Scars / Scar Tissue
Synopsis
Scars form as part of the natural healing process following injury to the skin, such as from cuts, burns, surgery, acne, or inflammation. Scar tissue is made up of collagen fibers that repair and replace damaged skin, but it often lacks the elasticity, texture, and pigmentation of normal tissue. Scars can be flat, raised (hypertrophic or keloid), indented (atrophic), or stretched. While most scars are harmless, some may cause discomfort, restrict movement, or affect appearance and self-esteem. Treatments can help soften, fade, or remodel scar tissue, especially when addressed early.
Types:
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Hypertrophic scars: Raised and firm, but confined to the injury site
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Keloid scars: Overgrown scar tissue extending beyond the original wound
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Atrophic scars: Sunken or pitted, common after acne or chickenpox
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Contracture scars: Tightened tissue that may impair movement, often from burns
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Surgical or trauma scars: Linear or irregular, depending on wound and closure
Common Causes:
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Injury, surgery, or burns
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Acne, chickenpox, or severe skin inflammation
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Poor wound healing or infection
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Excessive tension on healing skin
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Genetic predisposition (especially for keloids)
Severity Causes:
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Delayed or improper wound care
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Secondary infection during healing
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Tension or movement at injury site
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Skin type and individual collagen response
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Deep tissue damage involving dermis or below
When to See a Doctor:
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Painful, itchy, or hard scar tissue
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Keloids or hypertrophic scars that continue to grow
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Scars limiting range of motion or function
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Cosmetic concerns affecting confidence
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Signs of abnormal healing (redness, discharge, thickening)
Natural Remedies
Aloe vera: Hydrates the skin and supports collagen remodeling, reducing redness and itching. Apply gel daily to healing or mature scars.
Vitamin E: Traditionally used to soften scars and support tissue regeneration, though best used after wounds have closed. Can be combined with carrier oils for better absorption.
Vitamin C: Supports collagen synthesis and reduces pigmentation in scars. Used topically or internally, it improves skin healing and elasticity.
Gotu kola (if included in blends): Known for promoting connective tissue repair and reducing scar thickness and discoloration.
Turmeric: Reduces inflammation and pigmentation. A turmeric paste may be used topically to gently lighten scars over time.
Zinc: Essential for skin repair, collagen formation, and inflammation control. Can be taken orally or used topically in creams.
Massage with natural oils: Massaging scar tissue with oils like rosehip, castor, or almond helps break down fibrous tissue and improve circulation.
Silicone sheets or gel (not from database): Widely used to flatten raised scars and soften texture over time.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.
aloe vera
gotu kola
zinc
turmeric
vitamin E
vitamin C
Abies alba
Allantoin
Almond Oil
Aloe Polysaccharide
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
amber
Amber
Amber resin
Aresaema (unspecified)
10-Hydroxy-2-Decanoic Acid
Abrotanum
Acemannan
Acerola
Achyranthes
Alkanna
Aloe Polysaccharide
Aloe vera
Alum
Amino Acid Chelate
Antler horn
Argan nut oil
Asiaticoside
Asoka
Australian Sandalwood
Banyan
Bee Propolis
Beef liver
Beef liver
Benzoin siam
Bergenia Pacumbis
bovine
Bovine (unspecified)
bovine collagen
Bovine Collagen
Abrus (unspecified)
Abuta
Aquilegia formosa
Arisaema (unspecified)
Arnica (unspecified)
Azelaic acid
Baliospermum
Betuligneol
Bicarbonate
Birch (unspecified)
Birch polypore
Bisabolene
bisabolol
Bisabolol
Black Alder
Blend (Mineral)
Bloodroot
Bone Protein
Bovine (unspecified)
bovine gelatin
Brazillian peppertree
Calotropis gigantea
Camphor
Catechu
Cedrus libani
Centella asiatica
Centella triterpenes
Cherokee Rosehip
Chicken collagen
Chinese Chive
Cicada
collagen
Collagen
Collagen (mixed)
collagen (unknown source)
Collagen (unspecified)
Collagen Peptides
Collagenase
Commiphora gileadensis
Connective tissue growth factor
Copaiba Oil
Copper
Copper
Copper Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Cornflower
Cyathula
Daphne (unspecified)
Davilla rugosa
Dipeptide (unspecified)
Docosanoic acid
Dragon's Blood
Elastin
Emu Oil
Fern
fibroblast growth factors
Ficus religiosa
Fruit acid (mixed)
Fumaritory
fungal protease
Galbanum
Galium (unspecified)
gelatin
Gelatin
Gland (mixed)
Gluconate
Glyceride (unspecified)
Glycine-alanyl-l-valine
Glycolic acid
Glycosaminoglycan
Glycosaminoglycans
Golden Willow
Gotu Kola
Grapeseed Oil
haliotis
Henna
Horn
Horn
Hyaluronic Acid
hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronidase
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrolyzed beef collagen
Hydrolyzed gelatin
Hydrolyzed keratin
Hydroxylysine
hydroxyproline
Indian Nightshade
Insect wax
Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Isopropanol
Jack-in-the-pulpit
jojoba
Jojoba Oil
Keratin Peptides
Kigelia africana
L-Cystine
l-proline
Laminaria
Leptadenia
Lily (unspecified)
liquid liver fractions
Liver
Liver
Liver
Lubricant
Lymph
Maratime Pine
Mimosa pudica
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Mucopolysaccharide
myrobalan
Oligopeptide (unspecified)
Orange (unspecified)
oriental arborvitae
Paeonia moutan
Panthenol
Paraffin wax
Peat
phenol
Phlebodium decumanum
Platelet derived growth factor
Polypodium
Poplar (unspecified)
Porcine (unspecified)
Praying mantis
Prolase
Proline
proline rich peptides
Protease
Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)
Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)
Purple Tephrosia
Red Sandalwood
rubia cordifolia
Rugose Rose
Sanguisorba
sea salt
serine proteinase
Serralysin
Serratiopeptidase
Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil
silica
Silicate
Silicic Acid
silicon
Silk protein
Silver
Silver (usp)
Snail
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Somatropin
Styrax balsam
Sulfur
Sulphur
Suspension matrix
Sweet Bay
Tea Tree Oil
Transforming growth factor
Transforming growth factor beta
Trichoderma viride
Tripeptide
tripeptide (unspecified)
trypsin
typhonium
Tyrosinase
Urea
Vitamin B6
Vitamin K (Mixed)
Vitamin K (unspecified)
White Oak
Wild Indigo
Willow Bracket
Witch Hazel