When it comes to lessening the look of scars on the skin, most people can go to their nearest drug store and pick up some Mederma or similar scar removal product. Unfortunately, the fine print on these products state that people with sensitive skin can suffer from redness, itching and discoloration of the scar tissue.
Did you know that many of the ingredients in scar removal creams and other skin care products can actually cause skin rashes? A quick look at the ingredients list will tell you that there's a lot you may not know about the product you are putting on your skin.
Another challenge with these kinds of products is that for the most part, their effectiveness varies quite a bit. You could easily spend a lot of money, and risk getting a skin rash in the process of trying to find an effective way to remove scars.
What can a person with sensitive skin do to remove scars when the "approved" products on the market hurt more than help?
There are natural methods of scar reduction that work just as well as any scar removal product. Unlike the scar removal product however, these natural remedies will cost far less and tend to be less irritating on the skin. As is the case with any natural remedy, the time it takes to see a change in scar tissue may take a little longer, but the protection of sensitive skin is well worth the wait.
Even more natural scar healing remedies may cause an allergic reaction for those who have sensitive skin, so be sure to do a skin test first by applying a small amount to the inside of your arm, or behind your ear, before trying any new scar remedy.
* Lavender Essential Oil - Research has shown that the essential oil of lavender has medicinal properties that can help to fade scars and assist the skin to regenerate.
* Lemon Juice – One effective natural scar removal product is lemon juice. Simply cut one lemon in half and rub the cut side on the skin for a minimum of three to five minutes, twice a day. The lemon juice will naturally bleach out the skin leaving the scar looking less pink or red. Eventually, the scar will fade into the color of the surrounding skin and appear less noticeable.
* Tomato Juice – If the lemon juice is still a bit too irritating for your sensitive skin, tomato juice will work just as well as a scar removal product. The tomato is also acidic, but less so than the lemon. The juice can be used to bath the scar for the same three to five minutes, twice a day. The reduction in scar darkness and blending with the skin may take a little longer due to the reduction in acidity, but over time, the scar will fade.
* Fuller’s Earth – This is a natural form of clay with natural bleaching and absorbent properties. If your scarring is associated with a skin burn, a normal scar removal product may not work. Instead, mixing two tablespoons of fuller’s earth (also known as multani mitti ) with two tablespoons of lemon juice is a great start to burn scar removal.
Once combined, add enough rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the scarred skin and allow to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Once dry, rinse the skin with cold water. This process can be repeated two times a day to reduce the off color of the scar.
It is important to understand that no scar removal product will truly remove a scar. Scar tissue is permanent unless surgically removed. A scar removal product simply works with the body to fade the color of the scar to match the surrounding skin. Once the two colors match, the scar will only be visible up close. A natural scar removal product will protect the integrity of the skin and eliminate the need for harsh chemicals that may worsen skin conditions for people with skin sensitivity.
source: buzzle.com
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Selasa, 29 Juni 2010
The Top Ten Natural Scar Remedies
Many things can cause scars. Acne, accidents, illnesses, surgery…even some vaccinations leave scars behind. They are unsightly and can cause some serious problems under the right conditions. Daily viewing them can cause depression, and some scars can interfere with movement.
Addressing the scar is something that needs to be done. It’s not just for vanity; it can also be fore sanity and freedom of movement. What can you do, though? Quite a bit, actually.
1) Wound care: Taking care of a scar starts at the time of injury. Studies show that using antibiotics such as Neosporin can help reduce the appearance of scars. Natural antiseptics will help as well. Most wounds heal better if kept covered, though a few need air to heal faster. If the wound is gapping, it may need either stitches or steri-strips to hold it together. If this isn’t done, the scar will be much bigger and deeper.
2) Aloe Vera: Minor cuts, scrapes and burns respond well to the gel of this succulent. You can buy it already prepared or squeeze it out of the cactus like leaves. If you do use the plant itself, have some caution as it has sharp, spiny, cactus-like leaves.
3) Calendula: This plant is also called the pot marigold, and can be found in many flower gardens. It is actually a cousin to the garden marigold. The sap from the stems can be squeezed directly onto a wound, and the flowers can be made into an infusion. The plant will help disinfect the wound and speed healing.
4) Cucumber: Most spa patrons know that slices of this fruit can soothe tired eyes and reduce dark circles. A paste made of cucumber can be used as a mask for acne scars. Grind it up and rub it on the skin. Let it sit for twenty minutes, then rinse off. The juice or paste can be used on scars on other parts of the body.
5) Gotu Kola: This herb may reduce inflammation and encourage blood flow to the wound, scrape or burn. It can be used both internally and externally for this purpose. Internally, it may also help you stay calm while dealing with the injury. Be careful with it if you take medications that make your drowsy, as the herb can increase that effect.
6) Olive Oil: When I make oil extractions, the oil I use most frequently is extra virgin olive oil. It has healing properties of its own, and can help reduce inflammation. It may also help prevent infections, and it can help keep the skin moist.
7) Onion: While studies do not yet prove the usefulness of onion gel on scars, anecdotal evidence exists. In fact, in one study, the people who used onion gel felt that their scars had improved. Onions do have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can buy the gel, but many people use either a slice of onion or puree it and put that on the scar.
8) Tea Tree Oil: If you can stand the odor, tea tree oil could be useful. It can help keep the skin moisturized, reduce swelling and has antibacterial properties. It should not be used on an open wound, and should not be ingested, however.
9) Turmeric: While most people look to turmeric as a spice, a lot of studies are being done to learn its medicinal benefits. One of the many uses includes wound healing and scar reduction. It can be used both internally and externally. Make a paste and rub it on the scar.
10) Vitamin E: Many people swear by the use of Vitamin E oil on scars. While studies don’t yet support this use, the fact that it’s an oil can help keep skin moisturized, which is very important in reducing the appearance of scars.
source: buzzle.com
Addressing the scar is something that needs to be done. It’s not just for vanity; it can also be fore sanity and freedom of movement. What can you do, though? Quite a bit, actually.
1) Wound care: Taking care of a scar starts at the time of injury. Studies show that using antibiotics such as Neosporin can help reduce the appearance of scars. Natural antiseptics will help as well. Most wounds heal better if kept covered, though a few need air to heal faster. If the wound is gapping, it may need either stitches or steri-strips to hold it together. If this isn’t done, the scar will be much bigger and deeper.
2) Aloe Vera: Minor cuts, scrapes and burns respond well to the gel of this succulent. You can buy it already prepared or squeeze it out of the cactus like leaves. If you do use the plant itself, have some caution as it has sharp, spiny, cactus-like leaves.
3) Calendula: This plant is also called the pot marigold, and can be found in many flower gardens. It is actually a cousin to the garden marigold. The sap from the stems can be squeezed directly onto a wound, and the flowers can be made into an infusion. The plant will help disinfect the wound and speed healing.
4) Cucumber: Most spa patrons know that slices of this fruit can soothe tired eyes and reduce dark circles. A paste made of cucumber can be used as a mask for acne scars. Grind it up and rub it on the skin. Let it sit for twenty minutes, then rinse off. The juice or paste can be used on scars on other parts of the body.
5) Gotu Kola: This herb may reduce inflammation and encourage blood flow to the wound, scrape or burn. It can be used both internally and externally for this purpose. Internally, it may also help you stay calm while dealing with the injury. Be careful with it if you take medications that make your drowsy, as the herb can increase that effect.
6) Olive Oil: When I make oil extractions, the oil I use most frequently is extra virgin olive oil. It has healing properties of its own, and can help reduce inflammation. It may also help prevent infections, and it can help keep the skin moist.
7) Onion: While studies do not yet prove the usefulness of onion gel on scars, anecdotal evidence exists. In fact, in one study, the people who used onion gel felt that their scars had improved. Onions do have some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can buy the gel, but many people use either a slice of onion or puree it and put that on the scar.
8) Tea Tree Oil: If you can stand the odor, tea tree oil could be useful. It can help keep the skin moisturized, reduce swelling and has antibacterial properties. It should not be used on an open wound, and should not be ingested, however.
9) Turmeric: While most people look to turmeric as a spice, a lot of studies are being done to learn its medicinal benefits. One of the many uses includes wound healing and scar reduction. It can be used both internally and externally. Make a paste and rub it on the scar.
10) Vitamin E: Many people swear by the use of Vitamin E oil on scars. While studies don’t yet support this use, the fact that it’s an oil can help keep skin moisturized, which is very important in reducing the appearance of scars.
source: buzzle.com
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