What makes scars disappear

Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials. Whenever your skin is injured — whether by accident or from surgery — your body works to repair the wound. As your skin heals, a scar may form, as this is a natural part of the healing process. Many scars will fade without treatment. As you age, depressed acne scars tend to become more noticeable as your skin loses its firmness.

Treatment can help fade scars more quickly. If you have a keloid or depressed acne scar, treatment can make it less noticeable. The right wound care can reduce your risk of getting a scar or make a scar less noticeable. You can get them in various colors, and reviewers say, "I truly wish I had known about these for my first [two] surgeries.

When it comes to scars, healing them from the inside-out can be a great addition to topical treatment. Grape seed extract boosts the healing of wounds because it enhances the growth of epidermal tissue, and these capsules from Purethentic Naturals contain nothing but grape seed — no fillers and no unnecessary ingredients.

Of course, check with your doctor before implementing any supplemental changes in your diet. While many sources suggest vitamin E for scar-healing, science has actually shown that there is no evidence to support it — and it could potentially even worsen the appearance of scar-tissue. Just put a few neutral-tasting drops into anything you happen to be eating or drinking, and reap the benefits of smoother skin.

One user even said her oily, acne-prone skin appeared clearer days after use. Many people use it for its pore-cleansing and complexion-clearing abilities, but this healing clay mask also remineralizes the body with calcium and silica.

As a result, reviewers say it "truly works at improving the appearance of acne scars," and some have even had success healing scars elsewhere on the body.

The best part? Your scar-healing journey is going to feel like a spa day administered right from your home. One user said acne-related scars around her T-Zone and mouth healed up after two uses. Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments. This article was originally published on Feb. By Maria Cassano. Updated: June 18, These scars are usually flat and pale, so they tend to be less noticeable than raised or indented scars.

Silicone can help reduce the appearance of new scars, though it may not improve the appearance of old scars. Doctors have used silicone sheeting for over 35 years , and silicone gel is also now in use. Evidence seems to suggest that these options are effective at reducing scars and improving their appearance. For example:. Doctors may prescribe silicone scar treatment products for use after surgery or an injury, but these products are also available for home use without a prescription.

One of the most well-known natural remedies for scar treatment is onion extract. Products containing this extract are widely available without a prescription. According to research from , a gel containing onion extract improved and softened scars after 4 weeks. Also, in a study , people who underwent a second cesarian delivery applied either a gel containing onion extract or no treatment to the scar area for 6 months. Those who used the gel had less raised scarring, less color change, and better blood supply to the wound area.

Typically, the sooner a person treats their scars, the better the outcome. Waiting years after a scar has formed to treat it may need other modes of treatment rather than just home remedies. For example, a person may need cortisone injections or microneedling.

For this reason, it is best to treat a scar as soon as it starts to develop. Creams, masks, and serums that contain exfoliants can help remove the outer layers of dead skin, leaving a smoother appearance. They may help people with acne scars. Active ingredients that may help improve the appearance of scars include:. A dermatologist can advise on products and deliver treatment.

Products available over the counter will not be as strong as those that a dermatologist may use. Is salicylic acid useful for treating acne? Sun protection will not remove scars, but it can prevent them from burning or becoming more visible. Scar tissue is sensitive to sunlight and can burn easily. What is the best sunscreen to use? Medical makeup can be useful for covering up or reducing the appearance of scars.

Elastic bandages, pressure stockings, and other garments may help reduce scars by putting pressure on the wound. However, these can be uncomfortable, and the person may need to wear them constantly for 6—12 months to see any difference.

Many other home remedies have backing as scar removers, but more scientific research is needed to prove their effectiveness. These home remedies include:. These substances may help soften and smooth the skin, and they are likely safe to use.

However, scientists have not yet confirmed that they work to reduce or remove scars.