5 Ways to Fade Scars
Want to get rid of your scars? It’s not as easy as one would hope, but there are a few new treatments and products that are delivering results. Scars are the common result of a host of issues including burns, blisters, acne, surgery, cuts and deep wounds. While makeup can conceal and camouflage uneven skin coloring, there are ways to lessen or eliminate imperfections without breaking out the concealer. Here are 5 solutions for lessening the look of scars.
Laser resurfacing – Pixel Perfect
At SKINNEY MedSpa in New York City, candidates with sun damage spots, brown spots and acne scars, can see them disappear after 30 minutes. The fix is a3 handheld device that administers short blasts of high-energy laser light. Thankfully, discomfort doesn’t last long and feels like a slight pinching sensation (unless you opt to apply numbing cream). As damaged skin tissue is vaporized layer-by-layer, new and fresh skin is revealed. Redness will result, and peeling will occur days later. The FDA-approved treatment costs $99-$199 per round. Six to eight sessions are typically recommended.
Filler – Bellafill
The only filler approved for treating facial acne scars on the cheeks is for patients 21 years and older. Bellafill is collagen-based (80 percent) and FDA approved. The injectable could cause patients itching, swelling, redness and/or bruising, in addition to other potential side effects, as it replaces lost volume while correcting and lifting scars. Results are seen immediately but significant improvement occurs around 6 months and can be maintained for one year. It’s suitable for all skin types, though the cost varies per candidate (pending surface area and number of syringes), it ranges between $700 and $750 for each visit.
Bio-Oil helps with stretch marks. (Photo: Bio-Oil)
Oil – Bio-Oil
Not only does this oil reduce the appearance of scars and even out skin tone, it fades stretch marks too. Bio-Oil includes calendula, chamomile, cavender and rosemary extracts. The non-greasy formula also hydrates, nourishes and treats aging skin with Vitamins A and E. Skin cell generation and elasticity is maintained as scars are reduced within two to four weeks. This of course is contingent with the regimen: the product should be massaged onto dry or damp skin two times daily. It can be purchased at ULTA stores for $11.99/2 oz., $19.99/4.2 oz., $27.99/6.7 oz.
The CosMedix Serum 16 helps with post-acne scarring. (Photo: CosMedix)
Post-Acne Scarring Serum – CosMedix Serum 16
For those with pitted acne scars looking to boost collagen, the retinol and retinal in LG-Retinex stimulates, renews and exfoliates. Every one to three nights, a pea-sized amount is applied after cleansing and drying the face. Application can be built up to use every evening. If more hydration is needed, a regular moisturizing routine should be followed, and a daily sunscreen is recommended to protect the skin. Smoother texture is seen within two weeks of use, but six weeks is suggested for full results. CosMedix Serum 16 retails for $78.
This serum from Paula’s Choice helps with newly healed wounds. (Photo: Paula’s Choice)
Newly Healed Wound Serum – Paula’s Choice Clinical Scar-Reducing Serum
Following a cut, scrape, gash or burn, this product can be applied to skin as soon as a scab forms. Paula’s Choice Scar-Reducing Serum, includes Quercetin (an antioxidant), Vitamin C, and other skin-healing and skin-repairing ingredients. The product also lessens inflammation while encouraging prevention of developing scars on newly healed wounds. Sunscreen should be worn after a thin layer of the serum is used on cleansed, dried skin. It’s safe for all ethnicities and skin types. Full results are seen in as little as eight weeks if used twice daily. The 0.5 oz. serum is $24.
Related:
3 Professional Perspectives on Treating Acne Scars
Blurring Products That Really Work
A Lesson in Lasers: How to Rid Wrinkles, Banish Hair and Reduce Redness
