How To Treat Scars – A Quick Guide

We’ve all had one at some point in our lives. And they are sure to show up again & again. I’m talking about a small burn, a cut, acne marks, insect bites or surgery. All of which could leave scars.

You might recall ad campaigns in recent years about embracing your scars & being proud of your body. I loved these campaigns, but the truth for most of us is that we’d prefer to be sans scars or at least have lighter & less noticeable scars, right? As much as we are keen to embrace our imperfections, scars can still cause lots of self-awareness.

How Do Scars Form?

Our skins have three major components: the epidermis (the top layer that is basically a protective shield), the dermis which provides support & structure. And lastly, the hypodermis which is subcutaneous fat that functions as insulation & padding for the body.

If an injury reaches the hypodermis or deeper, the wound is automatically closed with a blood clot which stops foreign particles from penetrating the wound & prevents infection. The wound is then gradually filled with connective tissue. Initially, the scar will be red but because the tissue lacks structure for pigmentation, lighter tissue is left behind when the redness fades.

This resourceful self-healing mechanism to maintain skin functionality is normally accompanied by a visual side effect, aka a scar – the visible outcome of skin repair.

Tips For Treating Scars

1. Start scar therapy as quickly as possible. Start after the stitches have been removed or the wound has closed. The duration of treatment also depends on the origin of the scar. You will typically need to apply it up to 4 times a day for 2 – 4 months. A light massage action (until the product is completely absorbed), will do the trick.
2. Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes over scars. Tight garments, watches or shoes that rub against a scar can lead to redness or hardening of fresh scar tissue.
3. Protect your scars from sunshine by using a high SPF daily. The new skin normally lacks pigment cells for melanin production (melanin is the pigment that protects the skin to a certain degree against UV light).
4.  Avoid extreme weather conditions. Mild temperatures will have a positive effect on a scar’s reconstruction processes, so keep your scar away from extreme cold or heat.
5.  Use camouflage makeup for extra confidence. Once the scarring product is dry, you can apply your make-up as usual. Opt for camouflage products as these have 55 % more pigments than normal foundation & have a much higher opacity. It is worth getting advice from a professional makeup artist on the shades that will give you the best results.

5 Factors That Influence Scar Formation

1. Age. The older you are, the slower your skin heals, making scars more likely. But, between 10 and 30 years, an overproduction of connective tissue can also cause larger scars.
2. Skin Type. People with darker or very light skin are usually more prone to noticeable scarring. Hereditary factors also play a role in the healing of the wound
3. Hormones. Altered hormone balance (during pregnancy or adolescence) makes you more prone to scarring.
4. Location. In places on the body where the skin is subject to tension -like you joints or shoulders – more noticeable scars are likely to form.
5. Complications. Infections always increase your risk of scarring.

Yolandi ♥

Images: Supplied & via Teenvogue.com