Old scars are irregular depressions or elevations that are left behind by past injuries to the skin. They are the outcome of wound healing by what we medically refer to as healing by fibrosis or healing by secondary intention. What this means is that the wound was significantly wide enough to prevent perfect healing, thus leaving behind a scar made up of fibrous collagenous tissues.
Every one of us wishes to have perfectly clear skin. To some, this might be an enviable reality while to most of us, that is not the case. Small issues like acne, wrinkles, and importantly old scars come between us and our way to achieving perfect skin. But are you going to just fold your hands are let them win the battle?
The consequences of scars range from aesthetic to social and even emotional consequences. Scars can be considered as a mark of pride by many people, especially when they look like some real objects the person admires, for example, a scar that looks star-shaped. But the majority of people just want to get rid of those scars, and their presence significantly affects the appearance and self-esteem of the person carrying the scar.
The usual first step to getting rid of old scars is by first understanding the type of scar you are dealing with. This will provide you with different options for getting rid of them.
Types of Scars
There are four broad types of scars and these include the following:
- Atrophic scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloids
- Contracture scars
We will now talk about them briefly.
Atrophic scars
Atrophic scars appear depressed, serrated, or flat as compared with the surrounding skin. This is because atrophic scars result from a loss of tissue. You easily identify them on the skin as depressed surfaces with darker skin pigmentation. Examples of atrophic scars include acne and chickenpox scars.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are formed by the deposition of excess fibrous tissue over the skin as it heals from a wound or injury. They slightly differ from keloids, which you will soon read about, in that they do hypertrophic scars do not grow beyond the margins of the injury. They also appear darker than the surrounding skin.
Keloids
Keloid very closely resembles hypertrophic scars but they can grow beyond the injured area. They are formed as a result of aggressive healing and the overproduction of fibrous tissue. They have a raised, thick, puffy appearance and are typically darker than the surrounding skin.
Contracture scars
Contracture scars result when a large area of skin is lost or damaged, commonly from burns. They are characterized by tight, shiny skin that can restrict movement of the join in that area, hence the name ‘contracture’, which is contracted skin.
Now that you have a better idea about the types of scars, I will go on to talk about how to get rid of old scars.
Top 10 Remedies To Get Rid of Old Scars
- Aloe Vera
- Salicylic acid
- Retinoids
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lavender and olive oil
- Lemon
- Baking soda
- Laser treatment
- Topical steroids
- Honey
Aloe Vera
The best home remedy for dealing with old scars is to use aloe vera on this part of your skin daily. Aloe vera has multiple benefits for both your body and your skin and has a ton of natural healing properties. This can actually help in speeding up the lightning process. All you have to do is remove the dark green cover of the plant’s stem, and scoop out the clear gel from inside it. It is best if this is chilled in the fridge for a bit. Apply it in a circular motion to your scars and can wash it off after half an hour with cool and freshwater. You should repeat this at least twice a day for the best results.
Salicylic acid
This naturally occurring compound is also used as a major ingredient in acne skincare products and is the active ingredient in aspirin. This can help clear grime, dirt, skin cells, and other debris that might be causing acne on your face. If your scarring is due to acne, you can use this in order to reduce swelling and redness in the area. This actually helps minimize the appearance of existing scars as well. Test a small portion of the product on the back of your hand before putting it on your face.
Retinoids
According to research published in Dermatology and Therapy, topical retinoids are known to reduce inflammation in the skin, decrease acne lesions and actually speed up cell regeneration. This is amazing since it can help lighten hyperpigmented scars, especially in people who have darker-colored skin. It is important to remember to always use sunscreen while stepping outdoors if you are using retinoids on your skin.
Apple cider vinegar
To use apple cider vinegar to get rid of old scars, follow the procedure below;
- Combine 4 tablespoons of distilled water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Dip a cotton ball into the water-cider mixture and generously dab your scar.
- Let it dry.
- Do this every night before you go to bed, washing the area in the morning.
Lavender and olive oil
This is another natural oil mixture that can help get rid of old scars.
- Mix three drops of lavender essential oil into three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Massage the mixture into the scarred area for about 5 minutes.
- Leave the oil in place for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse the area with warm water.
- Repeat this process a minimum of three times a day.
Lemon
Lemon contains citric vitamins C and B6, minerals, and other vitamins. These substances can help in wound healing and scar resorption. To apply;
- Cut a wedge from a fresh lemon.
- Gently rub the juicy side of the lemon on the scar while you squeeze the juice onto the scar.
- Relax for about 10 minutes before rinsing off the area with cool water.
- Do this every day at approximately the same time.
Find out The health benefits of lemon with yogurt on Hello World Magazine
Baking soda
Baking soda has found uses in many other areas other than in baking. These also include getting rid of old scars. The procedure is outlined below;
- Mix distilled water – a little at a time – into two tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a paste.
- Wet your scar with distilled water and then apply the paste to the wet scar.
- Hold the paste in place with a warm compress for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the area and repeat daily.
Laser treatment
According to research published in Dermatology and Therapy, topical retinoids are known to reduce inflammation in the skin, decrease acne lesions and actually speed up cell regeneration. This is amazing since it can help lighten hyperpigmented scars, especially in people who have darker-colored skin. It is important to remember to always use sunscreen while stepping outdoors if you are using retinoids on your skin.
If you feel that your scars are way too visible and you need to find a way to get rid of them quickly, you can go for some laser treatment. Strong laser beams are able to treat extremely damaged areas on your skin around the scar. They can also help remove holes and bumps, reduce pores and whiten your skin whitens it. You should also consider a few medical aesthetics treatments for your face. This offers a great way to improve your skin very quickly.
Injection steroids
Injections of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been known to help with keloids. However, these have been shown to be more effective following major treatments for keloids. This includes surgical scar removal, laser treatment, and more, as noted in a 2014 study.
A combination of different injected steroids has also been shown to be more successful in a 2012 analysis. An 80 percent recurrence rate was reported and there may be some side effects. Talk to your doctor about using injected steroids in combination with surgery, laser removal, or other operations.
Honey
Honey contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce keloids. Honey was mentioned in a 2015 review for its healing potential with keloids specifically. It’s an appealing natural alternative without potentially harmful side effects found in corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin.
For this method:
- Dab a bit of raw honey – organic honey is recommended – on the site. Let it sit.
- Rinse off later if the site gets sticky.
- Reapply as often as needed. It’s recommended that you use it at least two to three times per day until you get your desired results.
- Before going to bed, cover your scar with a layer of honey.
- Wrap the honey-covered scar with a bandage.
- Leave it on for one full night.
- In the morning, remove the bandage and wash off the honey with warm water.
- Make this part of your routine every night.
Final words
Dealing with scars on your skin can be quite frustrating. I hope these top ten remedies listed above will help you remedy the situation, be it natural or medical.
Getting rid of old scars has not always been quick and so easy. So you need to exercise a little bit of patience while you go about applying one or more of the methods above. Note that, the use of corticosteroid injections and must be supervised by a doctor as these drugs can have serious side effects. Thanks for reading. Your comments are very welcome.
