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Can You Get Rid of an Indented Scar?
December 2, 2015 16 Comments

Can You Get Rid of an Indented Scar?

Although scarring is a natural and necessary phase of healing, this process sometimes leaves indentations, puckering, or pockmarking where the tissue below the skin has been damaged or lost. These are called atrophic scars, most commonly caused by acne, injury, and surgery. Although some level of scarring may be permanent, there are safe topical treatments available to help restore this underlying tissue and smooth the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of scars. These treatments include a blend of vitamins and nutrients that have demonstrated a significant clinical benefit to skin healing and scar reduction.

Scars and Skin Form Differently

Scar tissue is built from the same collagen protein as normal skin, but the fibers are arranged differently. Where natural skin is a somewhat randomly assorted matrix, which allows sweat glands and hair follicles to form, scar tissue fibers are arranged in strong, though less flexible, parallel layers that do not allow for sweat glands or hair follicles.

When skin is damaged by injury, surgery, or acne, the skin layers are forcibly separated. Once the interference is removed or resolved, the skin immediately begins to generate new cells, adding fibers of collagen in roughly diagonal rows. Many factors affect the speed of this process, as well as what kind of scar eventually forms.

Minimizing Scars as they Heal

While the scar is forming, the layers of skin that come together may not align properly if the wound moves too much, or the skin becomes too dry or too damp. Therefore, during the healing process, it is important to both immobilize the area to maintain proper alignment, and to ensure that the skin along the edges does not dry out or become too moist.

Using a properly formulated scar treatment, such as InviCible Scars, as directed during the healing process helps to maintain proper elasticity while also feeding the skin vitamins and nutrients that are essential for healing.

InviCible Advanced Scar Therapy includes vitamin C, licorice, and aloe vera to completely heal the area, and restore elasticity and skin tone, as well as silicone and essential fatty acids to reduce skin pocking and indentation.

For years, vitamin E was used topically as well, but this has recently been discouraged by dermatology experts as it can cause skin irritation. Other ingredients to avoid include hydroquinone, Kojic acid, and anything with fragrance or preservatives.

Reducing Scars after Healing

Skin and scar tissue continually regenerates and replaces cell layers throughout our lives. Though this process is more gradual than the initial healing, it does mean that the appearance of scars can be altered even after they have fully formed. If given the proper tools, the body will continue to heal and repair old scars.

InviCible Advanced Scar Therapy comes highly recommended by doctors who treat skin disease, such as acne, or perform surgery. Regular application of our nutrient-rich product helps to drive the healing process and reduces the appearance of scars and uneven skin tone.

Do you have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Burn Scars, Get Rid of Scars, New or Old Scars, Surgery Scars Tagged: , , ,
Can Certain Foods Reduce Acne Scars?
November 17, 2015 Leave a Comment

Can Certain Foods Reduce Acne Scars?

Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher and physician who famously inspired the doctor’s Hippocratic oath, also gave us this ageless wisdom: “Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food.” During his lifetime, science was not yet advanced enough to examine food and digestion on a molecular level, but he had of course noticed a distinct correlation between diet and health. Those who ate well tended to be healthier, and those who did not often had poor complexions.

We now know that there are some specific food ingredients that influence skin health, and can be particularly helpful for healing acne scars. Research is still ongoing, and the links between diet and skin health are still anecdotal in many cases. However, there are a few correlations that are supported by strong clinical evidence.

The Role of Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamin A and its related compounds are found in foods such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, and cantaloupe. These compounds contribute to skin health by maintaining proper elasticity and moisture, which helps scars form more evenly across tissues. The vitamin A ingredient, retinol, is commonly used in topical face creams; however, the body also actively absorbs vitamin A from foods with the aid of vegetable oils.

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables also tend to be lower in fats and added sugars, which helps keep the glycemic index low. Recent clinical research indicates that high-glycemic-index diets contribute to a greater occurrence of acne in some groups due to an increase in insulin production, which is required to regulate blood sugar. In fact, high glycemic index and insulin are among the most scientifically and clinically significant dietary factors which can impact acne. Low glycemic index diets are also known to decrease the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The Scoop on Omega Fatty Acids

Two forms of omega fatty acids (OFAs) are found in our foods. Omega-6 fatty acids are associated with repairing tissues after physical activity. Omega-3s are primarily associated with metabolism in mammals. Both forms are essential to the body for different functions, but the ratio of one to the other is where many diets fall short.

Most nutritionists recommend consuming equal amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, many diets that are high in vegetable oil and beef ingredients tip this balance in favor of omega-6, sometimes as much as 30:1. This may not seem important at first glance, but excessive imbalance in favor of omega-6 have been shown to contribute to inflammation.

Because acne scars are generally formed over relatively small areas of the skin, any level of increased inflammation can increase their appearance and slow the healing process. To help balance your OFA ratio, it is helpful to first visit a nutritionist to analyze your current diet, and determine if an omega-3 deficit exists. If so, you may increase your omega-3 intake with grass-fed beef or dairy products, soy-based foods, wild rice, walnuts and almonds, flax, black and kidney beans, and coldwater fish such as salmon, bluefin tuna, Atlantic mackerel, and anchovies.

Healing Acne Scars from the Inside and Out

The hard truth is that no one remedy can completely heal acne scars. However, by eating a healthy, balanced diet which provides essential vitamins and nutrients to the skin, combined with topical creams, such as InviCible Scars, the appearance of acne scars can be greatly reduced, both during and after the initial healing phase.

Have a question about your acne scars? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Get Rid of Scars, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: , ,
Healthy Snack Ideas to Improve Scar Appearance
August 18, 2015 2 Comments

Healthy Snack Ideas to Improve Scar Appearance

Healthy skin demands a healthy diet. To improve the appearance of scars, ensuring proper collagen distribution, the reduction of inflammation, and the softening of tissue, choose nutrient-rich foods.

Read More: Nutrition

Snack Time Suggestions: Choosing the Right Ingredients

Sodas and sweets make for a delightful treat. However, they don’t offer the fundamental nutrients needed to improve scars. Swap out those calorie-heavy snacks for ones infused with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Zinc.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that strengthens the immune system and expedites the healing process, helping scar tissue fade. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 90 milligrams to ensure good health, and achieving this requires the right snacks:

  • Yellow Bell Peppers (341.3-mg per large pepper)
  • Golden Kiwi (64-mg per large fruit)
  • Strawberries (10.6-mg per large berry)
  • Oranges (69.7-mg per large orange)

Read More: Vitamin C

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a retinal-infused compound that improves the texture of the skin. It accelerates cell development and generates greater elasticity. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 1500 micrograms, and individuals can reach this amount this with:

  • Carrots (7835-micrograms per large carrot)
  • Kale (17707-micrograms per cup)
  • Cantaloupe Melon (2334-micrograms per cup)
  • Tuna Fish (7141-micrograms per ounce)

Read More: Vitamin A

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient. It counters the effects of free radicals, protecting skin from loss of hydration, decreases in elasticity, and oxidation. While Vitamin E does not improve the appearance of scars (whether applied topically or taken through diet or supplements), it is great for combating oxygen free radicals which can damage the skin, especially from sun exposure - and UV rays can permanently darken a scar. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 20 milligrams, and there are many ways to meet this number:

  • Almonds (7.3-mg per ounce)
  • Avocados (4.2-mg per cup)
  • Sunflower Seeds (10.2-mg per ounce)
  • Tofu (4.5-mg per ounce)

Read More: Vitamin E

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that directly impacts the body’s immune system. It enhances cellular growth and dissolves carbohydrates (which provide key proteins during the tissue creation process). This decreases the rigidity of scars and reduces inflammation. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 15 milligrams, and there are many delicious ways to reach this goal:

  • Cashews (1.6-mg per ounce)
  • Dark Chocolate (5.9-mg per cup)
  • Mushrooms (1.4-mg per cup)
  • Mung Beans (0.6-mg per cup)

Read More: Zinc

Consider Supplements

Achieving a healthy lifestyle is not always possible, with individuals forever on the move and away from the kitchen. Choosing the right snacks proves challenging, and vitamin supplements are often needed to ensure balanced results.

These items deliver concentrated bursts of key minerals so that even the busiest individuals can maintain their diets and meet their intake goals. It also promotes the improved appearance of scars.

Read More: Vitamins

Substituting traditional snacks with vitamin-heavy foods provides immediate and long-lasting results. Make the change today!

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Filed Under: Get Rid of Scars, Nutrition, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: ,
Risk Factors for Scarring
March 26, 2015 Leave a Comment

Risk Factors for Scarring

Damage to the skin, whether from an incision or wound, results in a risk for scarring. Scar tissue forms as the natural part of the skin’s healing process, and when the scar tissue remains rather than being replaced by normal skin cells you are left with a scar. There are several risk factors for scarring, some of which you can moderate and others you cannot.

Age

The very young heal better, which results in a better outcome for their scars. When you are young and prone to growth spurts, your body creates new collagen and skin everywhere in your body, including the areas where you have scars. Your body is always synthesizing new collagen and destroying old collagen that is less functional and old. That’s why some scars may have ‘disappeared’ over the years. Your body may have broken down some of the collagen in the scar and replaced it with new collagen. Additionally, the elderly also heal better, so if your age is anywhere in between, you have a greater risk of having issues with your scars.

Genetic Factors

Everyone heals differently from wounds based upon his or her genes. Therefore, if your family tends to scar easily, then you have a greater risk of forming scars as well. Certain genetic influences due to your race can also alter your risk factor for scarring. For example, those with dark skin have a higher risk of forming hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are raised scars. Additionally, those with fair skin typically have more prominent scarring than those with darker skin.

Size and Depth of the Wound

Deep, uneven wounds that are not treated properly will have larger, more prominent scars than small, insignificant wounds to the skin, such as a paper cut. The greater the trauma to the skin, the longer it takes to heal, which also increases the chance of scarring. When you undergo surgery, you want to have as small an incision as possible, and you want to ensure that the two pieces of skin are glued, stapled, or sutured back together with the correct lineup to reduce the amount of scarring.

Read: What Affects Wound Healing?

Your General Health and Wellbeing

If you are generally healthy, then your healing system will work better, reducing the amount of scarring. Alternatively, if you have a chronic illness, including an immune deficiency or diabetes, it can negatively affect the healing process, increasing your risk of scars. Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking slow down the healing process. You also want to eat a healthy and nutritious diet full of vitamins and minerals to promote healing. Drinking lots of water is also important for your overall health. You also need adequate sleep and rest.

Read: How Does Smoking Affect Scar Healing?

Taking Care of the Wound

Once the skin has been damaged, you need to take care not to re-injure it before it has a chance to heal. If the incision or wound area reopens, then it will have to work extra hard to completely heal, increasing the chance of scar tissue forming. You also want to treat the wound carefully, including preventing any infection.

Although you cannot change your genes or your age, you can eat well, sleep, hydrate, and take care of your wound to help reduce any scarring. Any action you take to promote proper wound healing reduces the risk of excessive scar tissue forming and resulting in a prominent scar.

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

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Filed Under: Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars, New or Old Scars, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: ,
Treatment for Forehead Scars in Children
November 14, 2014 Leave a Comment

Treatment for Forehead Scars in Children

Children are accident prone, often falling and bumping their knees, elbows, and head. Cuts and wounds that occur on the forehead during childhood can create a scarring that remains as a scar throughout a person’s life. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize your child’s forehead scar.

Step One: Properly Treat the Wound

The first step in treating forehead scars in children is to minimize the damage to the area. When your child hurts his or her head, be sure to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Infection increases the risk of scarring because it leads to inflammation and delays healing. Thoroughly clean the wound with soapy water and apply an antibacterial ointment. If it is a significant wound, be sure to seek medical care and get stitches if needed. Once the wound is clean, be sure to cover it. This keeps bacteria and other harmful things out of the wound, while also keeping moisture in. Moisture is important for proper wound healing and reducing the amount of scarring.

Read: What Affects Wound Healing?

Step Two: Promote Natural Healing

Scars are the result of the body healing damaged tissue. As the body continues to heal, normal skin cells can replace the damaged scar tissue to a certain extent. To do this, the natural healing response needs to be supported. The best way to do this with your children is to ensure they are healthy overall. They should eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Vitamin A, C, protein, and zinc are important components for healing and skin health. Exercise can also promote healing, so you should let your child run around and play, as long as there is no medical reason for avoiding exercise. Exercise improves circulation, which promotes the regrowth of skin cells. Also make sure your child gets plenty of sleep, as this also promotes natural healing.

Read: Do Scars Grow with Age?

Step 3: Help Reduce the Appearance of Scars

There are plenty of scar reduction creams on the market, but be sure to check the ingredients before choosing one for your child. Avoid ingredients that can cause allergic reactions such as preservatives, fragrances, vitamin E, kojic acid or hydroquinone. Instead, find a scar cream with hypoallergenic ingredients. Vitamin C and licorice extract are two natural ingredients that promote natural skin healing without side effects. These should be combined with silicone gel which studies have shown to be the gold standard in scar therapy.

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

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Image via Michael Henry Photography

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Filed Under: Face Scars, Get Rid of Scars Tagged: ,
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