(This is not me. Thanks.)
1…Massage it when it’s new, according to Dr. Zoe Draelos, M.D., renowned North Carolina-based dermatologist. Draelos tellsSelf, “When a wound is pinkish in color as it heals, you can minimize the chances of a scar by gently massaging it…the stimulation helps align the collagen underneath the blemish for a less noticeable mark.” Who knew?
2. Consider silicone gel sheeting.According toa 2007 review in theAesthetic Surgery Journal,silicone gel sheetingis the only form of treatment effective against hypertrophic (raised) scars. The study considered popular treatments like Mederma, adhesive tape, and polyurethane, and concluded that onlysilicone gel sheetinghas conclusive evidence for being effective in the treatment of raised scars. Who knew?
3. Avoid vitamin E.It is well-known that vitamin E thins the blood, aiding in circulation. Unfortunately, this property of vitamin E may interfere with healing. According toa 2007 story inThe New York Times, vitamin E was found not to have any healing properties by researchers at the University of Miami. In fact, in some cases, vitamin E induced contact dermatitis in patients, making matters worse. (In other words, stick with an aloe cream, gentle massage, andsilicone gel sheeting.)
4. Choose the right concealer color.According to Dr. David E. Bank’sBeautiful Skin, if the scar is blue/purple, use a mauve color concealer to prime the area, and then follow with concealer or foundation. If the scar is the same color as your skin, take caution to use a concealer and foundationexactlythe color of your skin. According toDr. Bank, “Anything lighter will highlight the imperfection.” Makes sense, now that you mention it…
5. Consider the pulsed dye laser (administered by a licensed dermatologist).According to Dr. David E. Bank’sBeautiful Skin, treatment with thepulsed dye laseris efficient, and can reduce the appearance of raised scars and stretch marks, although it is most effective when the area is still pink.
Overall, take care of your scars when they are new, and your investment of time and effort will pay off for years to come.
Of course, it’s never to late to start, so be sure to start with gentle massage, aloe cream,silicone gel sheeting, and consulting with a dermatologist about probable laser treatments.
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(This is not me. Thanks.)
1…Massage it when it’s new, according to Dr. Zoe Draelos, M.D., renowned North Carolina-based dermatologist. Draelos tellsSelf, “When a wound is pinkish in color as it heals, you can minimize the chances of a scar by gently massaging it…the stimulation helps align the collagen underneath the blemish for a less noticeable mark.” Who knew?
2. Consider silicone gel sheeting.According toa 2007 review in theAesthetic Surgery Journal,silicone gel sheetingis the only form of treatment effective against hypertrophic (raised) scars. The study considered popular treatments like Mederma, adhesive tape, and polyurethane, and concluded that onlysilicone gel sheetinghas conclusive evidence for being effective in the treatment of raised scars. Who knew?
3. Avoid vitamin E.It is well-known that vitamin E thins the blood, aiding in circulation. Unfortunately, this property of vitamin E may interfere with healing. According toa 2007 story inThe New York Times, vitamin E was found not to have any healing properties by researchers at the University of Miami. In fact, in some cases, vitamin E induced contact dermatitis in patients, making matters worse. (In other words, stick with an aloe cream, gentle massage, andsilicone gel sheeting.)
4. Choose the right concealer color.According to Dr. David E. Bank’sBeautiful Skin, if the scar is blue/purple, use a mauve color concealer to prime the area, and then follow with concealer or foundation. If the scar is the same color as your skin, take caution to use a concealer and foundationexactlythe color of your skin. According toDr. Bank, “Anything lighter will highlight the imperfection.” Makes sense, now that you mention it…
5. Consider the pulsed dye laser (administered by a licensed dermatologist).According to Dr. David E. Bank’sBeautiful Skin, treatment with thepulsed dye laseris efficient, and can reduce the appearance of raised scars and stretch marks, although it is most effective when the area is still pink.
Overall, take care of your scars when they are new, and your investment of time and effort will pay off for years to come.
Of course, it’s never to late to start, so be sure to start with gentle massage, aloe cream,silicone gel sheeting, and consulting with a dermatologist about probable laser treatments.
ShareThis