These Essential Oils Can Erase Acne Scars
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What can't lavender do? It's already used as a sleep and anxiety aid, and it has healing properties, too. "Lavender is a lovely spot treatment to use directly on blemishes before bed (or mixed with a carrier oil). It has been shown to have natural sedative properties, which can help improve sleep routine and combat insomnia and sleep deprivation—both of which can lead to imbalances in hormone levels," says Sara Panton, co-founder and CEO of Vitruvi. "Lavender also has gentle antimicrobial properties that help decrease surface bacteria, which might contribute to blemishes and also helps with healing, as a gentle sedative quality."
Brandon recommends rose as an option for eliminating scars, a tip she got from Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine. The book says that the antimicrobial properties of rose make it a powerful treatment for a variety of skin conditions, acne included, and it can also prevent scarring and minimize the look of wrinkles.
Carrot seed oil has antioxidant properties that may help with scarring, and it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can offer wound protection. Some experts also believe that the oil can help prevent dark spots, too.
Tea tree is already known to treat acne itself, but its antibacterial properties are said to also help scar and wound healing. And it can prevent any future breakouts, too.
Many experts believe that since neroli oil has cell regeneration properties, it might aid in the reduction of stretch marks and scars. Like many other oils, it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Helichrysum is a flowering plant that also goes by immortelle. In essential oil form, it's known to treat scars and smooth skin. Brandon recommends a blend from DoTerra, which includes helichrysum and other helpful oils. "Some of my top favorite essential oils for healing scars are in the blend immortelle (aka the anti-aging blend). It has oils like rose, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum, lavender, and Hawaiian sandalwood, so you really get such a variety of the top nourishing and anti-inflammatory skin oils in one blend."
"This resinous essential oil is great for scars and stretch marks, it has been said that its use spans hundreds of years helping to restore aging skin and scars," Panton says. "I love mixing it with hemp seed oil, which is full of omegas; it improves the tone and texture of skin instantly while also helping add moisture."
Patchouli is known to help with sleep and is used as a fragrance for some people, but many experts also believe it can minimize scars because of its cell-rejuvenating properties.
Geranium oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the healing process. It's also used to treat dermatitis, eczema, and aging skin.
"Most recently, my customers have had amazing success with healing scars by adding in yarrow pom," Brandon says. "Yarrow pom is a blend of yarrow essential oil and cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil. This blend is a powerhouse for skin, and when combined with immortelle and a carrier oil like jojoba, most people see fantastic results. You can wash your face, use a derma-roller, and then apply it onto your clean face. Follow up with a jade or quartz stone roller or gua sha tool for even better results."