How to Reduce Scars With Supplements

Scar tissue is a natural part of skin healing. However, those scars provide a daily reminder of the injury, surgery or illness, such as chicken pox, which caused them. Scar formation, appearance and healing time hinges on some uncontrollable factors, such as age, skin color and your genetic makeup. Those wishing to reduce scars with supplements should first discuss them with a physician -- supplements are not approved for treatment of any medical condition and can interact with prescription medications.

Keep the scar and surrounding skin supple with moisture. Apply thick emollients, such as Swedish bitter, to hydrate the tissues. Do not use lotions containing alcohol, such as perfumes, as this dries out the skin.

Apply aloe vera gel to healed scars. Aloe gel contains phytochemicals, or plant extracts, which might speed up the healing of skin and skin wounds. Aloe gel is the viscous, clear gel inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Talk to an experienced homeopathic practitioner. Homeopathic remedies include the use of poultices and specifically formulated herbal preparations that might assist with scar reduction. Herbal concoctions often use comfrey, horsetail and marigold for scar treatment.

Get sufficient micronutrients, including vitamins A, C and E. Naturally occurring in many healthy foods such as fortified cereals and milk, vitamin A is used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Vitamin C assists with collagen formation, the substance that gives your skin elasticity.

Consider your mineral intake. Minerals such as silica and zinc play a vital role in scar formation and reduction. Zinc is available in both creams and oral supplements, and might be used to speed up wound healing and reduce inflammation.