How to Help a Scar Heal

A scar is the way our skin heals itself, but it doesn't always disappear over time. Because scar tissue isn't identical to the rest of your skin, it stand out. If your scar isn't a badge of honor and you would rather it blend in more, don't worry, there's hope for healing it.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone sheets
• Cocoa butter

Instructions

1. Wait for a wound to heal completely before treating a scar.

2. Apply cocoa butter cream or a cream containing Vitamin E to the scar daily. The ingredients can speed up the healing process and lessen the appearance of the scar.

3. Visit a licensed professional and have the scarred area treated with alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and exfoliation. The process removes damages skin cells. It may take more than one visit before you see any results.

4. Apply silicone sheets or gel directly to the scar. The repeated use of the silicone lightens and flattens the scar.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent with whatever treatment you choose. It can take a long time for some scars to show improvement.

• If you are concerned about the appearance of an old scar, there are a few options. A doctor may be able to help lessen the scar's appearance through steroid injections or surgery. A professional laser technician may also be able to lessen the scar's appearance through laser treatments.

• If your skin has a tendency to keloid when scarring, consult a dermatologist before starting any scar treatments to prevent the scar from looking worse.