Oh scarring, the confidence-sucking mammoth of skin issues
We sit on the fence about this topic. On the one hand, we want you to always feel beautiful in your own skin, embracing your imperfections, perceived flaws and beyond.
At the same time, we get countless emails from beautiful people all over the world asking for assistance with reducing acne scars, stretch mark scars, surgery-induced scars and more. And OF COURSE we’re always here to help, because there’s nothing worse than feeling dis-empowered by your own cheeky skin behaviour.
So while we reeeeallllly want to love every inch of you, we’re also here to provide some safe advice about how to lessen the impact of scarring with healthy, plant-based alternatives to laser treatment or Retin-A. (though no judgement whatsoever if this is the path you choose to take).
Let the lessons begin!
What is scar tissue?
Scars are formed on tissue in your body after trauma and can affect skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. In the process of repairing the skin, new collagen fibres replace the injured tissues and a scar is formed. These new fibres realign themselves, and often become mismatched which leads to external symptoms.
And trust us, scarring on the skin is super common! But sadly they can often lead to embarrassment or low self-esteem. Again, we want to remind you that they’re beautiful and different in a multitude of ways and self-love will prevail even the worst scars.
Here are two of the most common forms of scarring:
Acne Scars
Acne is common throughout adolescents and young adults. However, it can evolve into cystic acne and nodules. Acne occurs when your pores build up with oil and causes congestion in your dead skin cells. If the build-up is exposed to the air it will result in a blackhead. If the build-up is covered, it is a whitehead. Left untreated is when acne can run the high risk of infection and develop into a specific strain of bacteria. This is how acne can cause permanent scarring.
Not all acne scars are created equal. In fact, there are three specific kinds: Pitted or "ice pick" scars (these are deep, but small in diameter), boxcar scars (these tend to be rectangular), and rolling scars (these resemble hills and valleys).
Boxcar scars:
Rolling scars:
Age, skin type and too much sun exposure can play a factor in how long the scarring lasts.
The best methods to control acne and prevent scarring can be exfoliating regularly to unclog pores and using products that are right for your skin.
Normal to Oily Skin: You want to avoid products that may can causes dryness skin, always use a moisturiser and don’t be afraid about oils.
Normal to Dry Skin: You need to keep moisture levels up but don’t go overboard. Think of it like watering a plant. Too little and it shrivels up and too much will drown it. If you are moisturising regularly, don’t forget exfoliate or mask to get rid of the dead cells on the surface of your skin, which will allow your skin to breathe and cells to renew.
We recommendgentlycleansing, hydrating and repairing your skin twice daily with natural products.
In fact, our3 Step Face Bundles are designed to do just that. It’s a simple regimen that can be tailored to meet your skin’s individual needs. Too easy!
And don’t pick your blemishes whatever you do!
Stretch marks
Stretch marks form when the skin is pulled by rapid growth or stretching, and is common during pregnancy, adolescents and those who like to lift heavy things. Although the skin is usually elastic, when the skin is overstretched the normal production of collagen is disrupted, leading to stretch marks.
The best methods to control and make stretch marks less noticeable is to use plant-based oils and all-natural, nourishing products to release the scars.
Dry body brushing, lymphatic massage and regularly applying an all-over body oil can also help speed up the process.
5 ingredients to look out for to help with scarring
Here’s a few super duper (natural!) ingredients that can lead to skin regeneration and improve scarring conditions:
1. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is found to be rich in antioxidants and is a natural source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and has essential fatty acids. These work to be highly moisturising which helps calm, soothe and regenerate scar tissue and skin.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric roots have been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent, this leads to a easier healing process for scar tissue. The orange pigment found in the root, works as a melanin production inhibitor to treat conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and other damage.
To add some tumeric to your routine you can easily add a sprinkle to you next Pig In Mud Mask. Top tip - you don’t need much as it will stain fabric and make you look a little yellow for a short time. Hello, instant tan!
3. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil consists of approximately 80% essential fatty acids, and is a natural source of Omega 3, 6 and 9, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene. It is proven to help the skin cells absorb and retain moisture. All these natural acids and vitamins help fight radical damage, and reduce the appearance of scar tissue.
4. Dilo Oil
Dilo Oil (aka Tamanu Oil) is packed full of antioxidants, complex polyphenols, coumarins and calophyllic acids. These properties help to gently care for sensitive, damaged skin, and have been proven to relieve redness, flakiness and the dryness of the skin. It is our go-to oil for anything scar or stretch mark related.
We have both pure Dilo Oil or you can also find Dilo Oil as a star ingreident of the TLC Intensive Repair Oil.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been proven to be effective at brightening your skin and fading dark spots over time. So it’s just what you need for that hyperpigmentation that you often get around angry scars and is best used in combination with other wonderful oils like Dilo Oil and Black Seed Oil.
Find this little wonder in thePerfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream, FG Serums 01 & 02, the Good Vibes Brightening Facial Oil, and Sunrise Over C Mattifying Facial Oil.
Now ‘xcuse us while we go and coat ourselves with the good stuff!
(image credit http://www.acnespecialists.com.au/)
