Scars and essential oils

A scar is the trace of an injury to the dermis, once the tissue has repaired itself, following an accidental wound or surgical incision. Scarring is an integral part of the healing process. Depending on the origin of the scar, whether or not the healing process has been successful, and your own skin type, the scar that remains is more or less beautiful.

Essential oils can be invaluable allies in the healing process. In fact, certain essential oils have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the skin's healing process.

What's more, some oils can also be used to relieve pain and reduce redness and irritation. It's therefore important to know which essential oils are the most effective in healing the skin, so you can take advantage of their benefits.

Lavender, tea tree, Roman chamomile and wheat germ oil are all considered effective healing essential oils. Simply add a few drops to a carrier to make a powerful, natural healing balm or cream. So why not use the healing powers of essential oils to help heal cuts, scrapes and minor skin problems?

The healing process involves collagen, a fibrous protein produced by the body that forms the intracellular substance of connective tissue, a support tissue whose purpose is to protect the organs it surrounds. By filling the surface of the cut, collagen helps reunite skin fibers.

No two scars are alike. Several factors influence the speed and degree of healing:

Children's cells regenerate faster than those of adults.
Older people's wounds, on the other hand, heal more slowly but more clearly, due to reduced collagen production.
Deficiencies in certain vitamins, notably vitamin C and vitamin E, can accentuate the risk of vicious scarring. For this reason, it is advisable to consume foods containing these vitamins, as well as zinc, as they aid healing.
Low-pigmentation skins heal better than dark skins
Scars on joints often heal less well, as they are subjected to the pressure of movement.
If the wound is not properly disinfected, bacteria can lodge and infect the lesion. This can lead to abnormal and unsightly scarring
Inadequate blood circulation increases the risk of poor healing.

Is it advisable to massage a scar to help it fade?

Mobilizing the tissues by placing your hand flat on the scar, right on the skin, is recommended to promote healing and cellular regeneration. Combined with essential oils, the action is even more synergistic. Gently move the skin from right to left, up and down, then make small circles with the palm of your hand, gently in one direction then the other. This is ideal for restoring suppleness, avoiding adhesions or tissue fibrosis. Once you've mastered the gesture and the tissues are more supple, don't hesitate to knead the skin like bread dough, lifting it without hurting yourself.

Can I expose myself to the sun?

Absolutely not! The recent inflammation and the new, thinner skin make the area particularly delicate. UV rays can cause pigmentation, so pack a sun block(SPF50) in your bag, and avoid photosensitizing essential oils. Depending on the location of the scar, you may also opt for an occlusive dressing or a garment. Discover our new range of healing essential oils in your online organic pharmacy.

The healing process

Healing takes place in three major phases involving the production of collagen, a fibrous protein that fills in damaged tissue and contributes to its repair:

Inflammatory phase (24-48 hours): The body reacts immediately to stop the bleeding and initiate an immune response.
Proliferation phase (days to weeks): Formation of granulation tissue thanks to collagen. Fibroblasts migrate to the wound to close the tissue.
Remodeling phase (weeks to months): Scar tissue restructures and thickens. However, the newly-formed skin remains thinner and less supple.

Factors influencing healing

Healing capacity varies according to a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors:

Age: in children, cell regeneration is faster, while in the elderly, it is slower but generally clearer.
Nutritional intake: A deficiency in vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc delays the process and increases the risk of hypertrophic scars.
Skin pigmentation: Lighter skins often heal better than darker skins, which are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
Scar location: Areas subject to joint movement are more difficult to heal due to mechanical stress.
Infection: A wound that has not been disinfected can lead to infection, disrupting healing and resulting in unsightly scars.
Blood circulation: Poor vascularization slows down tissue repair.

What essential oils can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide selection of essential oils to meet a variety of health and well-being needs. Here are the main sub-categories available:

For optimal, certified quality, HECT and HEBBD chemotyped essential oils guarantee rigorously controlled composition and maximum effectiveness.
For professional or intensive use, large-volume essential oils are available for experts and therapists.
To treat acne problems naturally, certain purifying essential oils help regulate excess sebum and soothe imperfections.
To combat cellulite, specific essential oils promote drainage and improve skin appearance.
To promote healing, regenerating essential oils accelerate the skin repair process.
To improve respiratory comfort, decongestant essential oils facilitate breathing and soothe the respiratory tract.
To boost natural defenses, aromatic solutions support the immune system and protect the body.
To soothe muscle cramps, relaxing essential oils offer fast, natural relief.
To effectively repel insects, certain essential oils act as natural repellents.
To relieve headaches, soothing essential oils help reduce pain and tension.
To help you achieve your slimming goals, targeted essential oils promote fat removal and drainage.
To combat cold symptoms, antiseptic and expectorant essential oils help clear the respiratory tract.
To relieve muscular pain, relaxing essential oils offer optimal comfort after exercise.
To promote restful sleep, certain calming essential oils help youfall asleep and relax.
To regulate excessive perspiration, purifying and refreshing essential oils are effective.
To eliminate warts naturally, targeted aromatic solutions ensure effective, localized treatment.
To combat stress, relaxing essential oils promote relaxation and emotional balance.

These essential oils, available on Soin-et-Nature, can be used to treat a wide range of everyday problems in a natural, effective way that respects your well-being.