3 Scar Aftercare Tips
When you have a scar, it can feel like it will never go away. Fortunately, the right scar aftercare can help. Here are a few essential scar aftercare tips to help you make that scar fade away.
Protect Your Scar from Sunlight
Whether you’re dealing with a surgical scar or acne scars, it’s important to protect any kind of scarring from sunlight. Scars, especially newer ones, are extremely sensitive to sunlight and can burn pretty easily if you’re not careful. If you already use sunscreen while you’re outdoors — which you should regardless — make sure you reapply it on your scar and the surrounding area frequently throughout the day. You should make sure you’re using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your scar for at least 18 months or so. Facial scarring requires similar care, but there are a few extra steps you should take there. For instance, if you’ve already applied sunscreen to your acne scars, make sure you’re also wearing a large hat that shields your face from direct sunlight while you’re outside. This can help double the protection on your scarring and prevent any drastic changes in your skin tone on and around your scar.
Treat Your Scar With Scar Massage
If you want to learn how to get rid of acne scarring but you’re not ready for a cosmetic dermatology treatment yet, scar massage may be a good option to consider. This is a scar aftercare treatment you can perform right at home, provided you have a good lotion and a few extra minutes every day. This method is helpful with scars of almost any kind. It can help promote collagen remodeling in your skin, decrease itching on and around your scar, and provide an excellent source of moisture to your scar tissue. In addition, scar massage can help your scarred skin regain some flexibility over time. If you’re dealing with a surgical scar, it’s best to begin your efforts at scar massage about two weeks after your surgery. This is, of course, provided that any stitches have been removed and all scabs have fallen away on their own. Once you’re able to begin scar massage, you’ll need a good lotion or massage cream and about 10 minutes or so every day to properly apply this scar aftercare treatment.
Invest in Cosmetic Dermatology Services
Whether it’s acne scar treatment or surgical scar aftercare, cosmetic dermatology treatments can help you minimize the appearance of a scar and fade it to the point where you may not even notice you have one. Treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning may help reduce the appearance of your scar, especially if it’s on your face. The goal of many cosmetic dermatology services is to even out skin tone and smooth the surface of the skin in the first place, which is exactly what you’re trying to do when you’re healing a scar.
At North Pacific Dermatology, our main goal is to help you live your happiest, most confident life. If you have questions about scar aftercare or acne scarring, set up a consultation with our dermatology services team today. Together we can reveal your most beautiful skin yet.