Chances are you’ve had a cut, burn, or scrape before that most likely led to some scarring. We tend not to address scarring in our day-to-day skincare routine, but, in truth, skin damage that results in scarring is also damaging to your skin barrier. The same principles that apply to barrier repair also apply to nourishing and healing scars. And, much like your other skincare concerns, they are treatable with the right ingredients. Keep reading for some tips and products that will help reduce scars and encourage a healthy skin barrier.
- Why Do Scars Happen?
- Types Of Scars
- How To Prevent Scarring
- Treating Established Scars
- Some Of Our Favorite Products For Scars
Why Do Scars Happen?
To put it simply, a scar is a formation of fibrous tissue left behind after an injury. They can vary in size and shape, though deeper wounds typically produce more apparent scars. This is because the middle layer of our skin, also referred to as the dermis, is mostly made up of collagen and elastin. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that provides structure and stability to our skin cells. When this layer of the skin is damaged, our body produces extra collagen in an attempt to repair itself. What we’re left with is an impressive, albeit unsightly, display of our skin’s regenerative abilities.
While most scars have very similar characteristics, they can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the injury. In some cases our body cannot produce enough collagen and the resulting scar tissue will form a noticeable depression in the skin. On the other hand, our body might get a little carried away and end up producing too much collagen. As you can probably guess, this will have the opposite effect, creating a raised formation on the skin’s surface.
Fun Fact: Skin is technically the largest organ in the human body.
Types of Scars
As I mentioned above, scars come in all shapes and sizes and can often vary in color as well. These characteristics can make it easier for you to determine which type of scar you’re dealing with and the best ways to go about treating it.
Surgical Scar/Fine-Line Scars
Fine line scars typically happen after a minor wound or injury. These scars are typical, although not guaranteed, after surgery. These scars tend to create a raised line on the top layer of skin that will flatten over time.
Keloid Scars
Keloids happen as a result of an uncontrolled production of collagen. These scars can continue to grow and greatly exceed the original margins of the wound. While they’re possible to avoid with preventative treatment, they’re difficult to manage once established. Some studies have shown that certain people may have a genetic predisposition to Keloids. If you have family members that are prone to Keloids, you may be likely to develop them as well.
Hypertrophic Scars
Similar to Keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are a result of too much collagen. However, unlike Keloids, tissue formations do not expand further than the initial margins of wound. They may continue to grow thicker for up to six months after the injury, but will gradually improve over time.
Contracture Scars
Contractures are a result of a significant loss of volume in the skin. The surrounding area will contract or shrink causing a tight feeling. This loss of skin can affect muscles and tendons leading to restricted movement. These are most commonly seen with burn scars.
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars happen when the body is not able to regenerate enough tissue after a wound, leading to a depressed area of skin. This is something you see often with severe acne, when the scars that are leftover create a noticeable pockmark in the skin.
How to Prevent Scarring
Not everyone scars easily; however, any form of trauma to the skin has the potential to leave behind a lasting mark. If you want to avoid this physical memory, it’s best to take preventative measures immediately after sustaining a wound. For scrapes and minor damage, you’ll have an extremely compromised barrier. For more serious wounds, you’ll be lacking any form of protection whatsoever. In the beginning stages of wound healing, your goal should be to nourish your skin and provide a temporary barrier.
- Step One: Immediately following an injury, I recommend applying NeoGenesis Recovery Serum directly to the affected area twice a day. This serum is oncology safe and contains a high amount of skin-specific stem cell released molecules to help the skin repair damage and rebuild the barrier.
- Step Two: Once you’ve applied your stem cells and growth factors, you’ll want to top it off with more hydrating, nourishing ingredients. This is when I would suggest using Rhonda Allison’s Pure Omega. This oil provides deep hydration and reduces inflammation in the skin to help strengthen and rebuild the barrier.
- Step Three: To seal in all those nourishing ingredients, you’ll want to create an occlusive barrier that will work in place of your skin’s natural barrier. This is when I would recommend using Rhonda Allison’s Vital Wound Relief. This healing balm will help soothe the skin while providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching support.
As your wound heals, it will begin to scab over. When this happens, the surrounding skin will become tight and dry. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also cause the injury to tear and re-open. This can lead to a longer recovery time and a higher chance of scarring. Keeping your skin well hydrated and providing that temporary barrier support during this time is crucial.
Treating Established Scars
While preventative wound care is the most effective, it’s not always an option. Sometimes we may end up with a wound that will scar no matter how well it heals. Luckily, there are plenty of effective treatment options for established scars. Similar to a fresh wound, you’ll want to provide your skin with the healing support of stem cells and growth factors. These components will help rebuild your skin by stimulating new cellular growth.
For the most effective results, I would also suggest using these ingredients in tandem with microneedling. Sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is the process of pricking the skin with tiny needles to stimulate the wound healing process. (Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds!) This process has been around for decades and is highly effective for treating a variety of skin conditions. In fact, I sometimes recommend this for my clients with severe acne scars. When used with stem cells and growth factors, this procedure can drastically reduce the look of scars, wrinkles, and other “blemishes.” If you’re interested in learning more, you can read our blog on microneedling.
Some Of Our Favorite Products For Scars
We sell a lot of wonderful products here at Art of Skin Care, which means there are a lot of options to choose from. I’ve put together a list of some of my favorites for each step of the healing process and highlighted the benefits.
Growth Factor Products
NeoGenesis Recovery Serum: This breakthrough serum is a staple for me. Featuring their patented S2RM technology, NeoGenesis Recovery serum utilizes skin-specific stem cells to help significantly speed the healing process and reduce inflammation and scarring. Along with repairing damaged skin, this serum is excellent at reducing dark spots and discoloration as a result of scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Rhonda Allison Vital Repair Gel: I recommend this serum to my acne clients who aren’t ready to purchase Recovery Serum. This is a lightweight gel moisturizer loaded with epidermal growth factors to help increase wound healing and alleviate inflammation. It makes an excellent upgrade from hydrabalance, offering more hydration and it can help significantly reduce acne scarring.
Rhonda Allison Bio 53 Matrix: This serum contains a skin-strengthening cocktail of potent epidermal growth factors and antioxidants to help promote healthy cellular growth and reduce inflammation. This is another great hydrabalance upgrade for anyone using Acne Med.
Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum: Originally created by a heart surgeon for use on scars, this serum provides miraculous healing results for traumatized skin.
Nourishing Oils & Emollients
Rhonda Allison Pure Omega: This is a silky nutrient serum that creates a protective, hydrating barrier. It’s excellent for traumatized skin that’s in the process of healing after a chemical peel or other treatment. It’s also wonderful support for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin rashes.
Rhonda Allison Drop of Essence: Rich in vitamin E and omega fatty acids, this serum provides deep hydration while offering healing support. My clients with dry skin love how soothing and moisturizing this feels.
Occlusives
Rhonda Allison Vital Wound Relief: This holistic healing balm will help soothe and protect traumatized skin while providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching benefits. This formula is excellent for the first stages of healing and also helps to alleviate dryness and irritation.
Rhonda Allison Pro Salve: This formula creates an occlusive barrier for compromised skin while significantly boosting cell renewal. I recommend this for my clients who like the moisturizing feeling of vaseline but want a formula with more healing benefits.
iS Clinical Sheald Recovery Balm: While I personally prefer a more hydrating formula, this healing balm is a great option for folks who don’t like the texture of most occlusive products. It offers plenty of healing benefits while absorbing into the skin for a more matte finish.
Although most scars aren’t harmful, they can certainly be damaging to our self-esteem. Sometimes they can make us so self-conscious that we feel the need to cover them up as much as possible. However, as frustrating as they are, there are plenty of effective ways to treat them at home. And while we might not be able to get rid of them completely, we can minimize them to a great degree. I hope you enjoyed today’s topic and maybe even found some answers you were looking for. Of course, if you find that you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are available through live chat or email, and we love talking all things skincare. 😉