Everyone has them... whether they are from childhood injuries, teenage acne or the result of surgery, scars on our skin are a part of life. They tell stories of your past and can sometimes be great talking points! I know my young son is intrigued by the scar on my forehead where I hit my head as a child... he also likes to hear about my c-section scar because I tell him that is part of his story.  

While some people might not give their scars a second thought, for others they can cause self-consciousness.  Especially if they are in a noticeable place, such as their face or hands. There are numerous commercial products you can use to try and reduce the severity of scar tissue, but there are also natural ingredients to help minimise scars.

Here are some that you could try today...

Vitamin E - a highly popular cosmetic ingredient due to its affinity with the skin. Vitamin E can be used for all skin types, maintaining a healthy complexion, smoothing fine lines, and protecting against oxidative damage.

It can help support the skin healing process and while research is inconclusive, many believe it makes scars less visible. 

Shea Nut Butter - rich in fatty acids, Shea Nut butter is protective, moisturising and nourishing. It is particularly suited to dry, chapped and sensitive skin. It soothes irritation and improves skin tone and appearance. 

It is thought that the creamy butter stops keloid fibroblasts or scar tissue from reproducing, while encouraging healthy cellular growth.

Lavender essential oil - the cytophylactic properties of Lavender essential oil help to promote the skin's natural healing process. It is renowned for minimising the appearance of scars, fine lines and stretch marks.

It has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, so it can reduce the irritation of dry skin conditions, alleviate redness and inflammation 

Camellia oil - the soft silky texture of Camellia oil is a wonderful choice for direct skin application. Apply a small amount to the scar and massage gently. It will absorb easily and help to soften and moisturise. 

Rich in antioxidants, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and provides beneficial protection against UV damage.

Aloe Vera - research indicates that Aloe Vera is particularly helpful for wound healing and scar reduction. Applying aloe can help stimulate collagen compound production which in turn can help improve the scar's appearance. 

We always recommend doing a patch test before you introduce any new ingredient to your skincare regime.