Foods That Help Heal Scars

Injuries or surgeries can leave a wound in your skin that can take a great deal of time to heal. Even when you have finished healing, you are likely to notice a scar. While some individuals might look at scars as battle wounds and a story to tell, others might be self-conscious and would prefer that a scar fade away as quickly as possible. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet might help remove your scar.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Low-fat dairy products -- including milk, yogurt and cheese -- might help reduce the appearance of scars from surgery or injury. In a 2010 study in "Mediators of Inflammation," a report discusses the diets of mice with scars and wounds. Mice given conjugated linoleic acid -- or CLA -- saw an increase in their healing rate 1. This study suggests that adding CLA -- which is found in dairy products -- to the diets of humans can help promote early healing of wounds and scars.

Vitamin C

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Vitamin C is important for the health of your body tissues and muscles. Vitamin C promotes healing and healthy development of your body's tissues. Vitamin C is essential in the healing of cuts and wounds, and can also help protect you against infections as you heal. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits -- such as:

• oranges -- strawberries
  
• broccoli
  
• tomatoes
  
• kiwi
  
• cabbage
  
• strawberries

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is essential in helping to protect your cells and body tissues from damage and also helps keep your red blood cells healthy. Consuming foods that contain vitamin E can help promote the proper healing of your skin, which can decrease the size of your scar, making it less noticeable. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, egg yolks, whole grains -- including oats and wheat germ -- and green leafy vegetables -- such as kale and lettuce.

Vitamin A

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Vitamin A is found in dark, green, leafy vegetables -- including collards, kale and spinach. Vitamin A can also be found in liver, carrots, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe. Milk might be fortified with vitamin A -- also known as retinol -- to promote strong and healthy vision, skin and mucous membranes; milk also contributes to the healing of scars and wounds. According to "Alternative Medicine Review," vitamin A can help increase the strength of collagen -- the protein responsible for building skin 3. Vitamin A can also stimulate the immune system and encourage prompt healing of scars.