Self-harm can result in persistent scarring. They can attract unwanted attention and questions, and you may not feel comfortable wearing clothes that reveal them. Patience and time are two key factors in reducing its visibility. However, there are other ways to lessen the relief, including pharmacy creams and gels, home remedies, and medical treatments. While most of these techniques won't completely remove them, trying them will help you accept your body more.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Using Over-the-Counter Products
Step 1. Try a silicone gel sheet
It is an adhesive pad to be applied to the scarred area. It can be used to reduce the visibility of scars within 2-4 months. Place one on the affected area for at least 12 hours a day for 2-4 months.
Some studies show that silicone gel sheets can also help flatten scars
Step 2. Use Mederma
This topically applied gel is used to reduce the visibility of scars. It contains several ingredients that should work synergistically to repair the skin, making it look smoother and softer. The price of a pack is around 15-20 euros.
- Apply Mederma to the scarred area once a day for 8 weeks if it is a more recent scar. For older ones, apply it daily for 3-6 months.
- According to some studies, Mederma has almost the same degree of effectiveness as petroleum jelly for reducing scarring on the affected area.
Step 3. Try the Bio-Oil
It is applied directly to the surface of the scars to reduce their visibility. It also helps smooth out the uneven complexion, which is helpful when the scars are pink, red, or brown. A 60ml bottle costs around € 8 and can be found in pharmacies or online.
Do not apply it in the eye area, because the skin is very delicate
Step 4. Try other targeted scar reduction creams or gels
There are many other gel and cream treatments that can help decrease the visibility of scars. Available in pharmacies or online, there are many brands, ask your pharmacist for advice.
The price can vary quite a bit, which should be taken into consideration as you will need to use the cream or gel for several weeks or months in order to reduce the visibility of the scars
Method 2 of 6: Undergo Medical Treatment
Step 1. Try dermabrasion
It is a procedure that removes the surface layer of the skin, which is similar to peeling the knees. The skin will heal just like a skinned knee heals. This technique requires local anesthesia for a small area of the skin or a stronger one for a larger area.
Step 2. Learn about skin grafting
This surgical treatment involves removing the superficial skin layer in the affected area, which is then covered with skin taken from a thigh or other part of the body. It will cover the scars and eventually, after about a year, it will homogenize with the surrounding skin.
- This procedure requires local or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the scars.
- The skin graft will leave you with a scar that won't feel self-inflicted.
Step 3. Try scar revision surgery
This procedure changes the appearance of the scar by cutting the scar tissue and stitching the skin back together. The surgeon can alter the position or size of the scar, making it look less like a self-inflicted wound.
Step 4. Try laser resurfacing
This procedure involves treating the skin in multiple sessions. The skin is heated with the laser light, inducing the formation of new collagen and elastin. For the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic and a sedative.
This procedure can cause side effects, including redness and itching accompanied by skin swelling
Method 3 of 6: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply petroleum jelly to recent scars
It is a petroleum derivative, produced during the refining process, and is used to create a waterproof barrier on the skin. It can be helpful in scar reduction because it keeps the skin moisturized and covered. Apply the product to the scarred area once a day.
Petroleum jelly does not appear to have an effect on older scars
Step 2. Use Vitamin E Oil
It is usually available in capsules or vials in health food stores or pharmacies. Break a capsule to open it and pour the oil over the scar. Gently massage it into your skin. Alternatively, use a lotion containing vitamin E: massage it into your skin twice a day.
There are conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of vitamin E with regards to the removal or reduction of scars. It could also cause skin irritation in someone
Step 3. Try aloe vera
It is a plant that has multiple benefits, including the alleviation of skin inflammation and skin hydration. Aloe vera gel can be made directly from the leaves of the plant or bought at a health food store. Apply it to the scarred area at least once a day.
Step 4. Use lemon juice
It is a natural whitening agent and can help lighten scars. Wash your skin and then apply it to the scarred area with a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
Step 5. Use olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil can help reduce the visibility of scars. Massage a small amount into your skin 1 or 2 times a day for several weeks or months.
Step 6. Try other home remedies
There are many other natural treatments that can be used to help reduce the visibility of scars. Here are a few: lavender oil, chamomile, cod liver oil, baking soda, cocoa butter, tea tree oil, and honey. Search online for other home remedies to decrease scarring.
Method 4 of 6: Cover the Scars with Makeup
Step 1. Clean and dry your skin
It is best to apply makeup on skin that is free of oil or dirt. Wash the area where you intend to do your makeup and pat it dry with a towel.
Step 2. Use concealer and foundation
These 2 products can be mixed to cover many scars, especially smaller or lighter ones.
- Choose a concealer a few shades lighter than your skin. If the scar is red or pink, choose a foundation with a green undertone. For a tan scar, choose one with a yellow undertone. Apply it by dabbing it on the scar. Let it dry for a few minutes.
- Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone. Tap it on the area, trying to blend the edges.
- Apply translucent face powder to the area. This helps fix the foundation and prevents it from dripping too much.
Step 3. Use a tattoo concealer
It is a durable, usually waterproof product that can be applied to the skin to cover marks such as tattoos. It is available in perfumery. Some of the best ones cost at least 15 euros per tube. Many also have a setting powder to keep the concealer from smudging.
Choose a concealer shade that matches the complexion of the area where the scar is located
Method 5 of 6: Clothes and Accessories to Hide Scars
Step 1. Cover the scars with long-sleeved shirts and pants
If you have any on your arms and legs, wearing useful clothing to cover them will prevent others from seeing them.
It is usually not an ideal solution in the summer
Step 2. Put on socks
They can cover the legs almost at any time of the year and can be combined with dresses, skirts or even shorts. When it is hot, choose the lighter ones, while in cold periods, the heavier ones.
Step 3. Put on wrist accessories
If you have scars in this area, choose accessories that cover them. Bracelets are useful, and the same goes for wristwatches. When you work out, cuffs are fine.
Step 4. Choose suitable costume designs
If you want to go swimming, you don't have to wear a swimsuit that sports a lot of skin. Go for a one-piece swimsuit, or wear swim shorts over your briefs. You can also choose a t-shirt or a surf top to match the swim shorts.
Method 6 of 6: Choose Other Methods
Step 1. Apply sunscreen
Recent scars are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet rays, which delays the healing time of a cut. The sun also worsens the discoloration of scars. Apply the product when you need to go out and expose scarred skin.
Step 2. Get a tattoo to cover the scar
It will hardly disappear entirely, but you can cover it up and distract the eye with a tattoo. Work with a tattoo artist to create one that is meaningful and functional for your purpose.
Step 3. Accept the wounds
Maybe you want to hide them or avoid talking about them, but the scars also remind you of your inner strength. Recognize that you went through a very difficult stage in your life and that you have since grown stronger.
Warnings
- If you are still self-harming, you may be confiding in someone you trust, such as a good friend or relative. You may also want to think about seeing a therapist to discuss the underlying issues that are driving you to harm yourself. Also, be sure to educate yourself about safe self-harm practices.
- If you have suicidal thoughts, call the emergency services for help.
