Between the itching and the small scars that have set in over time, your skin is uneven or uncomfortable. You may be used to using all sorts of creams and other products without success. However, a few drops of Essential Oils can be enough to soothe, help the healing and calm the dermatological attacks. Discover the best healing and soothing essential oils.
Essential Oils and more precisely certain molecules such as alpha-pinene, linalool or beta-caryophyllene have an action on the keratinocytes of the epidermis by increasing tissue repair.
HEALING
Healing is the healing of a wound. This wound can be caused by a cut, a burn, a microbial inflammation or acne.
This natural process is more or less successful depending on how the wound is treated. If you don’t use a good healing cream, you may end up with an unsightly scar on your body. A good scar should be discreet and painless.
How will EOs and VOs act on the scar?
- Helps the regeneration and repair of skin tissues
- Limits or avoids an inflammation or an infection
- Avoids the appearance of bruising
- Helps smooth the scar (avoids the formation of a swollen scar)
- Nourishes the skin and makes it more elastic and hydrated
==> makes the scar as little visible as possible and even sometimes almost invisible.
==> allows a quicker healing of a wound.
5 Essential Oils for healing and fading scars
Geranium EO (Pelargonium x asperum) : the anti-infectious one
Properties: circulatory, healing, anti-inflammatory and coagulating
Rich in geraniol and citronellol, Geranium EO is effective against skin infections. It allows to clean the lesion, stop the bleeding in case of a wound and allow to tighten the tissues and regenerate them, while preventing their inflammation.
Bonus: thanks to its astringent properties, it helps the skin to regain its natural harmony, tone, suppleness and softness.
Easy recipe:
· 1 drop Geranium EO + 4 drops rosehip VO (healing).
· Mix and apply on the scar by rubbing gently twice a day until healing has been achieved.
Precautions of use: carry out a skin test before application – Do not apply undiluted to the skin – Not suitable for women who are under 3 months pregnant – Not for children under the age of 3.
Lavander officinale EO (Lavandula angustifolia) : the disinfectant one
Properties: soothing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing
It promotes the regeneration of tissues, which helps reduce or even completely erase the scar. It also helps to soothe itching linked to scarring.
Bonus: True Lavender EO participates in the healing and regeneration of the skin
Easy recipe:
· 1 drop lavender officinalis EO + 4 drops argan VO (healing and hydrating).
· Mix and apply on the acne scar and massage gently twice a day until healing has been achieved.
Precautions of use: carry out a skin test before application – Not for women who are under 3 months pregnant – Not for babies under the age of 3 months
Helichrysum EO (Helichrysum italicum) : the healing one
Properties:
– both anti-inflammatory and healing
– refreshing and soothing for the skin
– painkiller
– toning for the blood circulation, it allows an accelerated cellular regeneration.
– decongesting, it avoids the formation of a bruise
– results in a clean, neat, even and reduced scar
– avoids scars ending up in relief (not smooth)
– also very efficient to reduce old scars.
Bonus: it is also the ally of bruises, bumps or haematomas occurring at the time of the injury
Easy recipe:
· 1 to 2 drops of pure helichrysum on the scar still open or already closed.
· Massage gently and at length at least twice a day for two days.
Precautions of use: carry out a skin test before application – Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women – not suitable for children under the age of 8 – care should be taken for epileptic people – to be avoided by women who suffer from abundant periods or a treated with an anticoagulant.
Cistus EO (Cistus ladaniferus): the anti-bleeding
Properties: anti-haemorrhagic and antibacterial
It limits bleeding to allow to move towards a faster healing. It also helps avoiding contamination of wounds and other skin problems that may be subject to infection.
Bonus: Endowed with molecules with healing virtues, the EO of Ciste ladaniferis stimulates the skin’s regeneration process
Easy recipe:
· 1 drop cistus + 4 drops Calophyllum VO (healing and a skin tonic).
· Mix well and apply to the scar with a gentle massage twice a day until healing.
Precautions of use: carry out a skin test before application – Do not apply undiluted to the skin – Not suitable for women who are under 3 months pregnant – Not for children under the age of 6. Does not suit epileptic people and should be avoided if being treated with anticoagulants.
Rosemary verbenone accelerates healing.
Properties: healing and antibacterial
It is excellent for healing acne. It cleanses and fights inflammation, which will accelerate healing.
Easy recipe:
· 1 drop rosemary verbenone + 4 drops St John’s wort VO (anti-inflammatory, soothing and repairing).
· Mix and apply on the acne scar by gently massaging the area twice a day, until healing.
Precautions of use: carry out a skin test before application – Do not apply undiluted to the skin -– Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women – not suitable for children under the age of 12 – is not suitable for people suffering from asthma and should not be used for prolonged periods.
Special burn-treatment EO : spike lavender (Lavandula spica)
Properties: painkiller and average anti-bacterial
It has fantastic healing properties.
Precautions of use: not advised during pregnancy or in children under the age of 6. Care should be taken with asthmatics and epileptics.
Carrier oils to prevent and attenuate scars
Vegetable oils are an excellent sour of nutritive elements for:
-bring the necessary elements needed for skin regeneration
–protect the skin from dehydration
-limit the feelings of tightness
–eradicate itches partly responsible for the apparition of scars
Choosing VOs rich in texture such as musk rose, avocado or butters such as shea, source of anti-oxidants is very much recommended. These oils are also a great help in relaxing the skin texture and accompany the natural process of healing.
Questions and answers
Why have I got scars?
The skin is made up of 3 layers that form a barrier to external aggression. The skin cells are renewed every 28 days.
– When only the epidermis is affected (outer layer): there is no healing process occurring as renewal is continuous.
-When the injury is deeper: other structures of the body are affected (blood vessels, nerves…). Our body defends itself. Then, cell renewal is no longer sufficient and we observe an “abnormal” proliferation of cells which gives rise to this famous scar.
How to avoid scars?
After a fall or a cut, the skin bleeds and leaves a wound
1/ clean the wound with soap and water,
2/ remove debris (stones, dust, etc.) before disinfecting the area.
3/ Make a solution from EO of Cistus ladanifera (to stop bleeding), True Lavender (to sanitise the wound) and Myrrh (to stimulate healing)
Then avoid scratching the crust once it has formed.
How can I make acne scars disappear?
Touching your face, scratching and popping your pimples causes the skin to become inflamed. As a result, this increases the risk of bacterial infection. When the skin is mistreated, regeneration is poor and the scar becomes visible. You can use in synergy aloe vera (repairing virtues), VOs and EOs (recipes below)
How can I avoid getting stretch marks?
Stretch marks are common scars of femininity and are caused by a tear in the deep dermis. When you grow too fast, gain or lose weight quickly, the skin has to adapt quickly. However, the cells have a precise cycle and cannot renew themselves faster than natural. This is why stretch marks appear. Opt for VOs such as Rose Hip or Borage.
How should I take care of scars resulting from chickenpox?
As with acne, chickenpox causes unsightly and itchy pimples. To prevent scarring, it is best to bathe for about 20 minutes with 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt. This bath will dry out any pimples and scars that are forming and also speed up the healing process. When you get out of the bath, pat the skin with a towel to soothe the skin and limit the itching.
How can I avoid hypertrophic scarring?
Often following a severe burn or a surgical operation, the hypertrophic scar is swollen, red and rather hard. In addition to the treatments that will be proposed to you after an operation, use in a VO, Italian Helichrysum EO with desclerosing virtues to avoid an abnormal multiplication of the cutaneous cells and the appearance of a hypertrophic scar.
How can I massage a scar?
Firstly, massage the scar after it has healed (closed wound, no scabs or fluid draining) for 5-10 minutes a day.
=> For a softer, less painful and uncomfortable skin
=> For a less swollen, less red and less sensitive scar,
1/ Press the scar with your fingertips and make circles (without rubbing).
2/ Continue by moving up and down, then left to right and back again.
3/ Then place your fingers on either side of the scar and gently lift to try to loosen the skin from the tissue and muscle.
Cease the massage if there is a draining of fluid.
4/ Finish with the application of softening VOs and EOs to amplify the benefits of the massage.
Recipes for healing and fading scars
3 recipes that are simple and effective in reducing scarring
==> Option 1 (by D. Baudoux) In local application
Ingredients
- 1 drop helichrysum EO
- 1 drop rosemary verbenone EO
- 2 drops rosehip VO
==> Option 2 (by D. Baudoux): 2 to 4 drops of the mixture applied locally 2 to 3 times a day for 10 days on a recent scar. You can therefore repeat for several months (depending on the case) on an old scar.
Ingredients
- 2 drops true lavender EO
- 1 drop rosemary verbenone EO
- 1 drop helichrysum EO
==> Option 3 apply the mixture twice a day
Ingredients
- 2 drops macadamia or calophyllum VO
- 1 drop carrot EO
Counter-indication with carrot EO: Not for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Not suitable in cases of both cancer and history of cancer. Not for use in children under the age of 7.
Complete healing oil
Benefits: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, coagulating and soothing
While limiting inflammatory reactions, it will regenerate the tissues. It also soothes itching linked to healing thanks to the officinal Lavender.
| EO – 1 ml each | VO – 3ml each |
| Officinal Lavender | Rosehip |
| Cistus | St John’s wort |
| Helichrysum | |
| Geranium | |
| Mix the EOs andVOs and apply 4 to 6 drops on the scar, twice a day until complete healing. | |
Counter-indications: Not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Not for children under 6 years of age. Not suitable for people with epilepsy. Avoid in case of anticoagulant treatment.
Healing gel for acne
Benefits: anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and healing
It cleanses and fights inflammation, tightens and regenerates tissues; and soothes itching associated with scarring.
|
Officinal Lavender 1ml |
Geranium
2ml |
Rosemary Verbenone
1ml |
Argan
2ml |
Aloe Vera 44ml |
| Mix the EOs and VOs and then the aloe vera gel. Apply 1 dab of gel to the scar, twice a day for 2 weeks. Store in the refrigerator | ||||
Counter-indications: Not suitable for both pregnant and breastfeeding women. Not for children under 6 years of age. No prolonged usage.
Recipe for pregnant women over 3 months and for children over 3 years of age
Benefits: anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and healing
|
Officinal Lavender EO 1ml |
Calendula VO 9ml |
| Mix the EO and VO and apply 2 to 4 drops on the scar, twice a day for 2 weeks (recent scar) | |
Poultice of clay with healing and soothing essential oils
To promote tissue regeneration, you can use a clay poultice with well-chosen essential oils.
Mix green clay powder with water until a homogeneous paste is obtained.
- Add 5 drops of rosemary verbenone or lavender EO to this mixture.
- Then, apply this poultice to the scar and leave it in place for 1 hour.
Once the poultice is removed, you can clean the skin with the carrot oil (not the EO)
To remember
Healing a wound faster and reducing a scar, even an old one, is possible thanks to Essential oils and Carrier Oils.
Do not wait until your wound is healed before applying these formulas. You can apply them on the wound, after having cleaned it.
Recommended healing and soothing essential oils: Helichrysum, Cistus, Myrrh, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Geranium, Fine or True Lavender, Spike Lavender, Lavandin Super, Atlas Cedarwood, St John’s wort, Frankincense
