Scars are traces of damage to the skin. They can appear as a result of a burn, wound, severe acne, surgery, improperly performed cosmetic procedure, cut, wound, or injury from an accident. Scars cause psychological and physical discomfort to their owners. Today, many techniques and folk ways have been developed to get rid of scars at home.
Is it possible to reduce scars at home?
A scar is formed at the final stage of healing of the skin. The appearance depends on the size of the damage and its depth. There are several varieties:
- atrophic – deepened, loose, formed due to multiple wounds and postacne;
- keloid – rise above healthy tissue and tends to grow;
- post-burn – wrinkled, tight with blurred contracture;
- hypertrophic – convex, but lighter and smoother than keloid, do not grow.
- striae - immersed inside and may disappear forever over time.
Complete removal of scars at home is impossible, but they can be lightened, smoothed out and made as invisible as possible. Most prescriptions and pharmaceutical products only work on fresh and small scar formations. Large marks from accidents, operations and other injuries can be masked or removed only with the help of professional correction techniques.
What kind of scar does it look like?
Not everyone has scars and not always. Human skin is designed in such a way that it is capable of regenerating itself or tightening with connective tissue. During regeneration, no traces or consequences remain. The same cannot be said about the connection. This is a scar. It doesn't contain:
- sweat glands;
- fatty glands;
- hair and even follicles;
- blood vessels;
- nerve endings.
Stretch marks on the body greatly spoil the appearance and most often appear in the hips, abdomen and chest.
Based on this, experts have divided all scars into types:
- atrophic. These marks look like depressions. Causes of appearance: ulcers, boils, acne and post-acne;
- normotrophic appearance. This type includes stretch marks and cellulite. The formation of such troubles is visible immediately after a sharp weight loss or increase in body volume. It is always difficult to solve such a problem on your own if you start it;
- hypertrophic. The most difficult type. Since they appear due to operations. This also includes burns and tattoo removal.
Of all three types, the last one is the most difficult to deal with. As for the second and third, the best option to achieve the goal (removal) is to start treating scars with folk remedies or gels as soon as you notice. Otherwise, the process may drag on for a long period.
Pharmacy products
Medications, the action of which is aimed at accelerating the regenerative process in damaged tissue and improving its structure and appearance, will help remove a defect on the skin or reduce its size. These products are presented in the form of creams and ointments.
Popular medications:
- Dermatix. Colorless gel consisting of polysiloxane compounds. Indicated for the treatment of various diseases and scars. It has no harmful effects on the body, works in the superficial layers of the skin.
- Skarguard. The effectiveness of the cream is determined by the content of beneficial vitamins in the composition and silicone texture. Under the influence of the drug, the scar may disappear completely, but therapy should be long-term and regular.
- Mirralgin. Created on the basis of essential oils and herbs. This herbal ointment eliminates marks left by a cut, burn, or frostbite.
- Zeraderm Ultra. Silicone-based cream with vitamin complexes. The composition accelerates regenerative processes and promotes the rapid removal of scars on the body and face.
- Mederma. An effective drug consisting of xanthan, allantoin, sorbic acid and other active substances. Designed to combat stretch marks after pregnancy and scars. Smoothes out convex formations, evens out sunken breaks, increases the elasticity of the skin, and restores color.
- Clearvin. Indian herbs are used for production. A natural remedy relieves many dermatological problems.
- Fermenkol. Anti-scar gel. It is easy to use. Helps to quickly get a positive result, eliminates stretch marks and scars of various types.
- Rescuer. Inexpensive treated ointment to accelerate regeneration.
- Contractubex. It works due to onion extract. It is recommended for use for various damage to the skin and to eliminate complications and consequences. Reduces the inflammatory process, relieves swelling, smoothes scar tissue, quickly heals, and provides lightening.
- Skinoren. The main ingredient is azelaic acid, which removes excess melanin and makes the scar lighter. It can be applied to the forehead or the entire face. Eliminates marks from acne, insect bites, acne, and dimples left by chickenpox and other dermatological diseases. Helps cleanse the skin, targeting every pimple. The problem of acne is completely solved.
All drugs are sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. They are safe for independent use and contain natural ingredients.
Classic medications - how they work
If you go to a doctor with your problem, he is guaranteed to prescribe you some kind of medication. Modern pharmacology can offer a whole list of such drugs that can cope with any type of scars, including keloids, at a high level.
The essence of the action of drugs directly depends on their composition. As a rule, most of them help to normalize blood microcirculation in the damaged area, which can prevent the spread of connective tissue to new layers of the epidermis. The drug penetrates deep into the skin, promoting the regeneration of its cells.
Thus, skin restoration is achieved, the scar brightens, decreases in size and, ultimately, disappears.
If you consult a doctor with your problem, he is guaranteed to prescribe you some drug in the form of a cream or ointment
The anti-scarring drug also has the following effects on damaged skin:
- anti-inflammatory – especially important in the treatment of keloid formations;
- fibrinolytic – reduces the amount of connective tissue by resorption;
- antithrombotic – improves blood circulation, preventing the formation of local blood clots;
- keratolytic - softens the dense layers of the epidermis, making the skin softer and more elastic, that is, normal.
Naturally, like any other pharmacological drug, products that fight scars also have a number of contraindications. To be fair, it should be noted that there are not so many of them. First of all, we are talking about:
- individual hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug;
- allergic reaction from the skin;
- the presence of open wounds in the treated area;
- inflammatory processes, as well as tissue necrosis, ulcerative and purulent processes;
- oncological processes in the scar area.
The list of contraindications and restrictions may be different. It all depends on the type of drug, and more specifically, on its composition. Therefore, before using any product, you must carefully study the instructions for use.
Sometimes side effects such as itching, redness, local increase in skin temperature, some rashes, and dermatitis occur. This indicates that an allergy has appeared. Therefore, the drug should be stopped immediately, and then contact your doctor to adjust the therapy.
Cosmetology procedures
Elimination of scar formation is a complex and lengthy process. Before you start fighting against him, you need to determine what type he is.
Treatment of normotrophic and atrophic defects can be carried out using cosmetic techniques and folk remedies. Chemical peeling and filling with hyaluronic filler to replenish tissue deficiencies are considered effective.
Hypertrophic scars can be removed in two ways: surgery and laser. If the mark is large, old and deep, then it is better to entrust it to a surgeon. If the wound is recent and has a shallow depth, laser scar resurfacing is used. The laser evaporates the top layer and causes the atrophied skin to be replaced with new, healthy skin.
Keloid scars are more difficult to treat. To stop the growth it is necessary to do injections with hormonal drugs and electrophoresis. Radiation therapy and cryotherapy are indicated.
For postoperative marks, a mechanical correction method is effective - microdermabrasion. Helps to polish any raised scar or seam, and to align it with the surrounding tissues.
The choice of technique is made by a cosmetologist or dermatologist after assessing the condition of the defect.
How a scar is formed
After any violation of the integrity of the skin, the body’s protective reaction is triggered, aimed at eliminating the defect. The formation of connective tissue cells – fibroblasts – is activated.
This process is influenced by many factors: the quality of wound care, the presence of infection, the state of human health - metabolism, the functions of the endocrine system, the genetic characteristics of the structure of skin cells, the location of the wound on the body.
Therefore, different people develop different scars, some are barely noticeable, others are rough and painful. Types of scars and their characteristics. The nature of scars is determined by the cellular structure; based on this feature, 4 types are distinguished:
- Normotrophic scar. It is formed in healthy skin tissue, after surgical operations and incised wounds, when the ratio of collagen and elastin in the skin is normal. Outwardly, it is hardly noticeable, does not rise above the level of the skin, and only slightly differs in color - lighter;
- Atrophic scar. It is formed with low activity of fibroblasts and lack of collagen, more often after deep skin defects, in the presence of metabolic disorders, and chronic diseases. Its surface is located below the level of the skin, forming a depression, a niche;
- Hypertrophic scar. Most scars after injuries and burns are hypertrophic, this is due to excessive tissue proliferation as a reaction to inflammation. It rises slightly above the skin level and is pink in color. As a rule, over 1.5-2 years it gradually restructures and takes the form of a normotrophic scar;
- Keloid scar. The most problematic of scars is formed as a result of an excess of coarse collagen fibers. It rises sharply above the level of the skin, is very dense, tends to grow in width, the color is dark - from purple, bluish to gray. Causes pain, itching, and frequent formation of cracks and ulcers. The main reason is genetic predisposition, as well as various diseases - disorders of the immune system, protein and vitamin-mineral composition, endocrine, vascular pathology.
Folk remedies
You can remove marks from cuts, burns and whiten dark scars yourself using products of natural origin. Home care can also be used in combination with professional correction methods.
No. 1 Apply apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad or gauze and apply to the scar for 10-15 minutes. The folk peeling recipe is used three times a week. After the procedure, apply moisturizer.
No. 2 Every morning and evening, lubricate the affected area with cocoa butter. The product regenerates, fills with moisture and evens out.
No. 3 A mixture of 1 tbsp will help to whiten dark spots and remove scars at home. olive oil and 5 drops. lavender oils. Rub into the scar 2 times a day.
No. 4 1 tablet will help remove imperfections. Shilajit dissolved in water and combined with a small amount of baby cream. Effectively applied twice a day after shower.
No. 5 You can sand damage at home. Use a stiff brush and ground coffee for this. Rub the area vigorously for 10 minutes. After the massage, apply cream with panthenol.
Before using traditional medicine compositions, apply the prepared mixture to an inconspicuous place (the bend of an arm or leg, wrist, knee) to check the reaction. If active redness is observed, reduce the concentration or change the recipe.
If you choose medications
Buying an ointment or gel for stretch marks on your own these days at a pharmacy or ordering on one of the websites without consulting a doctor is dangerous. You can always read the instructions and reviews left about the drug. But to what extent is everything that has been said, and most importantly the composition, suitable for the one who wanted to use it? It all depends on individual tolerance and chronic diseases. Also, before applying any product, you must do an allergen test. Most of these medications contain plants that do not grow in the area where you live. This negative point should alert the buyer. Why? It’s simple: scientists have proven that you can help restore health and influence the normalization of the body’s functioning only with those plant components that are on the territory of the person who decided to use any proposed remedy.
And they offer these:
Type of deformation | Drug name | compound |
Atrophic stretch marks and other deformities | Maderma | An analogue of another dosage form – Contractubex. There is a difference: the complete absence of heparin |
Fresh scars and scars (no more than 2 years) | Fermenkol | The effect occurs due to collagens. They dissolve. The best result if used simultaneously with physiotherapy |
All types and forms of scars | Dermatix | Removal of deformation occurs due to softening of tissues. After application, a film appears, but at the same time it allows air to pass through |
For delicate and thin skin. Suitable for children's and adult's facial parts | Zeraderm Ultra | Recommended for resolving scars after surgery. At the same time protects the skin from sun exposure. Can be applied under cosmetics |
Prevention and tightening of minor deformations | Scarguard | The composition included silicone, vitamins, hydrocortisone. Apply twice a day. Looks like a film after lubricating problem areas |
For all types of scars and even old ones, but with longer use | Spenko | These are silicone plates. Fixation occurs on damage with fixation |
For minor damage, but immediately after appearance. Removes traces of chickenpox | Contractubex | Relieves the inflammatory process and at the same time stimulates greater collagen production. The result is achieved with the help of onion bitch, heparin and allantoin |
Need to know! If you have skin lesions that have lasted for more than three years, only laser therapy will help. All recommended ointments and gels, as well as folk remedies for resolving scars and scars, will only reduce them. But complete removal will not happen.
Rules for treating scars at home
Treatment or whitening of scars at home should include a complex. The use of medicinal drugs is recommended. The following rules must also be observed:
- Massage the damaged area for 5 minutes every day to prevent the formation of fibrous tissue. For massage, use oils and gels with silicone.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the injury takes longer to heal and may darken; protect with sunscreen.
- Exfoliate regularly to exfoliate dead cells and improve scar elasticity.
We recommend reading:
Effective methods for getting rid of scars
Rules for the use of traditional methods
When using folk remedies, the following nuances must be taken into account:
- Observe the regularity of procedures, carry them out patiently, because there will be no quick effect, it will appear after 2-3 months;
- You cannot count on removing old and rough scars, you can only soften them;
- For better healing and restoration of healthy skin, you need to adjust your diet - eat more fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits, herbs, limit starchy and sweet foods as much as possible, drink 2-3 liters of fluid per day.
A contraindication to the use of folk remedies may be an allergic reaction, the presence of inflammatory phenomena on the skin, or a pustular rash. In these cases, you should consult your doctor.
Homemade face masks for scars
If the scars are not very deep, then you can get rid of them at home using folk recipes.
Scars on the face from acne and blackheads haunt many people and force them to apply tons of cosmetics to the skin to make them less noticeable. This causes inconvenience especially in hot weather.
Traditional medicine offers simple and affordable ways to eliminate defects. Homemade masks promote the resorption of scars and remove the stratum corneum of the skin.
The most effective among them:
- Tomato mask. The tomato needs to be peeled from the top layer and its core removed. It is this part of the vegetable that needs to be applied to the damaged skin and left for 15 minutes. Not only is it an excellent remedy for acne scars on the face, but it is also a source of antioxidants that slow down the aging process.
- White clay mask. To prepare, dilute a tablespoon of raw material with warm water to the consistency of sour cream and add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the resulting mask to the skin and leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with cool water. White clay helps eliminate post-acne and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
- Oatmeal scrub mask. Oatmeal should be crushed and poured with warm kefir. The ingredients are taken in equal proportions. This mass should swell. After this, it should be applied to the scar area for 15 minutes, then rinsed with warm water. The mask perfectly cleanses pores, removes dead skin and helps smooth out scars.
Scars and cicatrices create a lot of inconvenience, especially for women. No one is safe from their appearance.
Modern cosmetic procedures make it possible to remove even the most old and deep defects. But such methods are quite expensive.
Traditional medicine presents many effective recipes . Their preparation is easy and accessible to everyone. When resorting to this treatment option, for a good result it is important to use the necessary products correctly and regularly.
Rules for using traditional methods
- consult with your doctor about choosing a treatment method;
- for better results, carry out treatment systematically: several courses with breaks;
- do not ignore the recommendations for each individual recipe;
- it is necessary to collect herbs for decoctions away from highways and factories;
- if side effects occur, treatment should be stopped and consult a doctor;
- local ingredients are better than exotic ones;
- Before using any ingredient, check whether you are allergic to it.
Correct use of traditional methods is the key to successful treatment of scars from burns, injuries, operations, prevention of skin diseases, nutrition and restoration of old dermal balls.