acne. It contains many active substances epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which even brings greater impact than vitamin E mentioned above. EGCG fights against the oxidation of skin cells, bacteria, and remove black pigment. Plus, it can destroy free radicals which mainly enhance the aging process, therefore support reducing wrinkles and fading scars. More than a scar tissue treatment, tea tree oil is prevention for acne and acne scars[11].
Method 1:
- Clean the scar area with warm water.
- Mix tea tree oil with some drops of water.
- Massage lightly for about five minutes and relax.
- After 15-20 minutes, clean the skin with warm water and dry it with a clean cotton towel.
Method 2:
- Add two drops of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of almond oil or olive oil.
- Apply it to your scars and leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
- Do this once daily for several weeks.
Method 3: Wash the affected area using soap made with tea tree oil twice daily.
9. Onion
There is a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology proven the positive effects of onion in treating scars[12]. Accordingly, after 4 weeks of applying the onion extract on scars, the appearance of it has great improvement. Onion can produce collagen, remove dead skin cells, moisture and regenerate the skin, and blur scars. Especially, quercetin found in onion is a strong antioxidant, which helps reduce free radicals, prevent excessive collagen growth in the scars, and stop the risk of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
How to do:
- Clean the scar area with warm water
- Crush 1 onion and apply the onion extract to this area
- You can also mix onion extract with honey, coconut oil or olive oil to improve the result.
- You massage for about five minutes and relax in 15-20 minutes.
- Clean the skin with warm water and pat dry.
- Reuse this method 3 to 4 times a week for best effects.
Note: Your skin may have reactions with onion, so you should test your reaction on the normal skin first. Also, it can cause eye irritation so remember not to treat scars near your eyes.
10. Emu Oil
The Aboriginal people used emu oil to treat many skin ailments, such as skin rashes, insect bites, scarring and wound healing. Emu oil is full of omega fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9), which bring you healthy-looking skin because can penetrate the skin and repair connective tissues in the deeper layers of the skin. When the skin is first damaged, applying emu oil may help to reduce the appearance of scars during the healing process and prevent new scars as it breaks down the scar tissue both inside and outside[13]. Furthermore, emu oil works as an anti-inflammatory agent, therefore reducing the itchiness, redness, and pain.
How to do:
- Clean the affected areas with warm water.
- Apply one or two drops of emu oil to the scar areas and gently massage in several minutes.
- Do this method two to three times per day.
III. Additional Tips
In addition to some methods above that you should keep in mind, you should remember some plus tips to improve your conditions:
- You can crush two aspirins and add water to make a paste and apply it to the scar twice daily.
- Taking vitamin C supplements can help encourage the healing process.
- You can also use white toothpaste to help remove scars.
- Eat foods rich in zinc and beta-carotene to help your body combat scar tissue.
- Stay away from scratching or pricking the tissue with your nails as well as other sharp tools.
- Drink plenty of water during the day to prevent dehydrated skin.
We hope that our tips on how to get rid of scar tissue work and bring your confidence back. All content provided is for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.
