Sometimes there may be a need to mask cuts on the skin. Here are some solutions based on size and placement.
If you have a deep wound that needs medical attention, click here to learn how to treat it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Hiding the Cut
Step 1. Use clothing
The trick here is programming. Of course, there are points on the body that cannot be hidden with clothes, but if you plan ahead, almost all areas can be hidden with the right clothing. If you are worried about cuts on your thighs, simply avoid wearing shorts in public. For neck cuts, try high-necked shirts. All of this may seem obvious, but it is sometimes the best line of defense.
Step 2. Use the accessories
This is most relevant for cuts on the wrists, which can often be hidden quite easily with bracelets or watches. If the cut is recent, it is important to find accessories that do not make it worse and that do not interrupt the healing process, causing more noticeable scars. Your best bet is to protect a recent cut with a flesh-colored patch, and then use accessories to hide it.
Step 3. Think about telling a story
As we all know, the cuts in some areas are really noticeable - you can do your best to hide them, but sometimes someone will notice them. Depending on who notices them, you may not feel comfortable if you have to explain the causes. If the cuts result from self-harm, it is highly recommended that you speak to a friend, family member, or seek professional help. That said, if someone notices the cuts, you may not feel compelled to tell the whole truth. Think of a believable story that explains the reason for the cut, so you'll be prepared if someone puts you on the ropes.
- If you are an athlete, consider attributing the cut to a sports accident.
- Blame it on the cat. Cats have always scratched, and sometimes the resulting cuts are serious.
- You attribute the cut to an accident while preparing and cooking food.
- Attribute it to an occupational accident.
Step 4. Use the trick
In general, Not it is advisable to use makeup on a fresh cut. Not only can it be painful to apply it to an open wound, but it greatly increases the chances of infection, because makeup often carries bacteria and in any case makes the wound more difficult to clean. Oil-free makeup can be okay to apply once the wound is practically healed. The best way to hide a cut with makeup is to cover it with a clear bandage and apply foundation over the bandage. This may work adequately, but use the solution without overdoing it, as it prevents the cut from breathing, thereby slowing the healing process.
Part 2 of 3: Treating the Cut
Step 1. Stop the bleeding
If the cut has just been made, the first step is to stop the bleeding. Follow these steps:
- Apply pressure with a cloth cleaned up or with a paper towel.
- Raise the cut above the height of the heart, if possible, to reduce blood flow.
- If the bleeding stops, clean the cut with soap and water, and do your best to rinse away foreign matter, such as dirt or glass.
Step 2. Determine if the cut needs stitches
Before treating the cut, make sure there is no need for stitches. Of course, in the short run, the stitches are hard to hide, but they will help you avoid scarring, and if the cut is really severe, they could save your life. A cut needs stitches if:
- It does not stop bleeding, even after applying pressure and lifting the wound.
- It is so deep that you can see some yellow, greasy tissue under the skin.
- It is so large that it cannot be kept closed.
- It is located in an area of the body that is often in motion, such as the knee, which will prevent it from healing on its own.
Step 3. Avoid infection
Infection is one of the main reasons a cut leaves a scar, so it is advisable to do everything possible to avoid it.
- Use an antibacterial like Neosporin, following the instructions on the package.
- If the cut requires dressing, change it regularly to keep the area clean.
Step 4. Massage the cut
Once the cut has healed - that is, once it is no longer an open wound - wash your hands and massage with a lotion that contains aloe or vitamin E. This helps prevent scar tissue from forming. Massage the cut twice a day for two weeks, then once a day for another two weeks.
Step 5. Protect the cut from the sun
Because the scar tissue that develops after healing differs from normal skin, it will have a darker color when exposed to the sun. Your best bet is to keep the cut out of the sun, but if that's not possible, use extra strong sunscreen - SPF 50+ - before spending time in the sun.
Part 3 of 3: Hiding the Scars
Step 1. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen creams do not hide the scar. However, in the long run, constantly protecting with a broad spectrum sunscreen prevents the loss of color, and facilitates the attenuation of the scar sign.
Step 2. Treat with skin healing substances
Scars over two years old do not fade easily, but newer ones can be improved with the right products. Look for skin creams with the following ingredients:
- Quercetin, which is an antioxidant.
- Petrolatum, although some doctors discourage its use.
- C vitamin.
Step 3. Use an exfoliant
Using it before applying makeup is essential, because scars tend to have a particular concentration of dead cells. Then use a gentle exfoliant to avoid aggravating the wound.
Step 4. Moisturize with a self-tanner
After using the exfoliator, apply a gentle moisturizer with a self-tanning effect. Not only will it soften the skin and make it more receptive to makeup, but it will help you smooth out the color difference with normal skin, without exposing the scar to the harmful effects of the sun.
Step 5. Apply a color corrector
Before applying foundation and concealer, choose a color concealer with opposite tones to those of the scar. If the scar looks green, apply a red concealer; if it turns yellow, apply a purple concealer and so on. Gently use your fingers to treat the skin with the concealer.
Step 6. Apply foundation and concealer
The next step is to use foundation and concealer. Ideally, use a silicon-based product, because it will make the appearance of the scar uniform, simplifying the next step.
Step 7. Mix
Mix the color corrector with the concealer and brush it with a light powder. Use a soft toothbrush to keep the color mixture intact.
