Scar Treatments Not Cures

Depressed scars look like holes or pits. They form when the skin’s collagen is destroyed by inflammation (as is the case with acne) or infection (for example, chicken pox). Pitted scars can also result from picking off scabs. Shallow scars can be improved with a series of microdermabrasion treatments or injectable fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane. Large areas can be treated with a chemical peel or laser, which removes the damaged skin, allowing new, fresh skin to fill in more smoothly. For deeper scars, a surgeon can excise (cut out) the scar and stitch the skin back together. These more aggressive treatments often require a few weeks of strict sun avoidance, as well as preparation with prescription-strength creams, and the skin may need weeks to heal.

Raised, bumpy scars typically occur after surgery or an injury. If you have a new one, you can help soften it by gently massaging the scar for 10 to 15 minutes a day. Use almond oil or a bland moisturizer to prevent chafing. Be sure the skin is healed over (with no scabs) before you start, and if your scar is from surgery, check with your doctor first. Some of my patients also see improvement with Mederma Scar Gel, which contains onion extract. If your scar is lumpy, tender, or itchy, it may be a keloid. This type of scar is mostly found on the earlobes, chest, and upper back. Silicone gel sheets (such as Curad Scar Therapy pads) can help flatten them. If this doesn’t work, I often shrink them in the office with a laser or dilute cortisone injections.

By Daily

Using lashes to make your eyes appear fuller.

Apply fake lashes to the mid to outer lashes can make your eyes appear larger, fuller and more beautiful.

The food skin connection

The next time you're at the supermarket, pick up a few food items that will help you get glowing skin naturally. Honey, sugar, and oatmeal often are found in skin care products because of their beneficial properties. These items, which exfoliate or moisturize the skin, show that you don't need to spend a lot of money or resort to a long list of synthetic chemicals to get great skin.

Honey

Take a quick look at the moisturizers available in your local beauty store and you'll probably notice a few made from honey. You can make a moisturizing face mask by mixing together high-grade honey, olive oil, and apple cider. After about ten to fifteen minutes, you'll have baby-soft and bright skin. Treat your skin to this face mask about once a week or as needed.

Sugar

One of the most popular ingredients in skin brightening products, glycolic acid, actually is a sugar derivative. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin so that new skin can emerge. To get bright and smooth skin without having to spend lots of money on glycolic acid products, create your own sugar scrub by mixing together equal parts sugar and avocado oil or olive oil. Any kind of sugar, including brown and white sugar, will do. After wetting your skin, simply spread on some of the sugar scrub, rub gently in a circular motion, and rinse.

Oatmeal

Another item that you can use to get glowing skin naturally is oatmeal. Major cosmetic companies such as Aveeno and St. Ives have products made from oatmeal, which helps your skin lock in moisture. Make an oatmeal mask by grinding up some oatmeal to a powder in a food processor and mixing it with water. You also can put the oatmeal powder into your warm bath for a relaxing soak. Oatmeal is especially helpful for those who suffer from dry and itchy skin.