How to Take Care of a Scar

Scars are produced by the body as a natural response to a wound or injury. Though they are extremely helpful, scars can be a serious hit to a person’s self-esteem, especially if it is located on the face. Depending on heredity, general health and other factors, a person can produce different kind of scars ranging from a simple line or discoloration to a hypertrophic scar and keloid scar.

If you have a scar, don’t lose hope! Thanks to modern medicine, there are now numerous ways to lessen its visibility, if not remove it completely. In this article, I will cite ways to take care of a scar.

NATURAL TREATMENTS

Cocoa Butter

Though mostly recommended as a treatment for stretch marks, numerous reports suggest that it is actually effective in all types of scars. The best advantage cocoa butter has is its ability to melt in skin temperature, thereby making it easier to absorb. You can buy cocoa butter in almost all beauty and skin care shops.

Aloe Vera

Long known as the favorite beauty secret of Cleopatra, aloe vera contains enormous amounts of vitamins, amino acids, proteins and minerals that nourish the skin and encourages the production of healthy new skin cells. Like the cocoa butter, aloe vera can be bought cheap and is available everywhere. For scar treatment, the best form to buy is gel, which is both more concentrated and pure.

Vitamin E

Another OTC scar treatment, vitamin E destroys the cells that compose the scar tissue and replaces it with healthy new cells. It is a natural ingredient that carries no risk of allergy or irritation. It is highly recommended by skin doctors and is very cheap.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has long been known to lighten freckles and dark acne scars. This is because of the citric acid naturally found in lemon that hastens the process of skin peeling. To apply this, wash your face first then apply a slice of lemon for at least 10 minutes. If you feel a little stinging, don’t worry because this is part of the natural process.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Microdermabrasion

This is the most common medical treatment and can be actually done at home with the numerous microdermabrasion kits available today. Microdermabrasion is the process of gently scraping away the top layer of the skin and exposes the glowing skin underneath.

Dermabrasion

This is the more aggressive version of microdermabrasion. The process is done by scraping off the skin’s top layer by a hand tool. This treatment is so aggressive that a local anesthetic or sedative is used on the skin during the treatment. This treatment is used for more serious scars such as acne scars, wrinkles, age spots and scars from surgeries. This is not recommended though, for people who have sensitive skin, tendency to have keloid scarring and having a present skin condition.

Laser Resurfacing

This new technology stimulates the production of collagen by removing the skin’s top layer. This technique works best for small, shallow scars and stretch marks.

Collagen

This treatment is recommended for pock marks and other pitted scars. Collagen is injected under the skin area which then elevates the scar. People tend to have allergic reactions to collagen though, so it is best to discuss this with your physician first.