Who here doesn’t have a scar they wish would disappear? Hardly anyone I know. Growing up we had an old past time where we showed off our scars, scabs, and other grotesque injuries we incurred roughhousing or playing outside. Nearly everyone I know has some interesting story about how they got this scar or that scar and it’s all very entertaining, but one thing is a constant in these conversations (unless you’re very manly indeed) is that they want them gone.
Scars all have a story behind them which is what makes them a great conversation piece. For instance, I have one on my right shin that’s about the size of a nickel. It’s white and shiny and has barely any sensation at all. I got it when I was 8 playing tag with friends. To get away from the person who was it I ran to a nearby eucalyptus tree, grabbed a low hanging branch, swung around it and…THUNK! My leg was suddenly stuck to a rototiller blade.
Fun times, let me tell you.
While this scar isn’t such a huge deal to me the one on my face is. It certainly isn’t huge, discolored, or in any way super noticeable, but it has bothered me for many years because of where it is – right in the middle of my cheek. I use concealer to keep it hidden, but when light touches that area at an angle; you can see I have a boxcar scar.
Over the years I have improved this scar little by little with gentle exfoliation but it still has a ways to go. After a lot of research, I have decided to try a concoction I came up with that has ingredients in it known to help lessen the appearance of minor to moderate scarring, even old scars. I’m going to say right now that this remedy wouldn’t be sensible to slather on large areas of scarring because that would be too pricey and there’s no telling if it would work very well. This is a serum recipe meant for smaller scars that aren’t too serious. On top of that, this isn’t going to be a remedy that gets rid of scars overnight or even in 30 days, most likely you will see results in a few months’ time with daily diligent use.
So here it goes!
Essential Oils for Scars - Scar Healing Serum Recipe
Here’s what you’re going to need:
Note: add the essential oils first!
• A small roll-on bottle
• A small funnel
• Castor oil (this one or this one) until you fill one-third of the bottle
• Tamanu oil (fill the remaining ⅔ of the bottle)
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 5 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 5 drops elemi essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
Loving Preparation - Scar Healing Serum Recipe
• Begin by adding each essential oil to the empty roller bottle
• Next, carefully add the tamanu and castor oil using the small funnel
• That’s it! Cap it tightly and use often!
For best results, this serum will need to be applied at LEAST twice a day. I recommend applying 3 times a day if possible. All you have to do is roll it on, rub it in, and go. Pretty simple and pretty effective.
Essential Oils for Scarring - Why They Work
Aside from smelling good enough to eat, essential oils are powerhouses when it comes to supporting overall skin health. They can help maintain clear clean, keep wrinkles at bay, and even balance uneven skin tones. Their potent amounts of nourishing antioxidants and healing properties are perfect for keeping your skin the way you want it.
Here’s why I chose the above essential oils:
Lavender
French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote healthy tissue growth and regeneration when he severely burned his arm during a lab experiment. Today it is recognized not only for soothing the senses but also the skin.
Lavender essential oil is known to reduce redness and regenerate both new and old scar tissue (source). I chose to add lavender to the mix not only for its amazing healing qualities but also because it covers the signature scent of tamanu oil, which if you didn’t already know, smells like bouillon cubes.
Helichrysum
Also known as Immortel and Everlasting it’s no secret that helichrysum essential oil was named for its ability to keep our skin beautiful and healthy. Helichrysum also happens to be incredibly restorative for scars especially when nerve regeneration is needed. (source)
Carrot Seed
Carrot seed essential oil is amazing at what it does best, rejuvenate and regenerate the skin. Not only does it help smooth the skin, it also helps fade scars and balance skin tone with regular use.
Frankincense
A very protective oil, frankincense is known for its ability to encourage new cell growth while protecting existing skin cells. Frankincense reduces the appearance of fine lines and scars by balancing skin tone and smoothing out the complexion. It is also very nourishing for the skin in general and keeps it hydrated; an important factor when dealing with scars. (source)
Elemi
A relative of frankincense, elemi is both restorative and regenerative for the skin. It’s one of the best essential oils for promoting healthy collagen due to its ability to stimulate the production of “tensin” a protein important for supporting the skin’s structure. It also increases cell turn-over which is another reason why elemi is amazing for maintaining a firm supple complexion.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is hands down the best oil for healing and smoothing both new and old scar tissue. Its mild antibacterial properties also make it the perfect oil to use for those with acne-prone skin. Tamanu oil is also great for lightening hyperpigmentation which is often the case with scarring. (source)
Castor Oil
Castor oil is unrivaled in its ability to deeply penetrate scar tissue and break it up. Surprisingly, castor oil can somehow distinguish between healthy cells a damaged cells (scar tissue). It will detoxify, strengthen, and stimulate healthy cells and increase circulation while dissolving damaged ones.
Basically, all of the ingredients I used in the scar serum recipe are perfect for fading scars 🙂
Have you tried any great remedies for scars?
You may also enjoy reading:
3 Simple Remedies for Scars
Natural Home Remedies for Acne Scars
Coconut Oil and Scarring (Plus a Few Other Natural Remedies)
How to Blend Essential Oils
Other Sources
Tisserand, Maggie. Aromatherapy for Women: A Practical Guide to Essential Oils for Health and Beauty. Inner Traditions/Bear & Co, 1996.
Wilson, Roberta. Aromatherapy: essential oils for vibrant health and beauty. Penguin, 2002.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Susan Coleman says
Hi Tash
I'm all set to try this. When you say "small" roller bottle, can you give me a volume size? 0.1 oz? 10 ml? Something specific would be helpful.
Also does the roller bottle need to be a dark color (amber, cobalt) or can it be clear?
Thanks,
Susan
Tash says
10ml! 🙂 I go for a darker bottle just to keep things fresh.
Denise says
Tash
This sounds great but... it’s terribly expensive for someone on a tight budget. I’ve just added everything from your links to an amazon basket, and it’s over £110, plus postage, which sadly I can’t afford.
I have lavender oil. If you had to choose just one of the carrier oils and two more oils, which would you prioritise, please?
Tash says
Hi Denise!
Definitely use the tamanu oil as the carrier oil. It doesn't have a pleasant smell, but it's by far the best for healing and treating scars. As for the essential oils, I would go for carrot seed and perhaps elemi if you can.
Tammy says
Did it get rid of your boxcar scar completely?
Tash says
Not entirely - yet! It's about halfway gone. Much more shallow and less noticeable!
Phuong says
Can oils, carrier or essentials, help atrophic scarring? Atrophic scarring areike pitted scars, holes, scarred pores.
Ann says
Will this be safe on a 3 yo?I know some of the oils are not and would like to replace them with other oils,like steam distilled lemon instead of carrot.Also,I believe rosehill seed oil and mustard oil works wonders too.
Thank you
Tash says
Hi Ann!
The only oil you can't use for a 3yo is elemi, which can be used for children 6 years and older. You can actually use frankincense instead for similar results. 🙂
foodsthataregoodforyourskin.com says
It's actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I'm satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Diana Siegmund says
I have 20 year old acne scars/pits on my face (from back when I was in high school). Is there anything strong that you can recommend to use to reduce/break up the scar tissue? I have not had acne break outs for 15 years.
I've been embarrassed all of my life because of my face scars; willing to try anything!
Thanks so much for your help!
Tash says
Hi Diana!
I've been dabbling with derma rollers lately and am hoping to do a post on how I feel about them. From what I've heard, they can be very effective at breaking up scar tissue and work especially well if you use vitamin C serums and other renewing skincare. It's not a very comfortable experience (your face turns pretty red and the serum burns!) and it isn't for everyone, but if you're interested to see what I'm using, this is the one that I have. May be worth learning more about!
Nick says
I derma roll. It works just do your research be very vigilant about sterilization of tools and skin. Listen to the expersts and don't deviate from their advice. You can cause nasty infections if you are not careful. Afterall you are wounding yourself. Try to keep skin free of products for at least 24 hrs only use serums after you derma roll.
Tash says
I love derma rolling!! I have been doing it for the past few months and it's been great for my skin 🙂 I use rubbing alcohol to sterilize everything ad apply a good vitamin C serum after. Works like a charm for anti-aging!
Ipsilon says
Hi. What about deep scar tisue? Can blend help?
Is it good to use peppermint, lemograss and tea tree oil blend with castor oil carrier oil for deep scar tisue?
Tash says
Hi Ipsilon!
This blend will help improve the appearance of all scars and will also help break up deep scar tissue. However, depending on the severity of the scar, it may not get rid of the scar completely. I have never tried a peppermint, lemongrass, and tea tree blend before for scars. lemongrass is very good to regenerating tissues, especially for those with varicose veins. I'm not sure how effective it will be for scars though! If you try it, please let us know how it works out for you!
Sarika Sidhu says
Do you think it is possible to make this as a moisturizer so you can put it on during the day under makeup? If so, how would you change the recipe to make it work?
Tash says
Hi there!
You can definitely convert this scar serum into a lotion recipe! The only thing is it might be quite expensive. This recipe uses tamanu oil (the best oil for acne scars) and it usually comes in a small bottle. To make a lotion you would need at least 3/4 cup of it along with 3TB of melted beeswax and 3/4 cup of strong herbal tea. Follow the video instructions HERE. 🙂 You will add the essential oils at the end. personally I would double the amounts of EOs that I listed above. let us know how it turns out!
leana zona says
Hi Tash,
I am going to use this to treat some acne scars on my face/chin area but the scars are in an area that still breaks out from time to time (I'm talking one or two, not a whole lot). What are your recommendations for using this on existing acne? Should I try to steer clear and just use it on the scars surrounding? Thank you for your advice! I'm really looking forward to trying this.
Tash says
Hi Leana!
You can still put this serum over active acne breakouts without any trouble UNLESS the acne has been picked at. Otherwise, the serum might sting a bit. It won't cause any other issues though 🙂
Crystal says
Hello!
I am going to use your recipe in hopes of reducing some oven burn scars on my hands and wrists. Can you give me an estimate amount of time that I will start seeing results? Are you talking a month, 2 months, 6 months, a year? I heard scars took a long time to disappear, so I was curious about the timing for your recipe. Thanks!
Tash says
Hi Crystal!
How long ago did you get these burns? How severe are they? The age and severity of hyperpigmentation can greatly effect how long it will take to fade it. Fresh dark spots will go away more quickly when treated than older marks. Keeping these areas out of direct sunlight will also help speed recovery.
Crystal says
Hey Tash!
I think it's been about 2 years since I received the most severe one. It's actually not too dark, but it's right where my wrist is, so it's pretty visible. I will certainly give your recipe a try! Thanks so much for the info and the recipe! 🙂
LaTasha says
Hello, is this recipe effective for healing acne scars and hyperpigmentation?
Tash says
Hi LaTasha!
Yes! you can use this serum recipe to help with all types of scarring and hyperpigmentation including acne 🙂
Karen says
What brand of tamanu oil do you recommend? How do I choose which one to purchase?
Tash says
Hi Karen!
I use this brand of tamanu oil 🙂
Lilia says
Hi, I scar recipe sounds very good, I have also come about these essential oils after researching the internet...the only thing I wanted to ask you is whether this recipe is safe to use it on a 10 year old child, since from what it seems the dilution is quite high, around 12%?thank you
Tash says
Hi Lilia!
This serum is not formulated for children but you can dilute it to a 1% dilution by adding 1 drop of each essential oil to each ounce of carrier oil. Check out this post for more info on diluting essential oils.
Dan says
I'm going to give your recipe a try (and bookmark your site). I lost my distal phalange on my index finger last month and almost lost it in my middle finger too after a woodworking incident :). Whilst it's healed up now I do have awful (keloid) scarring on both fingers. Scarring on my middle finger is right over the underside of my knuckle so I have very restrictive movement there.
Hopefully overtime applying this will free it up a little more, I hope. Would much rather give this a shot than applying the nasty chemical filled lotion the hospital gave me, which felt worse over the 3 days I used it.
Treating scars early is the best thing you can do if you want to give yourself a chance of making them less awful down the line. I've been told it can take 2 years before they "harden up" as it were after which there isn't a whole lot you can do. So hopefully applying some of these oils right at the start will help.
Thanks
Tash says
Hi Dan!
If you are really consistent this should help a lot with your scarring! So sorry to hear about your fingers 🙁 It sounds terrible! Make sure you use tamanu oil as the base because it's the best for scars (even if it does smell like bullion cubes lol). Best of luck! 🙂
Linda says
For the acne scar healing formula, how much of the castor oil and tanamu oil should be added? The essential oils have measurements, but those do not. Also, would a health food store be a good source for the tanamu and castor oils?
Thanks
Tash says
Great catch Linda!
I have updated the post 🙂
tracey says
You said you updated the post, but the amounts for the carrier oils are not showing up. Can you reply to this post with the carrier amounts? I am anxious to try the recipe! TY