Where do scars come from?

Scars can come from virtually any injury to the skin: cuts, scrapes, chicken pox, acne, burns or medical procedures. Some people have resilient skin and heal quickly, while others have delicate skin and scar easily.

Skin is most likely to scar when the damage is deep and affects the dermis — the middle layer of skin — and the body has to create new collagen fibers to repair the skin. This new skin tissue will look and feel different than surrounding skin. According to MedlinePlus, scars are usually “thicker, as well as pinker, redder or shinier, than the rest of your skin.”

Can I prevent scarring?

While you may not be able to prevent an injury, you can definitely care for your wound properly and hopefully prevent severe scarring. Prevention suggests these tips for keeping your cut healthy and preventing scarring:

• Keep it clean. This means cleaning your cut right away to prevent bacteria from entering that vulnerable area. Plain soap and water is the best bet when it comes to disinfecting, so don’t fret if you don’t have a fancy antibacterial cleanser nearby.

• Keep it covered. Apply a generous amount of an antibiotic ointment to your wound and cover with a bandage. “New cells grow in from the sides and meet in the middle, and a scab gets in the way,” Roy C. Grekin, a clinical professor of dermatology, tells Prevention. This also includes sunscreen — after you remove the bandage, make sure to use sunscreen on the mark to prevent discoloration.

Are acne marks scars?

Some marks that are often called “scars” are not scars at all. Instead, they’re marks that linger for several months after the original injury. For example, acne can leave redness or discoloration for anywhere from six to 18 months — known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This type of discoloration will fade, usually completely, over time.

Product picks:

• NeoCeuticals Post Acne Fade Gel spot-treats red marks left behind after blemishes.

• If your acne is still active, DermaQuest Skin Therapy DermaClear treats blemishes while lightening discoloration.

Severe forms of acne — like cystic acne — often cause permanent scarring. If you’re not sure if it’s a scar, see a dermatologist who can tell you whether your wound is still healing or whether it’s likely there for good.

Will my scar be there forever?

Over time, most scars do fade — but don’t expect them to disappear completely. Many scars can only be removed with professional treatments, like chemical peels, laser treatments or dermabrasion. In the meantime, you can choose topical treatments to speed up the process, and conceal scars with makeup.

How can I fade scars and discoloration?

There are several active ingredients that can help your scar fade faster. Topical skin lighteners, like hydroquinone, can help to fade the discoloration associated with scars. If you’d prefer to use natural ingredients, WebMD suggests alternatives like licorice extract, azelaic acid, mulberry extract and bearberry extract.

Product picks:

• DDF Fade Gel 4 is a powerful hydroquinone formula that evens your skin tone and also fades age spots.

• ScarGuard ScarCare contains hydrocortisone, vitamin E and silicone to protect scarred skin and reduce scar tissue. Pair it with ScarGuard Lightener to reduce redness and discoloration.

• Pevonia Radiance Lightening Gel is a great hydroquinone-free option that contains natural ingredients like azelaic acid, arbutin and mulberry.

How can I minimize scars with makeup?

If your scar is there for good, or you need a solution in the meantime, today’s concealing products are far more natural-looking and long-lasting than ever before. Some are even water-resistant. Here’s how to conceal your scar in several easy steps.

• Create a clean slate. The first step is to thoroughly cleanse your skin, so the makeup will cover your skin smoothly. You can use an exfoliator as well, if your skin is a little rough. Next, follow with a moisturizer or primer. Philosophy On A Clear Day Clarifying Primer creates the ideal base for your concealer to stick to. For the body, using an exfoliating body lotion with glycolic acid like Glytone Body Lotion SPF 15 will help to smooth and prep the skin, as well as give it a more even-looking tone overall.

• Choose your formula. There are so many products to choose from — foundations, spot concealers, crèmes and powders. What you choose depends on how active you are and the area you want to cover.

• Face. To cover facial discoloration, try a foundation like Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer Honey to even out your skin tone. Bonus: It’s water-resistant and lasts up to 12 hours. To spot-correct each mark, Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer SPF 30 blends well with foundation and minimizes the look of individual spots.

• Acne. Try a green-tinted concealer before applying your regular makeup. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Redness Concealer neutralizes any residual redness after a bout with acne.

• Body. If you need a product to cover a large area, such as the arms or legs, Dermablend Leg and Body Cover is a lightweight formula with SPF 15 that lasts 16 hours. It also works to cover stretch marks and spider veins.

• All in one. Confused about what products you need? Look for an all-in-one kit that does the work for you. Cover FX The Big Cover Up E contains primer, foundation, powder and a foundation brush.

• Be sure to set. Before you put away your makeup, finish with a setting powder to give your concealer smudge-resistance all day long. Dermablend Loose Setting Powder - Original comes in three shades and can be used on the face or body.

While you might be frustrated by your scars, a little patience and careful product choice can help improve their appearance, and ease your concerns. And remember that while you may not like the look of your scars, scarring is a natural process and your body’s way of helping you heal.

See also:

Improving Acne Scars and Discoloration

Minimally Invasive Lunchtime Beauty Fixes: Scars