Search Results for: scar treatment

Lupus Scar Treatment Tips

Lupus Scar Treatment Tips

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues. Lupus causes inflammation, which can affect a number of different body systems including the skin, joints, brain, heart, lungs, and blood cells.

Since lupus causes symptoms that can mimic those of other disorders, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments available that focus on relieving symptoms depending on the organ(s) involved. Even when most lupus symptoms are well-controlled, one side-effect of skin involvement often remains - scarring.

Lupus skin lesions come in a variety of forms. Once treated and healed, these lesions can leave permanent scars and dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, anywhere on the body. Lupus scars can be light, dark, or red; they can form in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and locations depending on the underlying skin lesion that caused it.

Normal scars naturally fade and flatten over time, but if you want to improve the results as much as possible, use a scar therapy that contains silicone. Topical silicone has been clinically proven to flatten, lighten, and soften scars and is the gold standard in scar care. A scar therapy that combines the unmatched safety and benefits of silicone with other ingredients proven to fade scars that are also safe and natural – such as aloe vera and licorice extract – packs a powerful punch when it comes to fading scars as much as possible.

Keeping your scars out of the sun is an important first step, as the sun can permanently darken scars further. Read: How Does the Sun Affect Scars?

Exercise and healthy eating are also beneficial in scar healing; exercise brings more oxygen-rich blood to the scar which optimizes healing during the initial stages of wound healing. Healthy eating also ensures your body has all the necessary nutrients it needs to heal as well as possible.

Read: How Nutrition Affects Scar Healing

Work with your doctor to come up with the best treatment plan for your lupus, and use the tips above to treat the scarring that may result from skin lesions and rashes, in order to feel and look your best every day.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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TotalBeauty 6 Best Scar Treatments

TotalBeauty 6 Best Scar Treatments

TotalBeauty recently compiled a list of the 6 best scar treatments according to reviews posted by members of TotalBeauty.com.

We’re thrilled and honored to have been featured on this list!

You can see all of the member reviews of InviCible Scars on TotalBeauty - they range from acne scars to burn scars to injury scars. If you’ve tried InviCible, we’d love if you added your review to their list as well!

Do you have a question about your scars? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Is Your Scar Treatment Safe?

Is Your Scar Treatment Safe?

Hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin E, preservatives, and fragrances are all ingredients frequently found in scar therapies. All of these ingredients have something in common: their safety has been called into question again and again, and as people become more concerned about the safety of their skin care ingredients, they are smartly learning to avoid these in particular when it comes to a safe scar treatment.

The clincher is that these ingredients aren’t at all necessary in scar treatment products. There are many completely safe and natural ingredients that have been shown to be effective scar healers, so choose a scar treatment without:

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone does lighten scars; that much is true. However, there is a good reason why this ingredient has been banned in some countries: it’s dangerous. Even at its over-the-counter strength, hydroquinone can cause ochronosis (a permanent darkening of the skin), impaired wound healing, skin irritation, and nail discoloration. Studies are ongoing as some experts have even questioned whether hydroquinone may be to blame for some cancers.

Kojic Acid

Much like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective at lightening scars and dark spots. However, prolonged use has been shown to cause the skin to become more sensitive, which can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Kojic acid also does not have any scar improving benefits beyond lightening the color of the scar.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and therefore a popular skin care ingredient. However, studies fail to show vitamin E to be effective at improving scars, and in some cases, it can worsen them. Those who see improvements in their scars after using vitamin E are most likely seeing only the benefits of keeping the scar moisturized, which is just one component of an effective scar treatment. Vitamin E can also cause contact dermatitis, so it’s best to avoid this ingredient in your scar therapy.

Preservatives and Fragrances

Preservatives are often used in skin care products, because they prevent bacterial growth and lower the risk of infection. The problem is that many synthetic preservatives come with a number of health risks. Allergy to these preservatives is responsible for a large percentage of contact eczema from cosmetics, a problem which is only increasing as use of these ingredients becomes more widespread. Formaldehyde and other preservatives are found in the majority of skin care products on the market, and are responsible for many harmful side effects. Likewise with fragrances: many cause allergic skin reactions.

A waterless scar treatment, like InviCible Scars, doesn’t require preservatives, so it is the best option for a safe and effective scar treatment.

Do you have a question about your scars? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Scar Treatment for Cystic Acne

Scar Treatment for Cystic Acne

Contrary to popular belief, not all acne scars are caused by picking at pimples. Some acne, such as cystic acne, is prone to scarring even if you don’t touch it at all. These painful lesions trap inflammation and do not easily connect with the skin’s surface. Cystic acne is inflammatory acne which triggers a white blood cell response as the skin tries to heal itself, resulting in scars even if you keep your hands off.

Read: Different types of acne scars

So if you do get one of these pimples, how can you minimize potential scarring? The first step is to get the acne under control in the first place. For ongoing cystic acne, a prescription might be the most effective way to control or eliminate it, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Abrasive over the counter acne products can be irritating to your skin and may contain questionable chemicals, so talk to your doctor about which products are truly safe and effective. If you can’t see a dermatologist for any reason, make sure to keep the skin clean to avoid infection, but steer clear of abrasive or harsh products.

Once you get rid of cystic acne, how can you get rid of the mark left behind? There are several options for fading scars caused by cystic acne. For the most severe acne, a visit to a dermatologist might be in order for a chemical peel, facial scar revision, or other powerful treatments.

There are also several natural remedies that can help fade these difficult scars. Aloe vera has been shown to help speed healing and keep the scar tissue moisturized. Vitamins A and C are both effective scar healers, and can be applied to the skin or consumed in the form of foods or beverages that contain them in large amounts. Licorice is a natural and safe ingredient known to help fade scars.

Silicone is another very effective scar healer. Numerous studies have shown that it softens scars when used regularly, even hypertrophic or older scars. However, the sooner treatment is started, the better the results. A product that contains silicone along with the above mentioned natural ingredients packs a powerful punch when it comes to getting rid of cystic acne scars.

Hydroquinone is one ingredient found in many scar treatment products that you should steer clear of. Hydroquinone has been shown to be potentially dangerous, irritate the skin of some patients, cause common allergic reactions, and even cause permanent discoloration of the skin.

Keep in mind that while you are treating your acne scars, you should keep them out of the sun. Your face is frequently exposed to sunlight throughout the day, so if the scars are on your face, be sure to apply sunscreen every time you go outside, even if you are going out for only a few minutes. Sunlight can, at best, delay scar healing, and at worst, it can exacerbate scars and permanently darken them.

Acne is never fun, and when it is painful and causes scarring, it is even worse. However, you don’t have to live with unsightly acne scars. You can take a proactive stand against them and within just a few months dramatically improve the appearance of your skin.

Do you have a question about your scar? Leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Scar Treatment

Getting the Most Out of Your Scar Treatment

Finding a great scar treatment product is only half the battle. If only it were as simple as applying a gel and watching your scar vanish! The truth is that the effectiveness of any product depends partly on how you use it and many of the choices you make during treatment. You want your scar as minimally visible as possible, so be sure to follow these tips to maximize your results.

1. Choose the right product. You want a product you can trust to be safe and effective, one that does not contain any harmful ingredients or unnecessary chemicals. Look for a scar treatment with dimethicone silicone, a stable form of Vitamin C, aloe vera, licorice extract, and other ingredients that have been proven to heal scars without damaging your health.

2. Use the product consistently. Of all the things you should be doing, this is probably the most important. It is far too common for people to begin using a product and then get busy, distracted, or even discouraged if their results aren’t fast and dramatic. This can lead to using the product sporadically or stopping its use altogether before treatment is complete, which will not yield the best possible results. Use the product at least twice a day for at least 12 weeks. You may notice improvements within the first couple of weeks, but the scar will continue to improve for up to several months.

3. Apply the product first. That means under any moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. In order for the product to be effective, it must be applied directly to the skin. After applying, be sure to wait for it to dry before applying cosmetics or other products.

4. Boost your results with a healthy diet. Vitamin C isn’t only effective in a scar cream and applied to the skin; it also offers great scar-healing benefits when eaten, so get plenty of citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, and other foods rich in vitamin C. Protein will help your body make the most of collagen; zinc and vitamin B both work to help your skin heal faster; Vitamin A is great for tissue synthesis.

Read: How Nutrition Affects Scar Healing

5. Avoid the sun. Even brief exposure can lead to darkening of your scar, and this change can be permanent. Especially during the first six months, when scars are still forming and changing, be sure to wear an SPF 30 sunblock, or keep the scar covered with clothing.

6. Get plenty of exercise. Exercise offers many heart and overall health benefits, improves your mood, gives you more energy, and helps you sleep better. But exercise also helps your scar heal faster! That’s because exercise improves your circulation, meaning that more oxygen-rich blood is transported to the site of your healing scar, and oxygen is key in optimal healing. If your scar is the result of a surgical incision, you may not feel much like exercise at first, but do as much as you can (and as much as your doctor gives the green light on). Even a short daily walk will go a long way to help with healing.

Do you have a question about your scar? Leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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