How to Use Olive Oil to Remove Scars

Last Updated: March 12, 2023

Olive oil is used in a lot of home remedies. While no hard evidence supports that topical use of olive oil improves skin, many people have experienced a reduction of scars through experimenting with olive oil. If you want to reduce scars through natural means, it may be worth it to see if olive oil works for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Olive Oil Topically

1
Massage olive oil into your skin. The most common way to use olive oil to remove scars is to simply massage it into your skin. Use only a drop or so of olive oil and apply it to troublesome areas.
- Move your finger tips in small circles to massage the oil into scarred skin. Use deep pressure and massage for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Once your skin's pores absorb some of the olive oil, use a clean paper towel to wipe the excess oil off your skin.
- Repeat this process again. When you finish for the second time, let the oil sit on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do this twice a day and see if you see any improvement.
2
Steam. If you're mainly worried about scars on your face, you can try using a facial steam to clear your skin. Facial steams are fairly easy to do at home with only a few supplies and they work by opening the pores to release sweat and debris. This can help the overall health of skin and lessen the appearance of scars.
- Put a pot of water on the stove and wait for it to steam. Do not allow the water to get so hot it's boiling, however, as this can burn your skin. Just wait until it's producing steam.
- Add a few drops of olive oil to the water and stir. Wrap a towel around your head and lean over the pot. Keep your face about 18 inches away from the water. Any closer could cause discomfort.
- Stand over the steam for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, remove the towel and wipe off your face, neck, and shoulders.
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3
Exfoliate. You can make a scrub using olive oil to exfoliate your skin. This can remove the dead skin cells that cause scars, resulting in smoother looking skin.
- Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub this onto your skin using your fingertips, paying special attention to any acne scars.
- Rub for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe the mixture from your face.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Combing Olive Oil with Other Substances

1
Combine with lemon juice. Lemon juice also works to improve scars for some as it bleaches skin. It can be combined with olive oil to form an exfoliating cream.
- Use one teaspoon of olive juice and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Use a q-tip or cotton swap to gently apply the mixture to your face.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Do this twice a day for the best results. If you have leftover mixture, store it in the fridge.
2
Use rosehip oil. Rosehip oil is an oil derived from the seed of a rosehip plant and some people find it works well on their skin. It can be combined with olive oil as well.
- You can purchase rosehip oil online or at many health food stores. Make sure you read any warnings on the bottle you purchase, however, to see how much you should dilute the oil before use.
- Use one teaspoon of rosehip oil mixed with two teaspoons of olive oil. Add ingredients to a sealable container and shake the container well.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to any troublesome areas on the skin. Let it sit for 4 to 4 minutes and then wipe it off with a clean towel.
3
Try olive oil and sea salt. Sea salt is a powerful exfoliant because the large nature of the grains of salt. It can be combined with olive oil and, for some, it effectively lessens the appearance of scars.
- Mix two teaspoons of sea salt with one teaspoon of olive oil. Mix them into a thick paste.
- Massage the paste into problem areas for about 4 or 5 minutes, using your fingertips. Then, wipe off with a clean towel.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Ingesting Olive Oil

1
Use olive oil when cooking. Olive oil, when ingested, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce scar tissues.^{[1]
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Research source} When cooking, use olive oil in place of butter or vegetable oil for grilling or sautéing. This is a healthy, easy way to incorporate olive oil in your diet.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- While olive oil is healthy, it is also high calorie. Make sure you only use a tablespoon or two when cooking. Use it in place of butter and not in addition to butter.^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Make vinaigrettes using olive oil. Another way to incorporate olive oil into your day-to-day diet is to use it in salad dressings. Vinaigrettes are fairly easy to make yourself.
- Basic vinaigrettes include one part vinegar and two parts olive oil. You can add salt and pepper to taste.^{[4]
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  Research source}
- You can add a variety of ingredients to vinaigrette depending on the taste you desire. Mustard powder, garlic, and other herbs can be used for a saltier taste. Fruits, honey, and apple cider vinegar can be used for a sweeter taste.
3
Keep your diet high in monounsaturated fats. Consuming olive oil can help your skin. Due to the high levels of monounsaturated fat, a healthy fat necessary to the body's development, olive oil can also help prevent heart disease and diabetes. You should aim to incorporate monounsaturated fats into your general diet. Other foods high in monounsaturated fats include avocados, nuts, and canola oil.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

How Can I Reduce The Visibility Of Injury Scars?

Expert Q&A
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Question

What kind of olive oil should I use?

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.

Ritu Thakur, MA

Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Answer

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You should be using ozonated olive oil for this. Ozonated olive oil can help reduce scarring.
Question

Why does olive oil help?

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.

Ritu Thakur, MA

Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Answer

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Ozonated olive oil stimulates skin cell growth and speeds up wound recovery. It also helps in reducing swelling, redness in the wound, and scarring. It promotes new cell regeneration, thus improving skin texture.
Question

Can I use olive oil on my face?

Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.

Ritu Thakur, MA

Natural Health Care Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, ozonated olive oil can be massaged into the face for anti-aging benefits.