Scars on the face can be very noticeable, but there are methods that can reduce the appearance of scars. The type of treatment you use depends on the type of scar you have. Some scars are simply discolorations while others are raised scars or depressed scars. People scar differently and not every scar treatment method works for everyone. You must also bear in mind that reducing or removing scars takes time.
Vitamin E Oil
For many people, vitamin E oil is the first product they use when treating a scar. Dr. Mimi S. Kokoskain’s article “Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloids” on the E-Medicine website suggests vitamin E as one of many treatments for raised and thick scars. The oil can be used as soon as there is an injury to the skin. This seems to reduce the amount of scar tissue that forms. The oil is thought to break down the collagen protein that creates the scars. Buy vitamin E oil in health food stores and apply a few times a day. The National Institute of Health recommends using the natural form of vitamin E oil, which is more potent than the synthetic form.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is another natural substance that has plenty of anecdotal evidence for treating scars. It is derived from the vegetable fat of the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter is mostly recommended for stretch marks. This is because, unlike most other lubricants, cocoa better penetrates the skin layers, reports the article “Cocoa Butter FAQ” on the E.T. Brown website. Keeping the scar moisturized accelerates the healing process. Cocoa butter is available as a lotion or as a stick. Use the cocoa butter a few times a day on the scar.
Camellia Oil
While camellia oil is not normally suggested for scars, it is a natural lubricant that offers many benefits to facial scarring. First of all, it protects the skin from ultraviolet lights, according to the article “Camellia Oil” on the Camellia Oil website. This helps to protect the scar and the surrounding skin from harmful sun exposure. It is recommended that a person use a sunscreen on the face to protect the scars or discolorations from getting worse. Camellia oil is also an antioxidant because it contains vitamin E. This oil protects the cells and tissues from damaging free radicals. Camellia oil is also used in Asian cooking, so it can be found in Chinese or Japanese food markets.
Glycolic Acid
The article “Benefits of Glycolic Acid” on the RN Guide to Skin Care website recommends using glycolic acid for a variety of skin conditions. It is effective on scars and for “removing or reducing discolorations and/or brown spots.” Use the glycolic acid to give yourself a facial. Buy the acid from a beauty supply store in a low concentration of 15 to 20 percent. This is a good strength to start with until you face becomes accustomed to the acid. Follow the directions, but usually you leave the glycolic acid on the face for one to two minutes and gradually increase the length of time.