Tips for Scars

Scars are left as a result of the skin closing a wound to prevent infection and many researchers think that the wound builds up collagen when it closes too quickly leaving behind a scar. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy quick fix remedy for erasing a scar, but there are a few things you can do to prevent them from healing into a more distinct scar and help diminish their appearance a bit…

Here are a few tips

• Cover it up! When the wound is fresh, make sure to cover it up with a bandage. According to Fitness Magazine, it’s important to seal wounds since the moisture captured underneath the bandage prevents the development of a “hard scab,” which typically leads to pronounced scarring. If you apply an ointment like Neosporin to the wound daily with a fresh Band-Aid, the skin will heal better and the scarring will be less visible.
• Cool it. Aloe Vera is another great skin conditioner. Apply it to a fresh scar a couple times a day until it’s fully healed. Aloe is also really good for facial or acne scars too!
• Oil it. Essential oils and vitamin E also act as skin conditioners, which can be very beneficial to the later stages of the healing process. Many sources recommend massaging essential oils (such as lavender, bergamot or chamomile oil) or vitamin E into the wound once the surface of it is sealed. It’s super important to make sure the wound is closed before you start using oil and vitamin E because you could have an allergic reaction if the cut is still open. 
• SPF! One of the biggest mistakes people make is going out and exposing a fresh wound/scab/scar to the sunlight. The sun’s rays actually make the scarring worse, so always ALWAYS apply a strong SPF to your scabs/scars (and if possible, cover them up with a bandage).
• Massage it. When the surface of your wound is healed, lightly massage the scar for a few minutes each day. This will increase blood flow to aid further healing.
• Get creamy. Another option is to use a healing ointment made specifically for scarring like Mederma. These products can get a bit pricy, but if the mark is in an especially unflattering location it may be worth the splurge. There are also little Band-Aid looking things that have scar-healing ointment on them that can help too!
• Watch it! If the scar becomes raised, red or especially itchy, get your buns to a doctor. Your wound may be infected or you could be having an allergic reaction.

Before trying these tips, I suggest consulting with your doctor. Every wound is different and your doctor may be able to provide you with better tools to heal it faster and reduce scarring.

I hope you find these at-home scar remedies helpful!