Scars are made up of the protein collagen which is found in the second layer of your skin. When the integrity of the skin is compromised through injury beyond a superficial this layer must repair itself. It is in the body’s only healing process that scarring takes place.
The key to preventing scars is to break up the collagen that collects in the dermal tissue during the healing process. When the collagen does not bond to your skin’s top layer scar formation is reduced.
It is possible to lighten and revision an old scar, your best approach is to limit scars before they form.
DON’T
DON’T Use Hydrogen Peroxide: While the solution cleans, it also destroys new skin cells that immediately begin to grow in the wound. This slows down the healing process and increased the risk of scars forming.
DON’T Treat with Vitamin E. Recent studies show that it, like hydrogen peroxide, vitamin E impairs healing. One-third of people will also develop an allergic reaction to vitamin E.
DON’T Expose To Sun: Ultraviolet rays slow the healing process and can discolor the scar. The sun stimulates the cells that produce pigment, and when your skin is sensitive and healing, it’s prone to discoloration. Cover the wounded skin with a minimum SPF blocker of higher than 15.
DO
DO Cover A Cut: Should a cut “breathe,” or does it require a Band-Aid over it? When you don’t cover a cut, it dries out and scabs over. Scabbing is not a good thing; it only presents a barrier to healing. Treating cuts with Neosporin (or another antibiotic cream) and covering with a band-aid for a week in aids the healing and prevents infections and minor skin wounds. Do this until new skin begins to grow.
DO Place Pressure On Cut:Use special pads that serve to flatten scars. These scars don’t allow the collagen to pop up above the skin when a wound is healing. Some examples of these pads are: Curad Scar Therapy Cosmetic Pads, ReJuveness Pure Silicone Sheeting, Scar Fx and Sypres Scar Sheets.
DO Massage The Wound: Once new skin has grown, massage the mark. Massaging helps break down the dense bonds of collagen. If they are not allowed to take hold, the appearance of the scar will be much less noticeable, or may not form at all. Massage – with lotion – in a circular motion for 15 to 30 seconds a few times a day.