Tue, 07/20/2010 - 14:41 | Skin scarring is oftentimes an unfortunate (and unwanted) result of acne, abrasions, burns and surgery. While eliminating scars completely isn't always realistic, you can put together an action plan to keep potential scarring to a minimum.
Mom may have slapped on the band-aids as soon as you cut yourself, but it's not always the best idea. Sometimes skin injuries need a little breathing room to help facilitate the healing process. And it's important to continuously keep the injury clean with antibacterial soap.
One of the worst things you can do with freshly injured skin is expose it to the sun. Because the skin is new, it is extremely sensitive to the sun's rays. Sun exposure too soon will discolor the area, possibly for good. Covering the damaged area with clothing as well as sunscreen is recommended.
Aloe vera can be a helpful tool to lessen the severity of scarring. A good rule of thumb is to apply a little each day until the area is healed completely.
If you are suffering from acne, the most important thing you can do is leave your blemishes alone. Popping and squeezing is a definite path to facial scarring.
As the injury heals and the first signs of a scar rears its ugly head, begin applying generous doses of vitamin E oil directly to the scar. Be sure to apply a small amount of vitamin E on a small area of your body first to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to it, however. The best method is to buy vitamin E capsules, use a small pin to pop open the capsule and apply directly to the skin. Do this once per day until the scar begins to fade.
Some people use mederma gel, which is made from onion extract, to minimize acne scars. It can take months to see results, however.
It's important to realize that scar fading is not a quick process. It could take up to eight weeks with some of these treatment options, even longer. And not all scars fade away completely.
These tips are simply suggestions to help minimize scarring. If necessary, visit your dermatologist to inquire about alpha-hydroxyl acids or laser surgery.
Mom may have slapped on the band-aids as soon as you cut yourself, but it's not always the best idea. Sometimes skin injuries need a little breathing room to help facilitate the healing process. And it's important to continuously keep the injury clean with antibacterial soap.
One of the worst things you can do with freshly injured skin is expose it to the sun. Because the skin is new, it is extremely sensitive to the sun's rays. Sun exposure too soon will discolor the area, possibly for good. Covering the damaged area with clothing as well as sunscreen is recommended.
Aloe vera can be a helpful tool to lessen the severity of scarring. A good rule of thumb is to apply a little each day until the area is healed completely.
If you are suffering from acne, the most important thing you can do is leave your blemishes alone. Popping and squeezing is a definite path to facial scarring.
As the injury heals and the first signs of a scar rears its ugly head, begin applying generous doses of vitamin E oil directly to the scar. Be sure to apply a small amount of vitamin E on a small area of your body first to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to it, however. The best method is to buy vitamin E capsules, use a small pin to pop open the capsule and apply directly to the skin. Do this once per day until the scar begins to fade.
Some people use mederma gel, which is made from onion extract, to minimize acne scars. It can take months to see results, however.
It's important to realize that scar fading is not a quick process. It could take up to eight weeks with some of these treatment options, even longer. And not all scars fade away completely.
These tips are simply suggestions to help minimize scarring. If necessary, visit your dermatologist to inquire about alpha-hydroxyl acids or laser surgery.
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