How to Treat Scars
Everyone has at least one scar. Surgery, scrapes, cuts, burns and other abrasions can all leave scars on the body. Acne is another cause of scars, particularly on the face.
Many people are proud of their scars because they show that they got through something difficult and painful, even going so far as to call them battle wounds. Other people would prefer to keep their scars hidden.
Genetics plays an influence in how prone to scarring you might be and the extent of your injury also plays a role in how prominent a scar could appear.
For people who want to erase their scars, there are some treatments that can help.
Why Do We Get Scars?
Treating scars means understanding what causes them. You know that getting hurt leaves a mark behind. But why?
As your body heals, it does so in stages. Immediately following an injury, there will be swelling and redness, after which a scab begins to form. Scabs act as a protective barrier for the new skin that is growing beneath. For that reason, picking a scab can lead to a bigger and more noticeable scar.
When the new skin is ready, the scab will fall off on its own. The scar that is left behind is made up of new tissue that is replacing what was lost when the injury or trauma occurred. The new skin is often rougher and pinker than the area surrounding it, which is why scars tend to stand out on your skin.
Many scars fade in time to leave an almost invisible mark but others will never go away. There are ways to hide or reduce the visual impact of a scar.
Ingredients that Improve Scars
There is a wide range of scar treatment products on the market. Understanding the various ingredients and how they can help is an important step in choosing the right one for what you want to achieve.
Natural ingredients:
- Onion bulb extract - controls inflammation and contains antioxidants to promote healthy healing
- Thyme oil - contains anti-inflammatory properties for swelling and redness
- Green tea leaf extract - contains antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, as well as controlling collagen production at a scar site
Processed/Chemical or Synthetic ingredients:
- Hyaluronate: Hydrates healing skin
- Arbutin Glycoside: Lightens dark scars
- Kojic acid: Lightens dark scars
- Silicone: Softens and smooths scar tissue
- Salicylic Acid: Works to keep pores clean and prevent acne, but can also treat redness and inflammation from existing acne scars
- Lipohydroxy Acid: Prevents acne and exfoliates current scars to smooth the skin
- Glycolic Acid: Boosts collagen production at the site of a scar and exfoliates to smooth scar tissue
- Niacinamide: Reduces the appearance of acne-related scarring
When you look for these ingredients, be sure they are one of the first listed. This tells you that it’s an active ingredient and is concentrated enough in the cream, lotion or other product to provide the results you’re looking for. You might try combining ingredients and experimenting with products to find what works best for you.
How to Choose Scar Treatments
Before you start using any kind of scar treatment, it’s best to talk about it with your doctor. A dermatologist can help you decide which one might be best for your needs.
Look for effective ingredients, but also read the rest of the list to be sure you’re getting what you expect.
You should also do a bit of research on the manufacturer and consider the cost.
It doesn’t make sense to spend more than you’re comfortable since many affordable over-the-counter products will do a good job of treating your scars.
- Bioderma Cicabio Cream 40mL
- Avene Cicalfate+ Cream
- IS Clinical Super Serum Advance
- La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Treats scar by enhancing the skin' healing process without causing feelings of discomfort and irritation.
Helps restore and accelerate skin recovery while reducing the appearance of scarring.
Helps improve the look of hypertrophic scar tissue and fine stretch marks.
Soothes and protects cracked, chapped, chafed skin and minor injuries from irritation and sensitivity.
