Facial scars are more common than you may think. They come about in a variety of ways, such as accidents, injuries, acne, piercings, etc. Did you know you can even get permanent scars from scratching at chicken pox as a child? While common, facial scars are more difficult to cover up than scars elsewhere on the body, which means they’re far more noticeable. Are you self-conscious about your facial scars? The good news is, they will heal over time, but here are some things you can do to hasten the process.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins and promote skin growth and healing. In addition to getting enough water, make sure you get plenty of sleep as well. This will balance out your hormones and reduce stress levels. Immediately after injury to the skin, avoid strenuous exercise – stress on a wound can cause stretching and reopening, which will delay the healing process and increase the chances of infection.
Slather on the Sunscreen
Put on sunscreen when heading outdoors, even in winter. Choose a facial moisturizer with at least an SPF of 15 year round. In summer, increase the SPF, because scars do not tan, but the rest of your skin will. So, to avoid an uneven tan that can augment the scar’s appearance, keep an even layer of sunscreen on your face daily. Minimize the time you spend in direct sunlight as well.
Massage the Area
After the wound has healed, be sure to massage the area each day to reduce the prevalence of scar tissue. Once you have the go-ahead from your doctor, you can start up with some light exercise, which increases blood flow. This infuses your skin with more oxygen and nutrients. When massaging, use oils and lotions so your skin stays moisturized. Remember, dry and flaky skin gets itchy, tempting you to scratch at the wound.
Put on Makeup
Females have the benefit of wearing makeup to cover scars. Choose fragrance-free water-based products over oil-based products that can lead to acne and even delay healing. The first step is to clean and moisturize your face, and then apply primer on the scar. Apply concealer in an X formation, and then blend in for an even layer. Clean all brushes and sponges regularly to keep bacteria away. Ask a cosmetologist what the best concealer hue is for your skin tone and scar. Any mismatches will draw attention to the scar.
Use Scarfade
Scar prevention ointment and gel such as Scarfade is your best defense against facial scar formation. This is a topical silicone gel that can reduce the appearance of scars. It achieves this by regulating the amount of collagen your body sends to the wound site. Keep a tube of Scarfade nearby and apply twice daily.