“How can I treat and cover up my scar?” asked Michelle, a twenty-one year old college student. Michelle’s increasing anxiety stems from a deep purple scar, courtesy of a soccer game last fall. As the summer approaches, Michelle has started anguishing over the appearance of the injury, which is on her lower back.
With the psychological impact personal appearance has, it is no wonder that individuals like Michelle are seeking ways to cover and even eliminate their scars.
Scars occur because collagen – a protein – fill and close the wound. Due to the sometimes-sporadic occurrence of the collagen, nature’s noble gesture to protect the skin is not always executed in the most aesthetically pleasing way.
So, what is a girl to do? Treating a scar can be very expensive. Because of this we have put together low cost options for you to exhaust before turning to expensive surgical procedures. Below, we explore some options for anyone suffering from scars due to injury, or even acne scarring.
To reduce the appearance of a scar:
Vitamins – Take folic acid and a Vitamin A supplement. Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth. Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin.
Silicone gel – Used to soften and flatten scars, this gel or silicone sheet is placed on the scar and will take a few months to begin working. Do not begin treatment until scar wound has healed and always follow your physician’s directions.
Chemical Peel – Alpha Hydroxy Acids are best used by dermatologists to help exfoliate the dead skin cells and reduce the redness. Do not begin treatment until scar wound has healed and always follow your physician’s directions.
Rose Hip Seed oil works as an inflammatory to diminish general scarring.
Onion Extract – Onion extract is an anti-inflammatory.
Bare in mind though, a scar may never be completely removed. Depending on your age and the location of the scar, your scar may take anywhere from several months to years to diminish. The options listed above require consistent use, over a period of months.
While the scar may greatly diminish after any given treatment, there is still a chance that portions of the scar will still remain.
If the options listed above are fully exhausted and do not work, surgical procedures do exist. We recommend that you speak to a medical professional to discuss those options.
How do I cover-up the visible scar I have right now?
That was Michelle’s original question as we move into the summer months. The best option is with an all-day wear concealer. If the scar is not corrective, we recommend using an all-day wear concealer with a light beige tone. For a more natural appearance, we recommend using a medium-tone concealer with a warm beige tone.
PiecesWe recommend using a tinted moisturizer in the summer to absorb any extra oil and shine.
We love Sephora for getting this right!
bindonesFine, soft, & durable.
These ingredients will maximize the appearance of your scar and keep it from looking super noticeable.
How do I apply meant to cover-up scar but ends up looking like a tattoo?
Colored shoe polish serves as an adhesive. So long as the color sets, you’ll be able to blend it in.
B) Fine Tip brushesLight, matte, & glitter powder brushes are great for getting eyeshadow or applying blush. You can also use them for blending.
Smudgeproof makeupIt is a good idea to never let anyone see your scar. Ever. Follow all of your recovery instructions and makeup tips as well. You may be embarrassed the first time it happens, but just remember that it will fade and most people won’t look at it. Some people even think the scar is still there and they won’t look at it again.
Feel free to speak up when someone refers to your scar. Everyone has a peculiar and different view of what scar means to them. Some may think it is ugly while others think it is ugly or somewhere in between. Remember that you have a scar in your forehead, but it is just like a tattoo. It is just going to have a different meaning to everyone else.
