When a wound heals, it may eventually turn into a scar. Facial scars come in numerous forms and may be caused by injuries, acne, burns, or surgery. Since your face is constantly exposed to the environment, scars on this part of your body may have a harder time healing. Whereas you may be able to cover up or protect other areas of your body while a wound heals, your face is open to the elements for most of the day. It may not be possible to fully protect wounds on the face as they heal, and it may be difficult to keep treatments (e.g., ointments, creams) from rubbing away. The good news is that if you’re looking to prevent and treat facial scars, you have a lot of options to consider.
We’re here to tell you all about natural/home remedies and clinically-proven options like silicone gel that can help manage the appearance of your facial scars, no matter how they originated.
Keep it clean
The American Academy of Dermatology guides that always keep your cut, scrape or other skin injury on the face clean to minimize the scarring. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water to keep out germs and remove debris.
Keep it moist
Also according to The American Academy of Dermatology, petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy. As long as the wound is cleaned daily, it is not necessary to use anti-bacterial ointments.
Keep it covered
Once you have cleaned the affected area, cover it with an adhesive bandage. You may want to use hydrogel or silicone sheeting like Scar FX to cover larger areas of sores, scrapes or burns.
Change your bandage daily
Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. If you have skin that is sensitive to adhesives, try a non-adhesive gauze pad with paper tape. If using silicone gel or hydrogel sheets, follow the instructions on the package for changing the sheets.
Follow your doctor’s orders
If your injury requires stitches, follow your doctor’s advice on how to care for the wound and when to get the stitches removed. This may help minimize the appearance of a scar on your face, says The American Academy of Dermatology.
Appling sunscreen
You can ensure that your scar does not get any more noticeable by applying sunscreen every day. Any scars exposed to the sun, especially those on your face, should be protected with sunscreen. The damaging effect of UV rays can cause a scar to become discolored and hyperpigmented. This hyperpigmentation can be permanent, and will most definitely make the scar more obvious.
Appling aloe vera
This will reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness. In this case, ALHYDRAN is a wonderful option.
Using a cucumber mask or lotion:
Cucumber has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, as well as lightening agents that reduce redness.
Appling frankincense essential oil
According to Healthline, Frankincense essential oil:
- may promote the growth of new skin cells
- tighten the skin
- reduce the appearance of scars
Silicone gel technology for scar management
If you want a product that won’t simply cover the scar but will actually treat it and reduce it, try a silicone gel. Silicone gel technology is a clinically-proven treatment option for managing scars with over 30 years of evidence to support its effectiveness.
Silicone gel contains long chain silicone polymer (polysiloxanes), silicone dioxide and volatile component. It spreads as an ultra- thin barrier and works 24 hours per day. It has a self drying technology and itself dries within 4-5 minutes , even within 60 seconds like Nourisil™ MD silicone scar gel. Silicone gel increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production, which results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to “breathe”.
Additionally, silicone gel protects the scarred tissue from bacterial invasion and prevents bacteria-induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue.
DTPmedical supplies the high quality silicone-based scar products such as Nourisil™ MD, Bapscarcare Gel, Bapscarcare Sheet. Ask your doctor which therapy option is right for you.