How to Get Rid of Scars on Your Face

Your face is the first thing people see, but the skin is delicate. Burns, injuries, acne and surgery can cause scars. Though scarring is part of how the skin heals itself, scars are permanent. However, a number of treatments may help reduce the appearance of the scar or smooth it out.

Things You'll Need

• Mederma or Scarguard
• Dermatologist
• Sunscreen

Instructions

1. For newly formed scars, try Mederma or Scarguard MD, topical gels specifically for scars. It is not an overnight fix (usually it takes one to six months) and it doesn't work on all scars. Follow the manufacturer instructions exactly and consistently.

2. Schedule several weekly appointments for a glycolic chemical peel. Ask to start with a 30 percent solution and move up if necessary. Caution: Test a small patch of skin first, and be very careful. You want to help remove scars, not cause anymore. Glycolic acid exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer to encourage collage production and newer, plumper cells.

3. Use sunscreen everyday preferably 30 SPF or higher. Sun damage can worsen scars, make them appear darker and therefore, more visible.

4. Make a few appointments for microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Depending on the depth of your scars, it can take anywhere from one to six or more treatments.

5. Ask a dermatologist for a prescription for Retin-A, another topical treatment for scars and discoloration over months of consistent treatment. Also ask a dermatologist about fillers, such as Restylane, that can be injected into your skin to fill in holes and depression areas of a scar.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your dermatologist before trying any of these scar treatments. The ability to reduce the appearance of a scar depends on several factors.

References

• DERMA Doctor: Acne Scars
• MedicineNet: Scars
• The Laser Center: Removing Scars with Laser Cosmetic Surgery
• The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Surgery of Facial Scars

Resources

• MedicineNet: Scars