A wound doesn’t have to be severe or deep to leave behind a scar. You probably have small scars on your body that you can attribute to minor wounds that you got as a child. One of the best ways that you can prevent scars is by caring for the wound properly, but even with diligent care, scars can still form. Some areas on the body are more prone to scars, and some people are more likely to develop them. But once you have a scar, how can you make it less visible?
There are many strategies and specific products you can use to minimize the appearance of scars – the key is, knowing what to use.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is something that you should be using on your skin every day, and it’s particularly important to use on scars. Sun protection minimizes the scar and prevents hyperpigmentation, or patches of darkening skin. The best sunscreens include either zinc or titanium oxide and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Also look for a product that contains 30 SPF or higher.
Petroleum Jelly
Many people opt for fancy, pricey creams, but there’s really no need to spend all that money. These creams claim to help with healing because they contain ingredients like cocoa butter and vitamin E, but there’s no evidence that they work. Instead, try the easy and much cheaper Vaseline, which keeps the scar moist.
Silicone Scar Sheets
Silicone scar sheets can be purchased from your plastic surgeon or pharmacy. They are made from silicone and should be placed on a new scar for at least three months each day for the best results. The sheeting can prevent the scar from getting worse and may even help it fade. These sheets are very effective and can also help with itching and discomfort.
Concealer
Concealer is an acceptable, short-term solution to hide your scar, especially if you’re going to a wedding or dinner party. But, it’s important to choose a product that will conceal the color scar that you have. For example, if your scar is red or pink, a concealer with a green undertone will be best. If the scar is brown, opt for concealer with a yellow undertone. And if the scar is lighter than your natural skin tone, choose a product that matches your skin.
Dermabrasion or Laser Resurfacing
With dermabrasion, special equipment is used to remove the surface of the skin, which helps reduce the size and texture of raised scars. Laser resurfacing uses lasers that remove the surface of the skin or stimulates collagen in the layers of the skin without removing the upper layer. Both methods smooth out the surface of the scar and minimize its appearance.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are used to raise sunken scars, and they do work well. Unfortunately, they are only a short-term solution and may need to be repeated. But, if you’re looking for a quick, effective fix, talk to a plastic surgeon about the benefits of getting collagen or fat fillers.
Surgery
Scars cannot be removed with surgery, although we know many people wish they would. In fact, many surgeries lead to more scarring. That said, you can opt to have a surgical procedure done to alter the size, depth and color of the scar. Surgery is not recommended for keloid or hypertrophic scars, however.
Source: WebMD.com