At home and in workplace lighten your scars
We all acquire them for various reasons—whether from childhood accidents, surgeries, kitchen mishaps, or the aftermath of acne. While some scars become part of our stories, others can be sources of insecurity. The good news? Lighten scars is possible, and there are effective methods to significantly diminish their appearance.
To guide those seeking to reduce their scars, we consulted two prominent board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Michelle Henry and Dr. Shereene Idriss. They share their insights on effective scar removal methods, considerations for treatment, off-label options, and more.
Types of Scars
Before diving into treatments to lighten scars, it’s crucial to identify the type of scar you have, as each type requires a specific treatment plan. There are four main types:
1. Keloid Scars
Keloid scars, as defined by Dr. Henry, are scars that protrude and go beyond the wound margins. They are usually lumpy, queasy in texture compared to the skin, and may present an itchy or burning sensation at times. Keloids can form as a consequence of injury, surgery, and even less severe skin conditions that affect the surface. It is more frequent among people with richer pigmentation than among others.
Keloid scars present a difficult challenge even in patients where the scars have been surgically removed, as they are liable to recur. Treatments include silicone sheeting, steroid injections, or laser therapy. Patients are advised to take care of their keloids as soon as possible in order to limit their effects.
2. Atrophic Scars
Also called undulating scars, generally these types of scars never heal and are bowel skin depressions. These types of scarring can be seen after ailments such as acnes and chicken pox. They occur when the skin is unable to replace tissue loss and so there are pits in the skin. These depressions can render the skin uneven, therefore affecting the quality of the skin.
The approach aimed for these types of scarring more often than not has some elements of enhancing the collage synthesis, for example, microneedling or chemical exfoliation. While Dr. Idriss acknowledges these effects on texture, he emphasizes that one will probably have to undergo many of them in order to achieve the desired result.
3. Hypertrophic Scars
Dr. Henry observes that hypertrophic scars appear dense and generally adhere to the shape of the injury or trauma. Unlike keloid scars, which have a tendency to spread outward from the site of injury, they remain confined within the boundaries of the wound and are more prevalent. Hypertrophic scars usually get better with time, although their surface may be elevated, inflamed, and itchy.
Hypertrophic scars silicone gel, steroid injections, and laser treatment are some of the approaches available. Dr. Idriss explains that these types of scars usually flatten and soften significantly even with pressure treatment.
4. Post-Inflammatory Erythema
While they cannot be called scars strictly speaking, most skincare experts treat post-inflammatory erythema with the same seriousness as a deep scar. Just after a breakout, these marks can be observed, says Dr. Idriss who notes that the marks can be reddish, pinkish, or purplish, and they often leave discolouration. This condition is more about the dermal vascular response than the dermal texture itself.
Post inflammatory erythema over time usually resolves naturally, however treatment can help speed up the process of fading away. Options include topical medications with niacinamide or licorice root, as those can help to lighten the skin.
At-Home Lighten Scars Treatments
If you’re looking to fade scars at home, there are several effective methods you can try.
1. Color Correction
- Color correction – this is color correcting the scars with makeup. Dr. Idriss proposes addressing skin tone issues with cosmetics before considering any texture problems. This is done to give the appearance of clear, smooth skin without any scarring for lighten scars. A good example is the E.l.f. Camo Colour Corrector which comes in 5 shades at less than $5. Such economical option works well to reduce the visibility of discolorations caused by scars.
- Color correction of a scar uses basic color theory where the tone of the scar is covered by using the complementary color. For instance, red scars can be treated with green color correctors, blue and purple discoloured skin can be masked with peach or orange shades respectively.
2. Topical Treatments
- Localized applications are useful in managing and mitigating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or disturbance. Dr. Henry advises to search for concomitant silicone gel products like the SkinCeuticals Advanced Scal Control for lighten scars. The product has already been proven to have worked in attenuating the scar tissues and controlling itching. Silicone gel is amongst the most commonly used factors for lighten scars because it moisturizes the surface layer and seals off the tissue.
- For hyperpigmentation, both physicians counsel retinoids or prescription tretinoin. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that increase cell turnover and over time, can improve skin texture and pigmentation considerably. According to Dr. Idriss, such ingredients are very effective against dark spots and even help in curbing outbreaks in the future.
3. Consider Latisse
- It is quite remarkable that in cases where the scars are hyperpigmented in relation to the patient’s original color, Latisse can be utilized on a more off label approach in management lighten scars. Dr. Henry goes ahead stating how Latisse can cause unwanted pigmentation on the skin and that this is a positive thing. “We can take advantage of this adverse effect of Latisse”. She continues; Latisse in present day is used for eyelash enhancement procedures although it has secondary indication for use in skin hyperpigmentation.
- In reference to Latisse, the majority of them ought to get in touch with their dermatologist so as to appreciate how it is meant to be used and its side effects. It is important to apply it as instructed with no deviations so that the desired effects can be attained without any hitches.
4. Sunscreen is Essential
Yes, it’s important to wear sunscreen every day irrespective of the treatment chosen. Dr. Idriss emphasizes the importance of shielding even the scars from sunlight exposure because that can easily make the scar’s pigmentation worse and more appealing. Search for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30. Regular application will minimize the chances of hyper pigmentation and aid in resurfacing.
In-Office Scar Treatments
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lighten; each case is unique. However, Dr. Idriss emphasizes that for textural scarring, in-office treatments are often necessary for lighten scars.
1. Botox Injections
Dr. Henry elaborates on how keloid scar treatment can take advantage of Botox injections which relaxes the keloid scar tissue. Although Botox is an Injection of a toxin whose primary use is to treat cosmetic wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles around the scar to ease the tension and hence allowing the scar to develop normally. This type of intervention is especially helpful for knit scars that have a tendency to look tight andor raised and helps lighten scars.
2. Steroid Injections
- When it comes to hypertrophic scars, the use of steroid injections can assist in flattening the protruding scar making it less conspicuous. In other words, these injections provide relief from inflammation and scarring associated collagen that forms over the injury, resulting smoother healing with time.
- Dr. Idriss also points out that more than one treatment might be necessary to achieve the desired effect. Patients should bear in mind that the effects of steroid injections should be considered correctly, as, while rather effective in lighten scars, it does not mean that the scars will disappear completely.
3. Laser Treatments
- Laser treatments like Fraxel, VBeam, Pico, CO2 lasers focus on promoting healing in the body and induce collagen deposition. These treatments work very well in improving the color and surface of scars. In addition, they help patients with specific scars, meaning that laser therapy is an individualized procedure.
- Dr. Henry stresses the need to see a competent dermatologist first before undergoing laser treatments as this may cause complications when done poorly especially on darker skin types. Even among highly skilled practitioners, deep skin tones present the challenge of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
4. Microneedling and Radiofrequency
- Atrophic scars can also be addressed effectively using microneedling and radiofrequency treatments. With these procedures, there is stimulation of collagen regeneration which improves the skin over some time. Microneedling induces controlled microtrauma to the skin in order to evoke collagen and elastin synthesis. Radiofrequency treatments utilize energy in the form of heat that results in tightening and smoothing the skin.
- Patients should expect a period of recovery following these procedures but many patients do not regret the effects of these procedures. As with all in-office procedures, It is crucial to see a reputable dermatologist who will examine your scars and provide the most effective treatment for lighten scars.
5. Chemical Peels
- Chemical peels are another strategy used to lighten scars. A chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove its top layers and encourage the growth of fresh skin in these types of procedures. According to Dr. Idriss, one application of chemical peeling is for post-inflammatory erythema and hyper pigmentation.
- There are several strengths of peels and so the help of a dermatologist will be needed to ascertain the appropriate one as per the type of scars to lighten scars. Some peels can offer instant results but for some treatment procedures, it may be necessary to undergo multiple treatment sessions for best results.
When to Treat to lighten Scars
- Both dermatologists recommend starting lighten scars treatment sooner rather than later, especially when dealing with active acne and red post-inflammatory marks. Delaying treatment can lead to oxidized marks that are more challenging to treat later on.
- However, both experts agree that even older scars can be effectively treated with significant improvement in color and texture. “While scars may not completely disappear, they can lighten scars significantly and give the appearance of being gone,” says Dr. Idriss.
- Understanding the appropriate time to initiate treatment is key. Active scars, such as those from recent injuries or acne, benefit from immediate attention. In contrast, older scars may require more extensive treatments or combinations of methods to achieve satisfactory results.
Final Thoughts
- There is no denying that this is a process that will demand both time and persistence. However, it is possible to take some useful measures to lighten scars through the knowledge of one’s scar type as well as available scar treatments. One can opt for self-care solutions or seek therapeutic measures from external service providers; both practices are bound to bear advantages and drawbacks just to lighten scars. The challenge is to identify the efficient strategies that mix best with your personal or individual context.
- In case you are not aware of whom to turn for help in regard to lighten scars, you can turn to a certified dermatologist who will help you understand your skin better, and give you some recommendations for treatment. This way, you will be able to cope with all the treatment options that you will have and choose the one that best suits you.