We spoke with dermatologists about the most important things to consider in a scar cream: their ingredients (look for silicone, vitamin E, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid in particular), texture (the more lightweight, the better), whether the form of the treatment is well suited for the location of the scar on your body, and whether the treatment. Treatments can be costly and the results are usually temporary. If you want to make a scar look less noticeable, you may want to try a natural remedy. To get rid of scars on legs, a person can use home remedies, such as massage and oils, or medical treatments, such as microneedling or laser therapy, Many people believe that vitamin E is good for hair health, and several hair products contain this nutrient. Hypertrophic scars tend to be red and itchy and may even cause pain. To be effective, silicone gels or sheets should be placed over the scar for 12 hours a day for at least 3 months. For older or mature scars of 10 centimeters squared (cm2), massage for 5 minutes 34 times per day. Additionally, Vitamin E helps to moisturize and nourish the skin, promoting healing and facilitating the fade of acne scars. To help prevent scars from forming, it is important to treat wounds properly so they heal with the minimum of tissue damage. Its no surprise, then, that protein deficiency has been linked to poor healing rates, often leading to reduced collagen formation and wound re-openings. Vitamin A deficiencies have been linked to delays in collagen synthesis and reepithelialization, both crucial components in scar and wound healing. Research has found that frankincense helps to heal scars faster because it prevents the type of collagen that forms scar tissue from developing. Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. For the silicone remedy to heal scars naturally, its important to use them daily for up to 6 months. The best over-the-counter scar creams will not only speed the healing process but also moisturize the skin, furtherpromoting health and re-growth. One trial found that applying coconut oil to wounds helped them heal quicker. The best carrier oils to use for wound healing are coconut oil, rosehip oil, or sweet almond oil. Theres also good evidence that supplements can support your skins healing process. Before going to bed, cover your scar with a layer of honey. How to get rid of scars on legs: Natural and medical remedies, Tips for treating and reducing hypertrophic scars. (2019). When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Dr. Brazzo agrees, noting that the actual form of the treatment you choose (except to choose the right product for the right body part) just isnt that important. (29), Carrot seed oil could help wound heal faster because of its antibacterial properties. Rosehips are packed full of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage. For your skincare regime, apply a small amount of coconut oil to your face in the morning and at night to keep your skin moisturized and in good condition. The results indicate that vitamin C is an effective acne treatment for a wide variety of patients. Azelaic acid is also a good option for treating acne and pigment on the face. Scars form as new skin tissue develops in the wound where the thick layer of skin has been damaged. Try it: Cut open a vitamin E capsule over the scar and squeeze the oil onto the scar (you might need more than just one capsule to get enough liquid for full coverage). After 10 weeks, the onion gel had helped reduce redness, improved scar tissue texture, and soften the scar. (11), Some studies have shown that applying Manuka honey may help to reduce pain in scars as they heal naturally. As long as a person is not allergic to vitamin E, they can use a moisturizer that contains this ingredient. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides. If your scar is due to a surgery, wait until the stitches have been removed and the scab has fallen off by itself. Once the potato slice starts to dry out, discard it and continue rubbing with another slice. Do this every day at approximately the same time. (31). Scars left over after surgical operations or acne usually dont have any hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. To help heal scars on your face naturally, you can apply rosehip oil regularly to help deal with scars or prevent potential scarring. Subcision is another common aesthetic treatment used to treat acne scarring. There is actually some evidence that acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to treat burns and promote healing. The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom suggest using silicone sheets for 12 hours a day for at least 3 months. Topical scar creams are only a small portion of successful scar healing, saysMelanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist at Art of Skin MD. Chemical exfoliators. Dec 23, 2022 The 7 Best Vitamins For Clearing Acne Scars Co-founder of CLEARSTEM Skincare By: Kayleigh Christina We all try to do what we think is best for our skin. One review looked at the effect of vitamin C supplementation on people who werent vitamin C deficient. Zinc is a micronutrient thats essential to human health, playing a major role in bone metabolism, growth and development, the central nervous system, and immune function. Scar massage is one of the most common treatments for scar management. Here's what works. They arent used on other types of scars because they can cause a permanent indentation if injected directly into a flat scar. If this is your first attempt at minimizing the appearance of a scar, we recommend trying a product that contains silicone and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. (2016). Here are the best scar creams on the market. A GP can refer you to the service or, in some areas, you can refer yourself. Massage the mixture into the scarred area for about 5 minutes. Learn more about scar tissue pain and how massage may help. Vitamin B complex consists of eight water-soluble vitamins found in meat, dairy, vegetables, fish, brewers yeast (beer), and cereals. However, different creams work differently based on their ingredients. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. They are sometimes called widespread scars. Butthere are not many long-term studies to prove the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy. They may help people with acne scars. Injuries and wounds lead to increased protein needs. If youre interested in promoting scar healing, you can start with getting a balanced diet that consists of the major nutrients with a major emphasis on fruits and vegetables. The researchers found that it took 7 months, on average, for the redness to fade. Types of scars depend on the reason for scaring and where on your body you have the scar. 6 Vitamin E can be applied topically and will have good penetration into deep dermal tissue. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review. Stretch marks can appear as red markings under the skin without any raised skin tissue. Theyre designed to help soften the skin and flatten the scar. Should dieters focus on feeling full after a meal, rather than calorie counting, for best results? What we like about the Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oilin addition to its wallet-friendly price pointis that it works almost like a skin conditioner, infusing the application area with a much-needed boost of vitamins. Massage the rosehip-frankincense mixture onto the scar. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. (12). These products often contain a high-strength retinoid or a topical steroid to decrease itching and swelling. However, studies looking at whether or not the topical application of vitamin E helps with scars have yielded disappointing results. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Vitamin E has a wide range of benefits, including keeping the eyes healthy and strengthening the immune system. Treatment may continue for several months if the scar is improving. To find the best scar creams, we asked dermatologistsNew York City ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon Brian Brazzo, MD, and San Diego dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD Melanie Palm, MD, MBA to tell us what to look for and what to skip when choosing a product (so you dont risk any additional irritation or inflammation). Han X, et al. Last medically reviewed on January 13, 2021. (24). Active Ingredients: Allantoin 1.0% | Dose: Multiple, apply 3 times daily for 8 weeks | Usage: Soften, smooth, and reduce appearance of old and new scars, May cause breakouts/irritation if used on face. 5 It is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin. Gently rub the juicy side of the lemon on the scar while you squeeze the juice onto the scar. Open skin makes sensitization to a potential allergen more likely, says Dr. Palm, who notes that while silicone-based products are unlikely to cause a reaction, some OTC treatments contain other ingredients that increase the likelihood of a reaction. There is some anecdotal evidence, but the positive effects people notice may result from moisturizing or massaging the scar, rather than from the vitamin E itself.Other scar treatments include silicone sheets, massage, and cosmetic procedures that stimulate collagen production, such as dermarolling. (9), Other studies have shown that coconut oil helps provide a protective barrier on the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps skin heal faster. The journal Annals of Plastic Surgery reported that compounds in aloe vera have natural scar healing properties. Your skin is your bodys largest organ. To help increase the effectiveness of aloe vera, you can use aloe vera and vitamin E for scars. Vitamin E oil contains antioxidants and may help to reduce surgical scars naturally and promote healthy healing. It can also reduce inflammation around the body. In the morning, remove the bandage and wash off the honey with warm water. Also referred to as laser skin resurfacing or laser scar revision, laser therapy targets blood vessels that can reduce the appearance of a scar. In general, due to the high concentration of compounds, essential oils are good for healing scars when combined with a carrier oil. That means you can use it to heal scars virtually anywhere, including on the face, with total discretion. Creams, oils, patcheswhat type of scar treatment do you actually need, and how do you choose one? A better choice is that vitamin and mineral supplements are specially formulated for acne and acne scars. These types of scars form due to a loss of fat under the skins surface. Aesthetic or dermatology clinics normally offer microneedling. There isnt scientific evidence that honey can help with scars. This involves using a laser to remove the top layers of skin, which stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers. For example, researchers say that it is important to protect healing wounds from infection and foreign bodies. Thats why we chose the ultimate scar formula by MD Performance; it contains medical-grade silicone for optimal healing of your scar, but only a few other ingredients. Chemical peels can be used to treat mild scarring. If you want to use coconut oil for scars, the best type to use is organic virgin coconut oil. Citrus juices and oils, including lemon, lime, orange, and bergamot, are known to cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light. (18), Some shea butter remedies contain a combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and olive oil to help reduce the appearance of widespread scars. But one 2017 study found that potato peel may help heal minor burns. (25), Other scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil has wide use in treating dermatological conditions. Mange is commonly seen in animals, but humans can develop this skin condition as well. The best vitamins to use for lightening dark spots are vitamins C, B12 and E. Can retinol help scars? Be sure to protect your skin from the sun, especially when scars are healing. Whether you want to know how to get rid of scars on your legs or other areas, heres what to, Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. A 2018 study into the healing properties of rosehip oil found that it promotes fast wound healing. Dermarolling, or microneedling, is a procedure that involves rolling tiny needles over the skins surface. Effectiveness and tolerability of a patch containing onion extract and allantoin for Cesarean section scars. Virgin coconut oil helped collagen to form in healing wounds and prevent secondary infections. Apply twice a day by thoroughly massaging the remedy to your legs to help scars fade away. Its a highly non-allergenic formula, free of unnecessary ingredients, that works well to heal all kinds of scars, including those from burns, without interfering with the natural barriers of the rest of your skin. This heavier-weight gel is made with allantoin, onion extract, and vitamin B, moisturizing and soothing skin as it works to improve the appearance of scars. They're worn over the scar 24 hours a day for 6 to 12 months. Concerns & Conditions Acne Types of acne Cystic Acne Blackheads Whiteheads Acne Scars Aging It's also good to note that there are two types of vitamin D: D2 and D3. Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. You can help get rid of stretch marks and other widespread scars by regularly applying shea butter to your damaged skin. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF- in a rat model.