10 Things You Need to Know About Scar Treatment
From cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries, our body goes through a lot.
When you injure your skin, it produces a protein called collagen. The collagen facilitates healing by closing the wound. Unfortunately, this process can cause scars. They usually aren’t a big deal; they are natural, and everyone has them. Certain scars, however, can be a big insecurity for some. You may be wondering what scar treatments are available in order to boost your confidence.
It’s important to know that you can’t get rid of these marks completely. But, there are ways you can make them less noticeable.
Here’s your go-to guide for scar treatment:
Not All Scars Are The Same
Like fingerprints or snowflakes, every scar is unique. This means that a scar treatment that works for one won’t necessarily work for another.
Some factors that may affect your scar treatment include:
- Its size
- How deep it goes
- How long you’ve had it
- How it came about (scrape, burn, etc.)
- Your skin type
- Its exposure to sunlight
So, let’s cover some of the most common types of scar treatments and in what situations each will work best.
Creams
There are many types of creams out there for different scar treatment purposes. Some are specifically meant for red and pink marks. Others work better on raised marks. There are even some that you can use after a procedure for prevention purposes. Consult this guide of the best scar creams in 2020 to choose the best one for you.
If you settle on creams, make sure to meticulously follow the product’s application instructions. This will ensure that you see the best results. There are plenty of effective CBD creams for acne scar treatment. Just be sure you read our reviews before purchasing one!
Prescribed Ointments/Gels
Creams may not be powerful enough for severe scarring. If you have deeper, darker marks, you may need a dermatologist to prescribe ointments or gels for scar treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are effective for surface-level scars. A dermatologist will apply a peel containing mild acids. Removing it exposes a new layer of skin and reduces the appearance of the mark.
Chemical peels are common for facial marks but can be used in most places on the body. They may require a longer healing period, but they are very popular treatments.
Injections
Depending on the type of scar, injections may be an appropriate course of action for scar treatment.
A steroid injection can shrink a raised mark, making it even with the surrounding skin.
Collagen injections or dermal fillers can fill in the crevices of a deeper scar.
Dermabrasion
This is where dermatologists use a sander-like machine to smooth away the top layer of skin. Like with steroid injections, this procedure is good for raised scars.
Laser Removal
Dermatologists can use intense light to reduce a mark’s color, size, and shape. We recommend this option over surgery as it is non-invasive.
Surgery
A surgeon may be able to improve its appearance. They can reduce the width of a scar or cover it using skin from another part of your body.
Consider surgery as an absolute last resort. It is very invasive and still won’t remove the mark completely.
Preventing Your Scar from Getting Worse
As we mentioned earlier, while you can’t completely get rid of a scar, you can reduce its appearance through scar treatments.
You can also prevent it from getting worse with one major tip—cover it with sunscreen. Exposure to sunlight can cause it to darken and become more noticeable.
Talk to Your Dermatologist
If you are unsure of the best scar treatment route for you, talk to your dermatologist. They will give you expert advice that will improve your scar’s appearance and boost your confidence.