When it comes to your face, it is so important to be gentle because even small inconveniences like acne and tiny scrapes can end up causing permanent and unpleasant damage. But what happens in those moments where you wind up with stitches after hitting your head on taco Tuesday? Or you went a little too hard popping a pimple on your cheek and now have a massive mark?
Recently, I had a small procedure done - an unsightly mole removed from the exact dab middle of my forehead. This mole (whom I named Karen) eventually settled in and began to grow larger and larger every week. Eventually, she became the only thing I saw when I looked in the mirror. Any scar, I thought, would be better than this…
So I went to a plastic surgeon and 15 minutes later, I am left with a vertical scar, about three times the width of the mole, straight down my forehead. I thought, well at least I could be Harry Potter for Halloween.
The procedure was swift and I didn’t feel a thing, but as I peered into the mirror and noticed my new forehead, I began to wonder about what kind of mark would be left behind. I asked the plastic surgeon what his opinion was on how to improve the appearance of scars. He advised me to “keep it out of the sun for a year.” Well, that’s great and all, but this thing is in the center of my forehead! His opinion was that the best cream you can use is sunscreen to help to reduce the appearance of the scar over time.
But I wanted more answers! I went home and I began to research scars and wound healing. Basically what I have discovered is that there are potentially thousands of dollars I can spend to “improve” the appearance of my scar, but what actually works? No wonder Harry Potter never got rid of his scar - it’s too damn expensive and confusing!
So I have sorted through the information so that you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking to fade acne scars, or you found yourself with a few stitches on your cheek from being tossed off the bull on Wacky Wednesday, here is a quick guide to wound healing so that you can minimize scarring and be restored to your most beautiful self!
Avoid the Sun
First, understand that a scar is like a baby’s skin when it first appears. The skin heals one layer at a time and the very base layer is verrrrryyyyy sensitive to the sun. If you were to get a sunburn on the base layer of the scar, it would forever stay darker than the surrounding skin. So keeping it out of the sun is essential.
This means we are pulling out all the stops - sunscreen, reapplying sunscreen, hats, bandaids, clothes, umbrellas, sun shades, sunglasses, giant decorative bows… Avoid the sun at all costs!
I’m going to be applying coppertone zinc sunscreen for babies directly to the incision right after it has healed enough to close the skin. If it is good enough for a baby’s face, it’s good enough for me.
Scar Fading Products
While the cut is still fresh - I am applying bacitracin 2x per day and covering it while out of the house to prevent an infection (per doc’s orders). Then, I’ll switch to Aquaphor 2x per day which will help keep it moist and speed healing.
Then, after the initial skin healing stage, the fun of repairing can begin. There are so many expensive creams and procedures that promise to fade scars, so I asked my fellow esties, what are the best products that you have seen actually work to fade scars?
Here are a few products that are esthetician-approved:
Biossance Vitamin C Rose Oil - Vitamin C is the GOAT for brightening. This one improves acne scars and helps to balance oil production in the face
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner - this one is vegan, cruelty-free, and goes on as the first step of skincare. Niacinamide is a staple ingredient for brightening the skin!
Good Molecules BHA Clarify Gel Cream - tackles active acne and reduces scars and redness
High-frequency treatments/high-frequency wands - just one treatment with an esthetician can be as much as buying the high-frequency wand tool. You will feel like an absolute mad scientist. This wand helps to increase collagen and supports the body’s natural healing process.
Topicals Faded Cream - heals and fades acne scarring and dark spots. This one comes highly recommended by dermatologists and estheticians alike.
The Scar-Fading Mindset
The bottom line is that you can start the healing process as soon as the cut or mark appears and the sooner you start treating and protecting it, the better. I would start by building a skincare routine around scar-fading ingredients and choose a few of these products to start. Then change out one product at a time as needed.
No matter what kind of scar or mark, there is always a way to improve its appearance. Don’t get discouraged and keep trying new things. But remember, fading scars can be a lengthy process that requires lots of patience so make sure to give the products at least 2-3 months to do their thing.
Visiting a licensed esthetician can also guide you in developing a treatment plan. There are countless lasers, face peels, and fancy procedures that can be done in the treatment room to reduce the appearance of scars and dark marks.
Comment below with your best skin healing tips and tricks!