Reducing Scars

Prevent, reduce, or minimize scars with these tips from the skin care pros.

It doesn't take much to acquire minor wounds and scrapes. Trip over a curb, mishandle a dull kitchen knife, and before you know it you're bleeding -- and wondering, is that going to scar?

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to prevent some scars and reduce others. WebMD went to practicing dermatologists for their quick tips on how to take care of minor cuts and scrapes. Follow their advice and you may have a tale to tell about your mishap -- but without the scar to prove it.

The Best Scar Prevention: Good Wound Care

Whether you're concerned about scarring from a cut, scrape, stitches, or even a small surgical wound or acne, the best way to prevent an unsightly scar or reduce the cosmetic appearance of it is to do a good job caring for the wound. Use these three steps:

Clean out a fresh cut or scrape . Soothe and clean the wound with cool water. Then remove any pebbles or splinters with alcohol-sterilized tweezers. Gently wash around the wound with soap and a washcloth. Irritants such as harsh soap, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and alcohol aren't good for cleaning minor wounds. In fact, these substances can actually delay healing.

Keep it covered. Covering your cut or scrape helps it heal by barring bacteria, dirt, and other irritants. It also helps keep the wound moist for the first few days, which speeds healing. You can use an antibiotic cream or ointment to help keep your wound clean and moist. Keeping the wound covered and moist helps reduce the appearance of scars.

Don't pick at scabs. Right after you get a cut or scrape, or even pick a pimple, your body starts healing the wound. White blood cells attack infection-causing bacteria. Red blood cells, fibrin, and platelets create a clot over your wound. And in no time, a scab forms. If you pick off the scab, you may not only reopen the wound and introduce bacteria, you could also create a larger scar.
Why Could a Scar Still Form?

Even if you care for a wound perfectly, you may still end up with a scar. That's because some people are just more prone to scarring and some places on the body are just more prone to scars. A wound doesn't need to be deep or severe to leave a scar.

"Scars tend to develop more frequently in areas of skin that are under tension or pull," says Valerie D. Callender, MD, a dermatologist in Maryland. For example, your chest, shoulders and back are common places for scars to form. To prevent scars in these areas, avoid upper body exercise and lifting heavy objects while your wound heals.

When scars do form, they are usually pale and flat, although some can be raised. Called hypertrophic or keloid scars, these occur when the body produces too much collagen.

Reducing Scars: What Works and What Doesn’t

Once you have a scar, there are many strategies and products for minimizing scarring. Here’s the scoop on how they work.

Sunscreen. Sun protection is vital for minimizing a scar and preventing hyperpigmentation, says California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. She recommends a sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide -- blocking agents protect against UVA and UVB rays. Look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Badreshia-Bansal also suggests massaging around a wound to help prevent the development of thick scars.
Fancy creams. Skip pricey creams, says Elizabeth Tanzi, MD,a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. You'll find many creams that claim help healing because they contain vitamin E or cocoa butter, but there's no hard evidence that they work. To keep a scab moist -- and hopefully free from itch -- dab on a little petroleum jelly instead, Tanzi says.

Silicon gel sheeting. Putting a sheet of silicon gel on a scar every day may help it fade or keep it from getting worse. The sheeting is available at pharmacies or from dermatologists. Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD, says gel sheeting should be used for at least three months for best results.
Concealer.

This can be a good temporary way to make a scar go undercover. Pick a shade that is most effective with the color of your scar. "If the scar is red or pink, try a concealer with a green undertone,” Cambio says. “If the scar is brown, try a concealer with a yellow undertone. If the scar is lighter that your normal skin, pick a concealer that matches your skin tone." Cambio also suggests using a concealer that is waterproof.

Bleaching creams. These may help fade some dark scars, also called hyperpigmentation. Some hyperpigmentation is permanent, however. Ask your dermatologist for suggestions.

Injectible fillers. Injecting substances such as collagen or fat can immediately raise sunken scars. However, this treatment doesn’t last permanently and may need to be repeated.

Steroid injections. These may help flatten raised scars, but a long-term course may be needed.

Dermabrasion. This procedure uses special equipment to remove the surface of the skin, helping to reduce the look of raised scars. Microdermabrasion, a less invasive process, can help superficial scars.

Laser resurfacing. This is done two ways: The skin surface is removed with lasers, or lasers are used to work on the collagen in the dermis without removing the upper layer of skin.

Surgery. You can’t remove a scar entirely with surgery, but you can alter its size, depth, or color. Surgery isn't suggested for hypertrophic or keloid scars because it can make them worse.
Scar Prevention: When to Call a Doctor for Wounds

In some cases, special attention is needed to heal a wound well and prevent or reduce scarring. See a doctor if a wound is:

Bleeding heavily and doesn't stop after five to 10 minutes of direct pressure

Deep or longer than 1/2 inch
Located near your eye or on your face
Dirty or was caused by a dirty or rusty object
Ragged

From an animal or human bite
Very painful or shows signs of infection, such as increased warmth or tenderness around it, yellow or green fluid, redness, swelling, fever, chills, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes at your armpit, neck, or groin.

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Skin Care Stretch Marks How to remove stains

The skin plays an important role as regards the protection of our body, is actually a protective barrier against attacks coming from the outside world, this reason for decision carefully.

Here are the main functions of the skin keeps the body regulate temperature by sweating, in fact, most of the heat (80%) produced by the body is lost through the skin.

Thanks to its flexibility allows us to "absorb" several small strokes and rubbing and above allows us, through perspiration, the elimination of waste produced by the body.

Last but not least, through its nerve endings, allows us to get in touch with the outside world through touch, allowing us to experience the various sensations of heat, cold and pain.

During the day, so while we are awake, the skin protects us from the sun and pollution, but when we sleep, it regenerates its own cells.

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UV protection - sun and skin

Not since the ozone hole is excessive sun bathing for the skin a strain. But whereas in earlier centuries, pale skin for beautifully kept, is nowadays usually tan as the ultimate for very fit, healthy glow.

The dose Strong - too much sun can harm

That the skin on exposure to excessive sunlight (or excessive tanning visit) is aging rapidly and regenerated less well is one thing. Finally, it is personal preference whether one wants to walk around with a skin appearance and structure of the tanned leather, are etched in the wrinkles and furrows. The problem is: the weakened through excessive sunbathing skin is less resistant, such as cancer.

The number of people who develop skin cancer, has in recent years in countries such as Australia, have been disadvantaged under the ozone hole increased. At least that should encourage even the most sun to protect their skin.


Self-protection time - different skin types vary much sun

For Central Europeans have the red or blond hair, freckles and pale skin, the natural protection time than ten minutes (skin type 1). Skin type 2, the blond-haired with pale skin are no freckles, they may be up to 20 minutes in the sun without getting sunburned. Dark blonde to brown hair and slightly tinted skin are the characteristics of skin type 3, which can support up to half an hour sun. Southern Europeans are usually the type 4 skin with dark hair and heavily tinted skin color - their own protection time is longer than half an hour.

Sunscreens extend the time you spend in the sun without the skin verbrutzelt - but it is no use if you repeatedly smear it.

The dose Strong - sun is vital

But sunlight is essential for the health of the other. Only with sunlight, the body can produce vitamin D - which is, among other things important for building our bones prevented, before the osteoporosis.

A light-deficiency disease in northern regions is the so-called winter depression. That's because sunlight stimulates the body that produce so-called happiness hormone serotonin - is missing the sun, then there's too little serotonin.

UV protection in summer

Who in the spring and summer a lot of the outdoors should do something good for his skin and protect it from an excess of sun. Here are some tips for UV protection:
Light clothing, the body mostly covered, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a hat that shades the face (eg so a chic Australian leather hat ) - which prevents the heat stroke also.

Exposed skin should be moisturised with a sunscreen with high SPF (at least factor 15). Sun creams with mineral particles that reflect light, offer immediately after the application of protection from UV radiation. Other sunscreen products should be some time before the stay to apply outdoors.

lotion before swimming with absolutely waterproof sun cream - even in the water there is danger of sunburn.

After the swim, dry off some cream (every drop of water acts like a magnifying glass) and new.

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cell death by anti-aging substance

Rather than smooth out wrinkles, engages in drug DMEA in anti-aging creams collagen-forming cells and kills them.


DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a component of many anti-aging creams. The alcohol with amine function to stabilize cell membranes and thus achieve a toning effect on the skin. But instead of a gentle face lift, the substance can damage the skin dramatically. Scientists came to this conclusion of the Canadian Laval University in Quebec.

As the team Guillaume Morissette in laboratory skin cells with the metabolic product brought into contact, the so-called fibroblasts swelled immediately and violently. These cells in the connective tissue of the skin produce collagen quality important. In the following hours, the scientists observed that the cells divided much more slowly. A considerable part of the fibroblasts died from even. After 24 hours, a quarter of the collagen-producing cells of dead anti-wrinkle effect was stirred ago according to scientists from the swelling of the fibroblasts, which makes the skin appear plumper.

Untested drug effects

Study leader Guillaume Morissette stressed that he was not as a cosmetic ingredient DMAE will condemn in principle, but says also: "DMAE has pharmacological properties, but there are few scientific conclusions about its effect. It is high time to deal with whether the substance is a health risk. "

DMAE, which is found not only in anti-aging creams, but as a tool in many other amenities, is for the scientist not an isolated case dar. Many ingredients in cosmetics were like drugs. But the laws regulating such products are far less stringent than for drugs - a fact that Guillaume Morissette is not justified holds.

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There something about Acne.

Acne (pimples)

Acne is a skin disease that about 80 to 90 percent of all adolescents and young adults are affected in 20 years. The main distinguishing feature of acne are blackheads (comedones). Mild and moderate forms of acne can be customized with special cosmetics and prescription drugs treat yourself. If the acne is more severe or self-treatment after about 8 weeks no improvement occurs, a dermatologist should be consulted.

Whether treated or with medical assistance: a therapy always takes time. Up to a satisfactory outcome usually take several months.

About 80 to 90 percent of all adolescents and young adults under 20 are affected by acne. But many older people suffer from bad skin to have blackheads, pimples or acne. Of very severe form, are mainly affected young men. In most cases, an acne improved by 30 Of age.

In about 30 percent of cases, treatment is required by a dermatologist. Approximately 70 percent of people can be in their skin like pimples and blackheads treat successfully.

Complaints in acne

An acne can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other skin blemishes associated with pimples, differ. The main distinguishing feature are blackheads (comedones). If not present, this is another form of skin from an impurity.

We distinguish mild, moderate and severe forms of acne:

Mild acne: The skin is large pores and slightly glossy to greasy. The blackheads are in front of all the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and are relatively little inflamed.

Moderate acne: in addition to comedones have also inflamed pustules and papules formed. You are not only in the face, but also in the range of cleavage, upper arms, chest and back.

Severe acne: blackheads, pustules and papules are other than serious, sometimes painful and severely inflamed lesions such as knots and scars exist. Of very severe acne are mainly affected young men.

Treatment of acne

Thorough and regular cleaning is the most important

No matter how severe the acne is high - a thorough and regular cleaning with the right products is essential.

The best care for all forms of acne:

2 times a day to wash skin, with gentle products such as synthetic detergents, washing gels or cleanser to remove excess sebum
After washing the skin with a slightly alcoholic tonic (Alkohlgehalt 5 to 10%) clean again and degrease. An alcohol content of more than 30% are not recommended, because then the skin becomes very dry.

Several times a week by an exfoliationto improve the draining of sebum, the horny cells of the skin and open comedones abzuschilfern to. In inflamed skin peels are not suitable.

For the care of the skin (oil-in-water emulsions) or fat-free gels using creams - no high-fat, skin care creams, as this also seal the pores

The care of the skin should be with creams (oil-in-water emulsions) or be fat-free gels.

Non-prescription drugs to treat mild to moderate acne

In mild and moderate acne drugs are also prescription should apply, the draining of sebum improve, reducing the cornification and fight the acne bacteria.

Non-prescription drugs are:
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Zinc oxide
Shale oil
Yeast (internal use)


In severe forms of acne should help the dermatologist

Severe forms of acne are in dermatological treatment. A doctor is also advisable if the self-treatment specific cosmetics and prescription drugs for 8 weeks with no significant success shows.

The dermatologist is prescription substances vitamin A-like substances or antibiotics as prescribed, the external, creams or gels are applied as solutions. If this is not successful, he can prescribe these drugs and oral.


Also, the gynecologist can help
Women with moderate or severe acne may be an oral contraceptive (pill)that the cyproterone acetate, chlormadinone acetate or dienogest containing active ingredients can prescribe. These drugs (progesterone) are antagonists of male hormones, the other to the excessive sebum production in acne (hyperseborrhea) are involved.

Causes of Acne
Combination of factors

In order for an acne, several factors must work together. These are:
excessive sebum in the skin (hyperseborrhea)
Excessive production of horny cells (hyperplasia), which clog the pores. formation of a "horny plugs"
Acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)that the clogged pores will find ideal conditions in. You call out a inflammation and aggravate them.

As the horny plugs constitute clogs the pores of the skin can not flow more tallow and the result is a blackhead (comedo). Comedones may be open or closed. In the middle of open comedones often find black spots. This is not, as is often supposed to remove dirt, but a skin pigment (melanin).


Some medications promote acne
Some drugs are able to trigger or aggravate acne. Examples include:
Cortisone (steroid acne)
Anabolic steroids (doping acne ")
Some B-vitamins
Thyroid medication (anti-thyroid drugs)
Means to treat seizures (antiepileptic drugs)

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Beer for the beauty!

 What beer fans have always suspected, confirmed the science: In moderation, the beer is a light and sweet refreshment for body and soul. Beer makes relaxed, sociable and promotes valuable thanks to active ingredients even health. Still eludes us while drinking the best.

To make the beer more durable, that is filtered to 50 years from the resulting yeast during fermentation. Especially in this "primeval mud" but a real treasure lies in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. But you do not give up so much good. Biolab has packed all the high-quality ingredients in tablets and brewer's yeast flakes - piece by piece, concentrated beauty and power.

For since the proportion of vitamin B1, B2 and B6 is particularly high in nature, the yeast products the purest beauty treatment for the skin. Blemishes are in fact often the result of a deficiency of B vitamins, so that regular consumption of beer yeast makes the skin beautifully clean and clear. Yeast from biological laboratory is available in drugstores and food retailers.

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