How do scars form and what the skin needs

Reading about scar tissue formation can put you to sleep, unless of course, you are unfortunate enough to have one that is unappealing and makes you feel self-conscious. Scars can be formed for various reasons including: a scrape, cut, injury, burn or any inflammation to the tissue. 

A scar is the body’s natural way of healing by replacing lost or damaged skin through a series of predictable stages consisting of coagulation or stopping the bleeding, granulation or filling in of the skin defect, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling or the tension and other forces that impact the scar tissue that remodels the scar. Although, the scar is remodeled by the ECM, it does not have the same appearance or function as normal tissue.

Scars are certainly not uncommon. Each year, about 100 million people form some type of scarring. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to like your scars. Depending on their size and location, they can cause various negative emotional side effects. 

At Nourishing Biologicals, we’re committed to helping you to love your skin. In this guide, we’ll explain what scars are, how they form, and how you can speed up their healing. 

What Are Scars?

Scars form as part of the healing process. After an injury to the dermis — the middle layer of the skin — the body forms extra collagen fibers. This process leads to the uneven texture and tone of typical scar tissue. 

Scars are certainly not harmful. However, they can feel uncomfortable, leading to itching, tenderness, and pain. If the scars are big enough, some people may even experience reduced self-esteem as a result.

Studies show that the quality of the scar can cause significant psychological issues due to the physical unappealing cosmetic appearance and the distressing psychological impact that results in a decreased quality of life. Displeasing scars bring back the anguish, and a feeling of shame. Under inflammatory conditions, scar remodeling can evolve into excessive fibrotic tissue, producing a keloid scar.

Many intra-cellular factors are engaged in reshaping the scar’s appearance and its continued physical repair. A scar may appear flat, lumpy, or sunken. The alteration in color deviates from its neighboring skin up to five years later. It may be painful or itchy. The final look depends on many factors, including the skin type and the location on the body, the direction of the wound, the type of injury, age of the individual, and their nutritional status.

There are various types of scars, which we’ll cover in more detail below. 

How Do Scars Form?

Scars are at the endpoint of the normal continuum of tissue repair. 

Ideally, the tissue would repair completely, eliminating the scar — which is often the case for infants. However, with age, skin becomes less efficient in healing, with skin injuries leading to permanent scarring. 

Although scars are unsightly, they may have an evolutionary advantage. Completely regenerating tissue is a lengthy process that takes up a large chunk of the body’s energy. On the other hand, forming scar tissue is relatively quick and easy, preventing further complications. 

Common sources of scars include:

• Piercings
• Chicken pox
• Improper skin wound healing
• Stretch marks
• Vaccinations
• Burn scars
• Picking at scabs
• Surgical scars
• Some skin conditions.

What Are the Different Types of Scars?

There are roughly four different types of scars, which all form in different ways.

These include:

• “Normal” fine-line scars: A minor wound will typically leave a raised line that will fade over several years. However, this type of scar does not disappear completely and can leave a small mark. 

• Keloidscars: A keloid scar happens when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. It leads to a raised scar which can be a darker color than the rest of the skin. Keloid scars reach beyond the boundary of the wound and typically keep growing over time. 

• Hypertrophicscars: Hypertrophic scars are very similar to keloid scars, except they don’t extend beyond the boundary of the wound. They can grow for a few months before they start healing. 

• Pittedscars: Unlike raised scars, pitted scars form when the body produces too little collagen. They form due to injuries that cause loss of underlying fat, with acne being the most common cause. Pitted scars typically look like small holes in the skin.

How Can You Eliminate Scars? 

Scars are permanent, which means that we can’t always eliminate them. However, there are many ways to fade their appearance and smooth out their texture through dermatology. 

Utilizing scientifically researched products such as, NB Scar Logic, treats the scar at the most cellular level. The growth factors, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, hyaluronate, polyphenols and collagen building ingredients help bring back the skin’s natural glow as it renews from the inside out. Much needed relief comes when the scar’s roughness smooths out, providing peace of mind and a much-needed emotional lift.

These are some scar treatment options to consider:

• Topicals: Applying certain topical skincare ingredients can promote new tissue growth while fading uneven texture and tone on the skin’s surface. Our Scar Logic® Cream is made with growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil to accomplish exactly that. 

• Silicone gel sheets: Silicone is one of the most popular ingredients for treating scars. When applied to the skin, it significantly increases hydration, which stimulates fibroblasts and helps with collagen formation. 

• Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of skin. It can help to lighten hyperpigmentation that accompanies many scars. Unfortunately, this treatment option is not effective for raised or pitted scars. 

• Lasertherapy: Similar to dermabrasion, laser treatment uses different types of lasers to remove the top layers of skin. Some lasers can also stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of pitted scars. 

• Microneedling: Microneedling is a procedure that punctures the skin with tiny needles. By creating small injuries in the skin, microneedling can help to ramp up collagen production, improving the uneven texture and tone associated with scarring. It is an incredibly effective treatment for sunken scars, such as those caused by acne. 

• Corticosteroidinjections: For raised scars, a series of steroid injections can help to flatten them. However, this option comes with the risk of creating indentations in the surrounding skin, so it should not be done often and only by a certified dermatologist.

• Fillerinjections: For scars that are significantly pitted, certain fillers can help to fill in their texture. However, while effective, this treatment option won’t provide permanent results. Fillers should be done every several years to maintain results. 

What Does My Skin Need To Heal Scars?

You can use any of the above procedures to improve the appearance of scars, but it’s also important to give your skin everything it needs to heal properly on its own to prevent scar formation in the first place.

When dealing with scars, it’s important to keep the skin moisturized. Apply a nourishing body lotion, such as our Moisturizing Body Lotion, twice daily for optimal smoothness and suppleness. 

It’s also important to protect your skin from the sun. The sun’s UV rays can break down collagen and elastin, while worsening hyperpigmentation. So, try to cover up and to wear sunscreen when covering up isn’t possible.

Last, what your skin needs to heal is time. Many scars are at their worst during the first year but gradually fade over time. While we encourage you to get treated — if it’s what you desire — waiting it out can make your scars barely noticeable. 

Fading Scars With Nourishing Biologicals 

If you’re dealing with scars, then the right blend of botanical ingredients can significantly help to improve their appearance. Our Scar Logic® Cream is made with a potent blend of growth factors, jojoba seed oil, and hyaluronic acid to give your skin everything it needs to heal naturally. 

Sources:

Acne Scarring—Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options | PMC

Regeneration vs. Scarring: Did Evolution Get it Right? | Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences

The Efficacy of Silicone Gel for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids | PMC

Microneedling Therapy for Atrophic Acne Scars | PMC