Nobody likes having ugly scars on their bodies, especially in places that are easily visible to others.
And it's not always easy to hide a scar.
However, there are things you can do and things you should not do when trying to get rid of scars.
Here are 3 mistakes many people make in their attempts to lessen a scar's appearance.
Mistake # 1 - Assume there is nothing they can do to improve the appearance of a scar - Some people are actually proud of their scars and will do nothing to lessen the appearance of them.
Others may try to hide scars the best they can, thinking there is nothing that can be done to make them less conspicuous.
The truth of the matter is that there are products and procedures that can be done to lessen the appearance of scar tissue.
You just have to seek them out.
Mistake #2 - Use products with ingredients in them that are harmful or ineffective for healing scars.
These include: a.
Vitamin E - Although it has long been suggested that Vit.
E will heal wounds, there have been independent scientific studies done that show that Vit.
E has no effect on and can possibly worsen the appearance of scars for most users of this vitamin.
Topical use of Vit.
E was also shown to cause an allergic reaction in about one third of the users.
b.
Preservatives and fragrances - Many skin care products contain fragrances and synthetic preservatives such as paraben.
On the one hand, preservatives are good because they prevent the growth of bacteria in products with a high water content.
However, although there are many approved preservatives to keep products free of bacteria, only a handful are used in most products that are readily available on the market.
These, unfortunately, are some of the most irritating preservatives to people who have sensitive skin.
Many of these products will then cause skin allergies to go along with the wound they are trying to heal.
A double whammy, you might say.
c.
Hydroquinone - This is an agent that is effective in lightening scars.
However, the use of this agent in a product, even at a 2% strength, can lead to a condition called ochronosis, which is a permanent hyperpigmentation of the skin, turning it a dark color.
This agent may also actually impair the healing of the wound and cause loss of elasticity of the skin and possible contact dermatitis.
d.
Kojic Acid - This is another agent that will lighten a dark scar.
However, if it is used on a regular basis it can cause skin to become more sensitive, which in turn can lead to allergic contact dermatitis.
The solution to this mistake is to use products that include: a.
Dimethicone Silicone - Silicone gel will not only improve the appearance of scars, but will improve the feel of scars.
The gel is massaged into the skin so makeup, skin block, etc.
can be used over it.
Silicone will diminish the redness of a scar as well as relieve any itching associated with it.
b.
Vit.
C - Our bodies don't make Vit.
C, yet it is very important to the health of our skin and in the process of healing scars.
It is a powerful anti-oxidant, preventing skin damage and forming new collagen.
It also will lighten dark scars and improve skin hydration.
The best way to get enough Vit.
C is by eating Vit.
C rich produce, taking supplements and using skin care products that contain it in a stable form (L-ascorbic acid).
It is a little difficult to find products that contain stable Vit.
C, though, because it is naturally very unstable.
This means that as it is repeatedly exposed to air and moisture, it turns brown with oxidation and becomes ineffective.
Doing some research will help you find a product with a stable Vit.
C content.
c.
Licorice - This ingredient used topically will accelerate the process of renewing the skin of the scar tissue, will lighten the dark pigment, and is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, among other things.
d.
Aloe Vera - Most of us have heard of the soothing qualities of aloe vera.
It also improves the appearance of scars, decreasing inflammation and moisturizing the skin.
It's also great as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent.
e.
Essential Fatty Acids (oleic acid -sunflower seed oil and linoleic acid -safflower seed oil) - These fatty acids improve wound healing and increase the moisture content of the skin.
They also improve skin elasticity and will help lighten dark scar pigmentation.
Mistake #3 - Being too embarrassed to seek help from a specialist, such as a dermatologist.
Many young people who have acne scars are very self-conscious of them and would probably rather try to hide them with make-up than seek out a dermatologist with the help of their parents.
Some of us may think we are just being too sensitive or vain in wanting to get rid of scars.
But the psychological damage done by being embarrassed and ashamed of scars such as acne scars can last a lifetime and cause social inhibitions.
Finding a good dermatologist who will help you find a solution to lessening the appearance of scars can be a great boost to your self-esteem and social life.
Mistake #4 - Impatience - Just as in everything else in our present day lives, we want instant gratification, instant results.
But this is unrealistic in the case of healing scars.
It will take time and patience, but in the end you will have the satisfaction that you were able to get rid of that ugly scar or scars.