Injuring yourself can result in scars or scars that don't go away for a lifetime. Scars raise unwanted questions and attention from others and discourage you from wearing clothes that make them stand out. Patience and time are the two main factors in shrinking scars. Various methods of shrinking scars include the use of creams and gels that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies, home remedies, and medical remedies. While most methods won't completely remove the scar, they can still help boost your self-confidence.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Using Over-the-counter Medicine
Step 1. Use a silicone gel plaster
Apply the silicone gel plaster on the scar area. This plaster can shrink scars within 2-4 months if applied for at least 12 hours per day.
Studies have shown that silicone gel plasters help smooth scars
Step 2. Use "Mederma"
"Mederma" is a topical gel that can be used to shrink scars. "Mederma" contains a number of effective ingredients to repair the skin making it smoother and softer. The price of 20 g of "Mederma" in each pharmacy varies, but is generally around IDR 200,000.
- Apply "Mederma" once per day for 8 weeks on new scars. If the scar is old, apply once per day for 3-6 months.
- Several studies have shown that "Mederma" is no more effective than petrolatum in shrinking scars.
Step 3. Use "Bio-Oil"
To shrink the scar, apply "Bio-Oil" directly to the scar. In addition, "Bio-Oil" also helps to even out skin tone, which is especially helpful if the scar is pink, red, or brown. The price of 60 ml of "Bio-Oil" in every pharmacy and online store varies, but is generally around IDR 100,000.
"Bio-Oil" should not be used for the area around the eyes as the skin in that area is very sensitive
Step 4. Use another grating cream or gel
There are a number of effective scar reduction gels and creams. Some of the brands that can be purchased at pharmacies or online stores include "Selevax", "Dermefface FX7", "Revitol Scar Cream", and "Kelo-Cote Scar Gel".
The prices for these products vary. Price should also be considered because the product must be used for several weeks or months for the scar to really shrink
Method 2 of 6: Using Medical Treatment
Step 1. Go through the dermabrasion procedure
Dermabrasion is a procedure that removes the top layer of skin, which is similar to abrasions on the knee due to friction. The skin will then undergo the same healing process as in abrasions caused by friction wounds. If the scar is small, dermabrasion can be performed under local anesthesia. However, if the scar is more extensive, stronger anesthesia is required.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about skin grafts
In this procedure, the doctor removes the top layer of skin on the scar, then covers the scar area with a very thin piece of skin taken from the thigh or other body part. The strip of skin that is applied to the scar area will blend perfectly with the healthy skin around the area in about 1 year.
- Local or general anesthesia (depending on the size of the scar), used in skin graft procedures.
- Skin graft procedures leave scars that don't appear to be caused by self-injurious behavior.
Step 3. Undergo scar revision surgery
In scar revision surgery, the surgeon changes the appearance of the scar by removing the scar tissue, then suturing the skin. This procedure changes the position and size of the scar so it doesn't look like it was caused by self-injurious behavior.
Step 4. Undergo a laser resurfacing procedure (using laser light to produce a new layer of skin)
Laser resurfacing is performed on the skin, under local anesthesia and sedatives, for several sessions. In this procedure, the doctor heats the skin with a laser beam and triggers the formation of new elastin and collagen in the skin.
Side effects that may occur due to laser resurfacing include skin redness, itching, and swelling
Method 3 of 6: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply petrolatum to the new scar
Petrolatum (often circulated under the brand name "Vaseline") is a by-product of the oil refining process which is then processed into waterproof skin protection products. Petrolatum is effective in shrinking scars because it can keep the skin moisturized and protected. Apply petrolatum to the scars once per day.
Petrolatum is not effective for scars that have been formed for a long time
Step 2. Apply vitamin E oil
Vitamin E is usually sold in capsules or small bottles at health food stores or convenience stores (in the health food section). Open a capsule of vitamin E oil, then drop it and massage it on the scar; or, apply a lotion containing vitamin E to the scars twice per day.
However, there are conflicting reports regarding the effectiveness of vitamin E in removing or shrinking scars. In some people, vitamin E can cause skin irritation
Step 3. Apply aloe vera gel or sap on the scars at least once per day
The aloe vera plant has many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and moisturizing the skin. The sap taken from the leaves of the aloe vera plant can be directly applied to the grate; or, buy a bottle of aloe vera gel at a health food store.
Step 4. Apply lemon juice
Lemon water is a natural bleach, so it can help fade scars. Clean the grate, then apply lemon juice with a cotton ball. Let stand for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 5. Apply olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is effective in reducing scars. Apply a small amount of 100% extra virgin olive oil to the grater 1-2 times per day for a few weeks or months.
Step 6. Use other home remedies
There are many home remedies that are effective at shrinking scars, such as lavender oil, chamomile tea, cod liver oil, baking soda, cocoa butter, tea tree oil, and honey. Look for information on the internet about various natural remedies that are effective in shrinking scars.
Method 4 of 6: Disguise Scars with Makeup
Step 1. Clean and dry the grate
The skin must be clean and free of oil or dirt before applying beauty products. Therefore, clean the grater, then pat it dry with a towel.
Step 2. Use concealer and foundation
Combine the use of concealer and foundation to disguise scars, especially those that are small and bright in color.
- Buy a concealer that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. If the scar is red or pink, buy a green-toned foundation. If the scar is brown, buy a yellow concealer. Apply concealer to the scar in a dabbing motion. Let it dry for a few minutes.
- Buy a foundation that is the same color as your skin tone. Apply foundation to the scars. At the edges of the scar, make sure the foundation color blends in with the skin tone.
- Next, apply transparent powder so that the foundation is not erased.
Step 3. Use a tattoo concealer to cover the scars
Tattoo concealer is a waterproof concealer that doesn't rub off easily and is usually used to cover tattoos. Tattoo concealer can be purchased at pharmacies. The price of a high-quality tattoo concealor product can reach around Rp. 200,000 per pack. There are many tattoo concealer products that come with a hardening powder so that the concealer doesn't rub off easily.
Buy a concealer that is the same color as the skin around the scar
Method 5 of 6: Covering the Scar with Clothes and Accessories
Step 1. Wear long sleeves or long pants to cover the scar
If the scar is on an arm or leg, wear a long-sleeved shirt or long pants to prevent the scar from showing.
However, long sleeves or trousers are not comfortable to wear in hot weather
Step 2. Wear tights to cover the scar on the leg
Tights can be worn in almost any weather conditions throughout the year and can be paired with dresses, skirts or even shorts. Wear thin tights in hot weather and thick in cold weather.
Step 3. Wear the accessory on the wrist
Wear accessories that cover the scar on your wrist, such as a bracelet, sweatband (which is also helpful when you're exercising), or a watch.
Step 4. Put on a closed swimsuit
If you want to swim, a swimsuit that is too revealing is not mandatory. Buy an overalls swimsuit; or, put on short swim trunks after putting on the bathing suit. A surf shirt or suit can also be worn with short swim trunks.
Method 6 of 6: Using Other Methods
Step 1. Apply a sunscreen product
New scars are very sensitive to UV rays, which can hinder the wound healing process. Sunlight can also exacerbate the discoloration of the scar. Apply sunscreen products when you go outside if the scar is not covering your clothes.
Step 2. Make a tattoo on the scar area
Scars may not go away completely, but they can be hidden and disguised with an attractive tattoo. A tattoo artist can help you design a tattoo that is both meaningful and effective at covering scars.
Step 3. Accept the presence of your scar
Scars may not be something you want to show or talk about. However, scars can be a reminder of your personal strengths. Admit that you have been through very difficult times and have now grown to be much stronger.
Warning
- If you're still in the habit of self-harm, talk to someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Talk to a mental health counselor to discuss the main issues that are causing you to engage in self-harm. In addition, learn the ins and outs of self-injurious behavior.
- If you have suicidal thoughts, call Emergency Services immediately for help.
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