Nut and Seed Oils for Scarring: Supporting Skin Through All Stages of Healing

Scars tell the story of your skin’s resilience, but for many, they come with discomfort, tightness, or self-consciousness. While no oil can make a scar completely disappear, certain nut and seed oils can significantly improve the texture, colour, and elasticity of scarred skin—especially when used consistently. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh surgical scar, acne marks, or old stretch marks, plant-based oils offer a gentle, effective way to support your skin’s natural regeneration.

In the early stages of healing—typically the first 6 to 12 weeks—scars are still forming. The body is rebuilding tissue, producing collagen, and responding to inflammation. During this phase, it’s essential to nourish the skin without disrupting its process. Rosehip seed oil is particularly valuable here. Cold-pressed from the seeds of Rosa canina, it’s rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, natural trans-retinoic acid (a form of vitamin A), and antioxidants that help remodel scar tissue and reduce pigmentation. Daily application can help minimise raised, red scars and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time.

Tamanu oil, pressed from the nuts of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree, is another powerhouse for fresh or inflamed scars. It’s been used traditionally in Polynesia for wound healing and is backed by studies for its ability to stimulate new tissue formation, reduce inflammation, and improve skin hydration. Its slightly thick, green-hued texture makes it especially suitable for drier scar types or areas prone to irritation.

Older scars—those that have become pale, hardened, or sunken—often need help with flexibility and deep hydration. Oils rich in omega fatty acids and emollients help soften fibrotic tissue and improve skin tone. Baobab oil, extracted from the seeds of Adansonia digitata, is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 and has a softening, regenerative effect on thickened or weathered scars. Macadamia oil, high in palmitoleic acid (which mimics the oils naturally found in youthful skin), works well on scar tissue that feels tight or lacks elasticity, such as stretch marks.

While vitamin E is often promoted for scar care, synthetic or isolated tocopherol may irritate sensitive skin. Instead, oils that naturally contain balanced levels of vitamin E—like sunflower seed, argan, or wheatgerm oil—offer a more skin-friendly option. These oils support barrier repair and help neutralise oxidative stress, which may worsen discolouration in healing tissue.

Application is key. Gently massage a small amount of oil onto clean, slightly damp skin once or twice a day. This not only helps with absorption but also encourages circulation to the area. For fresh scars, use a light touch—especially if stitches have just been removed or the skin is fragile. For older scars, a deeper massage may help break down hardened collagen and improve pliability. You can also blend oils together or pair them with gentle techniques like silicone sheeting or herbal compresses, provided your healthcare provider approves.

Incorporating these oils into your skincare ritual brings not only physical benefits but emotional grounding—offering the chance to care for your skin with intention, compassion, and patience. Scars fade gradually, but the act of tending to them regularly with nourishing, natural ingredients can make a real difference.