We all have the odd scar here and there, some more visible than others. While prominent scars can stay with us forever, there are ways to help reduce their appearance when we’re conscious of them.
The healing properties found in carrier oils are known for their natural ability to protect the skin barrier, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of scarring. So, if you’re looking for a natural remedy for scar treatment, repair scar tissue and minimise the appearance of scars, we have four must-have carrier oils for your collection.
Benefits of Carrier Oils for Scars
Scars need all the nourishment they can get to help the skin recover. Luckily, some carrier oils contain an abundance of natural constituents with astringent, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and antimicrobial properties, all helping to minimise scars. Together, these compounds induce skin regeneration, promote healing, and improve the appearance of blemishes and scars.
Carrier oils good for scars deliver the following benefits:
- Easing inflammation and redness
- Facilitating wound healing
- Balancing skin tone
- Reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks
- Protecting against environmental damage and oxidative stress
Carrier oils are highly versatile so you can apply them to your skin on their own or use them as a base for essential oil dilution.
Let's take a look at our favourite carrier oils good for scars!
Best Carrier Oils for Scars
Carrier oils are a nutrient-dense source of antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that work to heal, restore and regenerate the skin. When it comes to stubborn scars and blemishes, some carrier oils outshine others. Here are four of our favourites.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is a rich source of vitamin C, A, E and fatty acids, filling it with restorative qualities. It has been known to help everything from skin elasticity to hyperpigmentation and assists in healing scars and acne breakouts – in fact, it is thought to be the best carrier oil for acne-prone skin and scars. It is also known to boost collagen production, which may assist in generating new skin tissue.
Rosehip Oil is filled with natural compounds that have been seen to encourage wound healing while hydrating the skin. Meanwhile, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components help protect the skin barrier against infection, giving wounds the necessary time to heal. These same properties also work to minimise the appearance of scars.
You can dilute your favourite essential oils with Rosehip Oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We generally recommend a 2-4% dilution for skin application and a 1-2% dilution for facial application.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is nourishing, hydrating and regenerative - a perfect remedy for scar treatment.
It contains anti-inflammatory, moisturising and healing properties that may assist in easing inflammation, increasing collagen production and tightening the skin. This makes it a highly valued remedy to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Its moisturising qualities may also help to soften scar tissue, allowing it to blend into the complexion and reduce the scar’s appearance.
Additionally, a high vitamin E content encourages skin cell regeneration to accelerate wound healing, making Avocado Oil one of the best oils for scars after surgery.
You can dilute your favourite essential oil with Avocado Oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We generally recommend a 2-4% dilution for skin application and a 1-2% dilution for facial application.
Castor Oil
There is no question Castor Oil for scarring creates a fierce opponent!
This popular carrier oil is well-known for protecting the skin against environmental damage, fighting infections, soothing irritations and reducing the appearance of minor scars.
It’s all thanks to the rich source of antioxidants and essential fatty acids found within the oil. Castor Oil contains natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and emollient properties all highly effective in skin support.
In addition, Castor Oil is highly moisturising and has been seen to repair damaged skin cells, nourish healing tissue and help purge dead skin cell build-up. It’s also known to soothe the skin, even its complexion and break down scar tissue.
Castor Oil is great to use as a skin serum. Due to the thick and sticky consistency, we recommend mixing Castor Oil with another carrier oil when applying to the face.
Almond Oil
Almond Oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and a high concentration of vitamins A, B and E, which have been shown to hydrate, moisturise and soothe damaged skin.
Because of this, Almond Oil is a popular option for facial scars, improving skin complexion, evening out skin tone and encouraging skin cell regeneration. It can also work to protect the skin barrier from harmful UV rays.
Almond Oil is one of the best carrier oils for stretch marks, easing irritations and itching and promoting wound and scar healing. The rich vitamin E content also places almond oil high on the list of best oils for reducing scars after surgery.
Almond Oil is one of the most popular carrier oils to dilute your favourite essential oil. Add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We generally recommend a 2-4% dilution for skin application and a 1-2% dilution for facial application.
AWO At-a-glance Guide to the Best Carrier Oils for Skin Repair
- Best carrier oil for reducing wrinkles, stretch marks and scars: Almond Oil
- Best carrier oil for skin healing: Castor Oil
- Best carrier oil for hyperpigmentation: Rosehip Oil
- Best carrier oil for scars after surgery: Avocado Oil, Almond Oil
- Best carrier oil for facial scars: Almond Oil
Favourite Essential Oils for Scars
While many of our customers are happy using Avocado, Rosehip, Almond and Castor Oils for scars, some ask us about using their favourite essential oils for the same purpose.
We say, go for it! In fact, how about blending a carrier oil for scars with a perfectly matched essential oil to reap twice the benefits?
Some essential oils may pair perfectly with carrier oils, producing a natural remedy that encourages the healing of skin tissue and wounds. Here are some of our favourite ones for helping reduce the appearance of scars and protecting the skin’s barrier from environmental damage.
Always dilute essential oils with your chosen carrier oil before topical use. As a general guide, we recommend a 2-4% dilution for skin application and a 1-2% dilution for facial application.
Other Tips for Treating Scars
While carrier oils and essential oils can be highly effective for treating scars, there are other ways that can also help.
Try using one of the following methods in addition to your aromatherapy oils for maximum impact:
- Vitamin E supplements can help reduce the appearance of scars by promoting skin healing and improving skin elasticity through their antioxidant properties.
- Aloe vera moisturises the skin, promotes collagen production, and reduces inflammation with its soothing and healing properties, all great components for minimising scars.
- Over-the-counter ointments may support scar reduction, although bear in mind these are rarely 100% natural products like carrier and essential oils.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils for Scars
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils all sold at affordable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities, our costs are significantly less - and we pass this goodness on to our customers. What's more, we are based right here in Australia!