TOP 10 REMEDIES TO GET RID OF OLD SCARS

To some, their scars are a mark of pride but for most of us, we just want our scars to go away, primarily because it affects our appearance, makes us more self-conscious and lowers self-esteem. So, if you want to get rid of an old scar, then you first have to understand what a scar is and what type of scar it is that you’re trying to get rid of.

What are scars?

Scars are created as a part of the natural healing process after an injury. When the second layer of the skin – or the dermis – is damaged, our bodies form collagen fibers in order to repair the damage and this is what causes a scar. In most instances, the faster your wound heals, the less collagen would be deposited and therefore, the scar will be less noticeable. Since the severity of the scar depends on the severity of the injury, the time it takes to heal will also vary. Moreover, scars form differently on different parts of the body and it varies with the age of the injured too.

What are the different types of scars?

There are various types of scars that have their own defining characteristics.

Atrophic scars

These scars are characterized by the loss of tissue and appear serrated, depressed or flat on the upper layer of the skin. Examples of atrophic scars are chickenpox and acne scars and these scars typically have a darker pigmentation on the skin when compared to other areas of the skin.

Hypertrophic scars

Characterized by the extra tissue that forms over the skin while it heals, hypertrophic scars are often darker than other skin in the area and unlike a keloid scar, it doesn’t grow outside the injured area.

Keloid scars

Keloid scars are characterized by its thick and puffy appearance and is a result of an aggressive healing process with an overproduction of tissue. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloid scars can also grow beyond the injured area.

Contracture scars

This scar results from large areas of the skin being damaged or lost. Typically related to burns, contracture scars are characterized by shiny and tight skin that can restrict movement.

Now that we know the different types of scars, here’s a look at some effective remedies to get rid of them. While the scars may not totally disappear, it will lighten over time and these remedies can speed up that process and make scars less noticeable.

1. Aloe vera

Remove the dark green skin off the flatter side of the aloe vera leaf and scoop out the light green gel inside. Apply this directly on your scar using circular motions. Let it the gel remain on your skin for about half an hour after which you can wash it off with water. Be sure to repeat this twice every day.

2. Vitamin E

Slit open a vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil onto your scar. Massage the oil on and around the scar for about ten minutes and wash it off after about half an hour. Repeat this at least thrice a day.

3. Honey

Before you go to sleep, cover your scar with a layer of honey and cover that up with a bandage. Leave it on for a full night and you can wash off the honey with warm water in the morning. This should be a part of your routine every night.

4. Coconut oil

Lightly heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil just to liquify it. Massage the oil on your scar for about ten minutes and allow your skin to absorb it for at least one hour. Repeat this 2-4 times every day.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Combine two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with four tablespoons of distilled water. Dip a cotton ball into this and dab it on your scar. Then, allow it to dry. This should be done every night before you go to bed and it can be washed off in the morning.

6. Lavender and olive oil

Combine three drops of lavender essential oil with three tablespoons of olive oil. Massage this on your scar for about five minutes and allow the oil to absorb into the skin by leaving it on for half an hour. Then, rinse the area with warm water. Do this at least thrice a day.

7. Lemon

Cut a wedge of fresh lemon and rub it on your scar as you squeeze its juice onto the scar. Let it remain on your skin for about ten minutes before washing it off. Make sure to repeat this every day at approximately the same time.

8. Potato

Slice a potato into thick rounds and rub it on your scar in a circular motion. Once the slice of potato starts to dry out, use another slice and continue rubbing. This process should be done for about 20 minutes and allow the scar to air-dry for 10 minutes before washing it off. Repeat this once every day.

9. Rosehip and frankincense

Mix an equal ratio of rosehip essential oil and frankincense essential oil. Massage this mixture on your scar and allow it to remain on your skin for 45 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water and repeat this at least three times a day.

10. Baking soda

Take two tablespoons of baking soda and add a little bit of distilled water to create a paste. Wet your scar with distilled water and apply the paste to the wet scar. Then, hold the paste in place with a warm compress for about 15 minutes before gently rinsing it off. This should be repeated daily.

Mentioned above are just a few home remedies to remove scars. It’s important to note that these remedies should be only on scars and not on open wounds and if any of the above remedies cause any irritation, then stop it immediately.

As with most home remedies, it may not always work. So if you want to desperately get rid of a scar, you can try a highly effective scar removal cream in Sri Lanka. Scar Serum is a product of a leading cosmetic brand in Sri Lanka which is Palmers Sri Lanka. This serum combines five powerful ingredients to lessen the effect of scars that result from burns, injury, cuts, scarps, insect bites, surgery, stretch marks, and C-sections. This scar serum should be applied three to four times on the affected area and your scar will disappear in no time!