Scarring, what can you do?
When the skin is broken by either a cut, scratch, bite, burn, acne, piercing or surgery, the tissues tear causes a protein called collagen to be released. Collagen builds up where the tissue is damaged and helps the wound to heal and strengthen and seal over. New collagen continues forming for several months and the blood supply increases, causing the scar to become red, raised and sometimes lumpy.
Over time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother, softer and paler.
Scarring is part of the body’ natural healing process after tissue is damaged, and most scarring fades over time, becoming smoother and less noticeable, although never completely disappear. But some scars don’t stop growing, invading healthy skin and becoming bigger than the original wound.
Different Types of scars
A scar can be a fine line or a pitted hole on the skin, or an abnormal overgrowth of tissue.
A minor cut will usually heal to leave a red, raised fine line, which will gradually get paler and flatter over time. However this process can take up to as long as two years. The scar will not disappear completely and there will be a visible fine line. This type of scarring is common following a wound or after surgery. Not usually painful, but can be itchy for a few months. Scars on darker skin can fade to leave a brown or white mark which may be more obvious on tanned skin because scar tissue will not tan.
Keloid scars
A keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound. The scar keeps growing, even after the wound has healed. These scars are raised above the skin and are red or purple when newly formed, before gradually becoming paler. They’re often itchy or painful, and can restrict movement if they’re tight and near a joint.
Hypertrophic scars
Similar to keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are the result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound. Although not as much collagen is produced in hypertrophic scars compared with keloid scars. Hypertrophic scars are red and raised at the beginning and then reduce to flatter and paler over the course of several years. They don’t extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, but they may continue to thicken for up to six months.
Scar contractures
Are often caused by burns. They occur when the skin “shrinks”, leading to tightness and a restriction in movement.
Pitted or sunken scars
Some scars caused by skin conditions, such as acne and chickenpox can have a sunken or pitted appearance. Acne scarring can develop due to a complication of acne. Any type of acne spot can lead to scarring but the most common types are nodules and cysts, which burst and damage nearby healthy skin. To minimize scarring it is very important not to pick or squeeze spots.
Treating Scars
Beauty Haven offer several different types of treatment for scarring, these include:
- Ecopeel Microdermabrasion treatment that improves the appearance of mild scarring.
- Mesoestetic Professional Facial Peels offer a quick and very effective solution to reducing active acne and improve acne scarring.
- Laser skin rejuvenation:This treatment targets scar tissue and helps even out skin complexion.
- The Environ Purifying treatment.Created to purify micro-exfoliate and re-hydrate your skin, this particular treatment assists with the treatment of acne, scaring and deep skin congestion.
There are many products on the market offering solutions for scarring, seek the advice of a professional who will help you to choose the correct treatment and products.