Though scars are a natural part of life, they can blemish your skin in undesirable ways, in which case you’ll want to implement proper skin care before and after they’re healed to minimize their appearance. Learn about the causes of scarring and what treatments are available in the guide below. 

What Causes Skin to Scar?

When the skin breaks, whether because of acne, surgery, or injury, your body’s first reaction is to quickly close the wound to keep bacteria out. With this sense of urgency, the collagen produced is thicker than normal. While some of this thick collagen will fade over time, there will likely be a difference in coloring and texture where the breakage occurred, also known as a scar. 

What Can You Do to Prevent or Reduce Scarring?

After sustaining a wound to your skin, take swift action. If the wound is deep, visit the emergency room for stitches to stop the bleeding, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize scarring. Refrain from picking at the healing skin; opening the wound back up can introduce bacteria in addition to making scarring more likely.

Once the wound is sealed, apply plenty of sunscreen on it and avoid UV rays when possible since they cause inflammation and irritation, which can negatively impact the production of new collagen. Using over-the-counter anti-scar skin care products may help, plus moisturizing and massaging the area can promote healthy collagen. 

Which Skin Care Treatments Can Minimize Scars?

A variety of noninvasive laser treatments can improve the appearance of scarring. Limelight or pulsed light systems can treat pigment and lighten dark scars. A laser genesis or photo rejuvenation treatment can improve uneven skin textures beneath the epidermis, evening the texture of a scar. 

If you’re interested in laser treatment to minimize scars, David K. Hiranaka, M.D., D.M.D., provides top-notch care from his state-of-the-art clinic in Kailua-Kona, HI. Since opening his practice in 1994, this Harvard-educated and board-certified cosmetic surgeon has helped patients maintain both facial aesthetics and functionality with noninvasive skin care treatments and cosmetic surgery plans. Call today at (808) 326-2040 to schedule a consultation, and visit the practice online to explore their range of specialties.