Does black seed oil remove scars?

The Nigella, also known as black cumin, is an aromatic plant that primarily thrives in Egypt. Each year, it produces a large quantity of aromatic black seeds frequently found in Oriental cuisine. The cultivation of Nigella dates back to antiquity. Under the reign of Nefertiti, an Egyptian queen who lived around 1300 BC, Nigella was considered a universal remedy and was referred to as the "blessed seed".

The black seed also finds its place in cosmetics and is included in the INCI list of many treatments under the name Nigella Sativa Seed Oil. Its biochemical composition provides several benefits to the skin and hair, including healing properties.

Following a lesion or injury to the dermis, the healing process often leaves a visible mark on the skin known as a scar. During the healing, the scar tissue does not have the same hue as the tissue it replaces, leaving a mark that is either lighter or darker. Depending on the severity of the injury, its location and age, the scar may fade over time or persist for several years. There are different types of scars:

• Thehypertrophic scarsare reddish in appearance and result from long-term inflammations.

• Theatrophic scarsappear in the form of craters and are often caused by acne spots.

• The sclerotic scars are hard in appearance and lack flexibility, they occur after burns.

• The keloid scars are dark red marks that extend beyond the initial lesion, appearing as a result of trauma (surgical scars, acne...).

Black seed oil has been the subject of several scientific studies, which have highlighted that it can stimulate the skin regeneration process. Indeed, a recent experiment conducted on injured rats showed that, following the application of a gel containing 10% black seed oil and the placement of a dressing for 7 days, the sizes of the rats' wounds were reduced by 40%. This study having been conducted on rats, caution is advised, however, a similar mechanism can be hypothesized for human skin.

Black seed oil can also support wound healing due to its soothing and moisturising properties. Indeed, when we get injured, a wound tends to be red and painful: the skin can burn, itch or feel tight. It is then necessary to hydrate it well so that it can heal properly. Due to its high fatty acid content, black seed oil has moisturising virtues and forms a film on the skin's surface that helps limit the evaporation of water from the epidermis. Moreover, this ingredient contains thymoquinone, a molecule that inhibits the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins 1β and 2 (IL-1β and IL-2), which are associated with an increased sensitivity to pain.

However, it is important to emphasise that while black seed oil may to some extent facilitate skin healing, no study has so far demonstrated its ability to eliminate already formed scars.

Even though there is currently no formal evidence of the effect of black seed oil on formed scars, it is still possible to apply it to promote healing. To do this, start by diluting the black seed oil in another vegetable oil at 5 or 10%, such as avocado oil or argan oil for example. Then apply this mixture to the area to be healed morning and evening and gently massage to allow the oils to penetrate.

Please note : to fully benefit from the healing properties of black seed oil, opt for an extract obtained by first cold pressing. This gentler extraction method allows for the preservation of all the active principles of black seed oil. Then, store it in a bottle away from light and heat, which are sources of potential oxidation, and use it within six months of opening. Finally, the black seed vegetable oil should not be applied around the mouth or eyes, as it may irritate the mucous membranes.

• SUTRISNA E. & al. A Comparative Study of the Effects of Nigella sativa Oil Gel and Aloe Vera Gel on Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (2018).

• KIM B. & al. Black Cumin ( Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety. Nutrients (2021).