How To Treat Scarring

But there are certain treatments and hard-hitting products that can fade scars. Here’s everything you need to know...

What is a scar?

A scar is a natural part of the healing process - a mark left on your skin after a wound or injury, however big or small (shaving nicks, we’re looking at you!). But the shape of a scar depends on the injury itself. “A surgical scar may result in a thin, fine line - yet an acne scar can be a dipped circle on your skin,” explains Dr Emma Craythorne, consultant dermatologist at The London Scar Clinic. So, in order to know how to treat your scar, you first need to understand what type of scar you’re dealing with.

Elevated scars
An elevated, raised bump can occur when there are problems with your scar’s healing process. This is common for burns, piercings, cuts or operation scars. So, what happens? Well, “your scar may thicken - this is called a hypertrophic scar - which is caused by the presence of too much collagen” says Dr Emma.

Another type of elevated scar is a keloid scar. “This is when the scar heals in a thickened manner, but it spreads away from the area of the original injury”. Almost pimple-like in appearance, keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars, but aren’t as neat, and can spread far from the original wound.

Acne scars
The marks they leave behind can be as frustrating as the original breakouts and blemishes. And whether you’re a pesky picker or a total avoider, acne scarring is inevitable. According to Dr Emma, acne scars are typically classed as atrophic scars, which means “the scar is dipped into the skin as a result of too little collagen”.

Treatments

Now you know what type of scar you’re dealing with, you can focus on the superstar skincare ingredient that’ll target it effectively...

Antioxidants are great for combatting the damage made to your skin by pollution, which causes collagen to break down (as we know from acne scars, a lack of collagen can be problematic!). Our top picks are Wander Beauty’s Drift Away Cleanser, Dr.Botanicals Hemp Stress Relaxing Antioxidant Night Moisturiser and natura’s Turmeric Sheet Mask.

Topical vitamin C is also a winner as it helps to stop your skin overproducing melanin (or pigment) in response to an injury, which means no dark scarring - which is especially helpful for keloid scars. We love Balance Me’s Vitamin C Repair Serum and Yes To Grapefruit Glow Enhancing Vitamin C Booster.

Retinol, another name for vitamin A, is a fantastic option for all skin types (and scar types!). Paula’s Choice Anti-Wrinkle Repair Serum gently exfoliates your skin and speeds up cell turnover (aka creates lots of healthy, fresh skin cells) which softens the appearance of scars.

And finally, AHAs. Hard-hitting masks and serums like REN’s Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask and Nip + Fab’s Glycolic Fix Radiance Shot are full of alpha-hydroxy acids (also known as liquid exfoliators that slough away dead skin cells to renew your complexion). This is a game-changer for shallow, pitted acne scars.

Of course, one thing to note is that “one treatment doesn’t fit all,” says Dr Emma, who recommends “laser technologies, fillers and steroid injections” if you really want to see results. If you have an elevated scar, steroid injections and lasers will help it fade, and if you have acne scars, it’s worth giving fillers a try.

This month, we’re supporting Look Good Feel Better, a truly inspirational charity that helps people face cancer with confidence.