What Causes Scarring?
Scarring is a natural process that assists healing. Scars are formed when fibrous tissue replaces the skin that is damaged due to injury, burns, surgery or certain skin ailments and can be rather unattractive. Scar tissue is not identical to the skin it replaces as it does not carry the same amount of melanin and is void of hair follicles and sweat glands, thus appearing different from the surrounding skin. The thickness and prominence of the scar depends upon the depth and the extent of damage to the various layers of the skin. However, the most common reason for the formation of superficial scars on the face is picking at pimples and other irritating blemishes. Though these scars are usually temporary, they can be very ugly and distressing, thus resulting in low self esteem and a drop in confidence levels.
Regular skin care will ensure that the face is free of all minor scars and blemishes. The time taken for healing a wound and removing a scar may vary from a few days to a few months to years depending on the depth and nature of the injury. Scar removal remedies are the most effective if resorted to as soon as the injury occurs. In the case of severe injuries, once a scar is formed, removal is almost impossible.
Remedies
Honey, when applied to wounds, aids healing by reducing inflammation and infection due to its antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities. The antioxidants present in the honey also help in the renewal of damaged skin, thus preventing scarring. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the honey will help in lightening pre-existing scars due to the natural bleaching ability of lemons. Virgin coconut oil is known for its natural healing qualities. When applied to a wound, the oil soothes and accelerates the healing process while preventing the formation of scars. In the case of severe wounds that affect a large portion of the skin, the use of banana pulp can be effective. After cleaning the area with a few drops of tea tree oil diluted in warm water, apply a liberal layer of ripe banana pulp to the affected area and cover it with gauze. The tea tree oil, due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, prevents the spread of infection and the banana pulp reduces inflammation, soothes the skin and quickens the healing process while minimizing the chances of scarring. A diet rich in vitamin E and C accelerates the healing process with minimal scarring.