Facial scars are quite common. They can occur from any number of things, from accidents and injuries to acne and piercings. Even scratching at chicken pox as a child can leave scarring. Unfortunately, facial scars cannot be concealed as easily as those on other areas of the body, so they are more noticeable. This leads many to be self-conscious about their scars. With time, scars will heal for the most part, but there are things you can do to accelerate and improve the healing process.
Hydrate
First, it’s important to drink lots of water, which flushes toxins out of your system and helps promote skin growth and healing. Get a lot of sleep, too, as this will balance out your hormones and keep stress levels down. Right after an injury, keep strenuous exercise to a minimum. Putting undue stress on a wound could cause it to stretch and reopen, which may increase chances of infection and delay the healing process.
Use Sunscreen
Use plenty of sunscreen when venturing outdoors. You should wear Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or better throughout the entire year anyhow. The nature of scars is such that the affected skin does not tan and in fact is more likely to become very red (hyperpigmented) when exposed to sun, making it even more prominent.
Massage the Area
Once the initial wound on your face has healed, massage the area daily to help prevent the formation of scar tissue. Once your doctor has told you it’s ok you can engage in light exercise, which boosts blood flow to the face, delivering much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the area. Use oils and lotions to moisturize and massage your face every single day. If you allow the skin to get dry and flaky, it will become itchy and you’ll want to scratch at the wound.
Apply Makeup
Fragrance-free water-based (non-comedogenic) products are best, as oil-based products can cause acne and prevent healing. First, clean and moisturize your face, then put a primer on your scar. When applying a concealer, apply it in an X formation, covering the whole face with light yet even foundation layers. Clean all applicators such as brushes and sponges regularly to keep bacteria at bay. Seek out a cosmetologist to determine the best concealer hue for your skin tone and scar. A mismatch may only highlight your scar.
Use Scarfade
A scar treatment ointment such as Scarfade is critical in the fight against facial scar formation. This topical silicone gel, when used as directed, has been proven to reduce the appearance of scars because it regulates the body’s production of Collagen at the wound site. Keep a tube by your bedside table so you can apply it first thing in the morning and at night before going to sleep.