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Types of Scars
There are different types of scars based on their appearance and the depth of damage to the skin. The most common types are:
– Keloid scars: These are raised, red or darker scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They are caused by an overgrowth of collagen during healing.
– Hypertrophic scars: These scars are also raised but remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They are red, pink or darker than the surrounding skin.
– Atrophic scars: These are sunken or depressed into the skin compared to surrounding skin. Common causes are acne or trauma.
– Stretch marks: These are linear, purple or silver striae that appear during rapid growth like pregnancy or weight gain/loss. They are caused when skin stretches too quickly.
Healing Scars Naturally
There are a number of natural and home remedies that can help minimize the appearance of scars and aid the healing process. Here are some of the most effective:
Aloe Vera Gel – The gel from the aloe vera plant is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that reduce inflammation and dead skin cells to fade scars over time. Apply fresh gel directly to scars twice daily.
Coconut Oil – The lauric acid and other fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Massage coconut oil into scars daily to keep skin moisturized and encourage collagen production for softer, less visible scars.
Vitamin E Oil – The vitamin E in this oil has been shown to significantly lighten scar appearance due to its ability to regulate collagen synthesis. Break open vitamin E capsules and apply oil directly to scars twice per day.
Lemon Juice – The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural bleaching agent to lighten scars. Use a cotton ball to apply fresh lemon juice to scars and leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. Do this once or twice per day.
Silicone Gel Sheets – These are flexible, transparent sheets that form a protective barrier over scars while also increasing collagen levels for scar remodeling. Wear sheets for at least 12 hours per day.
Skin Needling – Dermaroller therapies use tiny rollers with multiple sterile needles to effectively cause controlled micro-injuries to the skin to boost collagen. Do this weekly at home to resurface the skin over scars.
Essential Oils – Lavender, frankincense, peppermint and rosemary oils have cicatrizant properties to aid scar healing. Gently massage a drop combined with a carrier oil into scars daily or as needed.
Honey – Honey is antimicrobial and has humectant properties to keep scar tissue moist and prevent itching. Apply raw honey to clean scars and let it harden before gently washing off. Do this one to two times per day.
Laser & Light Therapies
For stubborn hypertrophic or keloid scars that are not improving with natural remedies, in-office laser therapies may provide better scar reduction results:
– Pulsed dye laser (PDL) treats red and purple scar treatment by targeting hemoglobin in blood vessels underlying the scar tissue. It requires multiple treatments for visible improvement.
– Fractional laser resurfaces a portion of scar tissue using a grid-like pattern to stimulate new collagen without damaging the surrounding skin. Several sessions are usually necessary.
– Intense pulsed light (IPL) works similarly to laser light therapies by targeting specific light wavelengths absorbed by scar pigments like red and brown. A series of 4-6 treatments 2-4 weeks apart yields the best results.
– Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is often used for darker pigmented or thick hypertrophic scars. It delivers powerful laser energy to break up scar bonds and pigments. Typically 5-7 treatments are done 1 month apart.
While lasers effectively remodel scar tissue and reduce excess collagen, natural remedies provide similar benefits without risks or downtime and at a fraction of the cost. Combining laser therapy and home scar treatments usually gives the best long-term scar cosmetic outcome.
Conclusion
With some time, care and consistency, both natural remedies and in-office scar light therapies can substantially improve scar appearance and healing. Patience is key as scar maturation takes many months. Daily scar massage and moisturizing, use of protective silicone strips, and treatments that boost collagen remodeling like microneedling or essential oils can aid the natural scar fading process.
