Reader Question: How to Use Natural Oils for Transitioning & Acne Scars

The Ask Abi section of the site features questions sent across from readers about hair care, health, fitness, and beauty.

You can send yours across as well on the Ask Abi page but check I haven’t answered this question already before you send across. Thanks.

Today’s question is from S.K. in Kenya. She’s transitioning after a bad relaxer experience. She also has post acne issues:-

“I’m glad to have this opportunity to talk to you. I’m transitioning after a terrible relaxer application that left my hair weak, falling off and with a dull brown color. I also happen to be improving from my severe acne that I’ve had for about six years now. I would like to know which oils are the best in healing the scars and clearing the appearance of marks on my face? “- S.K.

Thanks for reaching out. A terrible experience with a relaxer is the reason I finally went natural so I understand what you’re going through with your hair now.

Hair Recovery Regimen After Relaxer Damage

One of the main problems after you stop relaxing is weak and damaged hair.

This is because the relaxer has broken down the structure of the hair completely stripping it of its natural protective layers.

The first thing you want to do is stop any other harmful hair care practices you might have going on.

The harmful practices include wearing tight buns; using strong hold hair gel to slick back the hair or weaves, sulfate shampoos, etc.

Next up is adding an intense moisturization and protein treatment regimen into your routine for strength, elasticity, and moisture.

For more on incorporating moisture and protein into your hair regimen, check out the following resources:-

Do not skimp on using heat whenever you deep condition your hair.

Deep conditioning with heat will open up your cuticles and help products penetrate better.

Read below articles for the best natural oils you can use to attain elasticity & moisture retention:

Do this at least twice a week at the beginning of your rescue regimen. Once your hair is in recovery mode, you can drop to once per week.

For protein, I recommend initially, Aphogee Two Step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair.

For more on this product, this article breaks it down – Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment for Natural Hair

Follow this up with Aphogee Intensive Two Minute Keratin Reconstructor for maintenance.

You may also want to check out the Healthy Hair Care Series and take the quiz to determine the best resources for your hair issues.

Do not overdo protein treatments as this will make the problems worse. Once a week is fine with these oils. With Aphogee, follow the instructions on the packaging closely to avoid hair loss.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Your severe acne might have been caused by your lifestyle, diet and/or medication you are on.

The recommendations below take into consideration that your acne scars are superficial and not too deep.

The best oils to help with healing facial scars and reducing their appearance include tamanu oil, vitamin E oil, rosehip seed oil & watermelon oil.

Read the following articles for more assistance with refining the appearance of acne scars as well as recipes and products:-

There are other oils you could use for acne scars as well but I’m in the research stage for those and so won’t be recommending them yet.

However, the comprehensive list above is a good place to start.

You don’t have to try everything at once. Start with one or two oils or recipes and stay with them for up to 8 – 12 weeks before changing over.

If your scars are deeper, then you may need to consult a dermatologist for more effective treatment options.

These effective treatment solutions could include derma rolling and microdermabrasion sessions.

Please note that in all cases, in order for any remedies to work, you will need to eliminate the harmful practices that led to the issues in the first place.

Let me know how you get on in the comments section. Good luck!

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