DON’T BE SCARRED FOR LIFE
It is rare to have perfect skin without any signs of scars like babies, we are bound to have some wounds small or large along the way. Scars are nature’s way of closing a wound and it is subjective how both genders can look at it. Men are proud of their scars as these dictate their manhood and their masculinity while women think it is a loss of attractiveness and femininity as they sought for perfection. Some scars can cause a person to lose confidence in their appearance and result in changes in their behaviour or quality of life.
HOW DO SCARS FORM?
The main cause of scars are cuts or lacerations, burns and scalds, abrasions, small accidents and even surgery. Once there is a wound, the skin suffers an inflammation and produces cells to close the wound. As it closes, the skin at the wound undergoes matrix remodelling, and may result in raised scar, also known as a hypertrophic scar.
HOW TO LIGHTEN SCARS – Tips from Dr Owen Sunga, Regional Medical Director of Merz Asia Pacific
- FRESH SCARS ARE PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE – Avoid extreme temperatures for six months to a year. Do not go to saunas or stay outside when it is very cold – this may negatively affect the regeneration process of the skin. Make sure you cover your scar well when you go out in cold weather.
- REGULAR MASSAGE HELPS TO SUPPORT THE HEALING PROCESS OF THE SKIN – The combination of Mederma® Proactive Gel (plus careful massage can help to loosen up the scar tissue and aid the formation of healthy tissue. Apply the gel to the middle of the scar, slowly spread it outwards, and rub it in with small circular motions.
- CONTRARY TO POPULAR THINKING, SUNLIGHT DOES NOT FADE SCARS – In fact, Dr Sunga recommends that you not expose your scar to the sun, as scar tissue does not produce melanin to shield the skin against UV radiation. Always use sun protection when exposing your scar to UV rays.
- BATHING STUBBORN SCARS MAY SPEED UP THE HEALING PROCESS – Scars on certain areas such as the elbows and knees may tend to be more scaly or drier. To soften them, add a squirt of Mederma® Proactive Gel to lukewarm water and bathe the scar for about 15 minutes.
- LET MEDERMA® WORK OVERNIGHT – For large scars, the use of a gel dressing is recommended. Soften the scar tissue first using a warm, moist pad. Then apply Mederma® Proactive Gel in a moderately thick layer. Gently massage the gel over the scar, cover the area with thin kitchen foil. Put a dressing on top of this. Then simply leave the gel to work overnight.
To find out more about MEDERMA®, click HERE to read on.
WHERE TO BUY: Mederma® Proactive Gel is available in 20g (S$29.80) and 50g (S$59.80) at all Guardian (only 50g is available), Unity and selected Watsons stores.
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