When to Start Scar Massage & How to Use Oils On It

By Caryn Gehlmann

Scar massage using essential oils can be very effective in minimizing the appearance of a scar resulting from surgery or an injury. Scar massage promotes collagen remodeling by applying pressure to scars, helps to decrease itching, and provides moisture and flexibility to the scar. But a lot of people wonder when to start scar massage and how to use essential oils on scars.

First, let’s talk about scars. We might not like them, but they are a natural part of the body’s healing process to handle wound repair in the skin and other tissues. According to Web M.D., “Scars form when the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. The body forms new collagen fibers (a naturally occurring protein in the body) to mend the damage, resulting in a scar. The new scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue. Scars form after a wound is completely healed.”

Earlier, I shared a technique I used following surgery to remove basal and squamous cell carcinoma from my forehead with great success,

In my latest Q & A with Caryn, I answer a question from Diane. She had knee surgery in January and the surgery was a success but scar tissue is still an issue. She wanted to know, “Can I use essential oils to minimize the scar?”

In this short video, I talk about the importance of timing. When should you start scar massage? And how do you do scar massage —should you rub over the top of the scar or alongside it? Look for the massaging method you can use to minimize the scar’s appearance. It’s right after the 3-minute mark.

Now that you know when to start scar massage, did you catch the essential oils recipes you can use during a daily scar massage to minimize the scar’s appearance? If not, here they are again. As a reminder, it’s always a good idea to speak with your health care provider about your unique situation before beginning a scar massage routine.

Scar Massaging Essential Oil Recipes and When to Use Them

Gentle Carrier Oil Recipe for the First Month

Mix equal parts:

Rosehip

Calendula

Tamanu

This combination has skin benefits without being harsh. Daily, gently massage a blend of carrier oils to the scar.

Skin Recovery Recipe for the Second Month

1 ounce blend of carrier oils noted above

5 drops Helichrysum

5 drops Lavender, French

Daily, gently massage the scar with the same carrier oil blend but now add helichrysum and lavender essential oils to it.

Skin Care Repair Recipe for the Third Month & On

1 ounce blend of carrier oils noted above

5 drops of e3’s Skin Care Blend

Daily, gently massage the scar with carrier oil blend with the addition of e3’s Skin Care Blend which will help repair the damaged skin. As mentioned in the video, doing this for the first year following the surgery or injury will give you the best results.

These recipes are based on a 1% dilution of essential oils so as not to aggravate the skin.

If you have questions about essential oils for scar massage, talk to your health care provider about it. And if you’re ready to integrate essential oils and or carrier oils, please review our safety information on each product page. If you still have questions, contact e3 and one of our clinical aromatherapists will respond.

New to aromatherapy? Learn how you can benefit from essential oils in everyday life with our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose! An Introduction to Aromatherapy.