No matter where you got a scar from, there are many reasons why you might want to reduce its appearance. For example, some people are very self-conscious about stretch marks, while others might just have a scar in an inopportune position like on the hand or the face. If you’re interested in reducing the appearance of your scars, there are a number of options available. Here are five things to consider.

1. Sun Protection

Scarred skin is typically thinner and has less melanin in it, which can help protect skin from burning as easily. Even if you’re already very fair-skinned, scarred skin can burn much quicker than the rest of your skin, and because scarred skin can already be itchy or sometimes painful, this can make it even worse. Follow sun safety guidelines for skin at all times, and be especially careful with scars, especially more recent ones.

2. Minimize Stretching While Healing

If you’ve recently received a wound that may scar, it’s important to avoid stretching as much as possible. More movement will make it more difficult for your skin to heal smoothly, which will almost certainly result in a much larger scar. The less you move around while the wound is healing, the more likely it will be to heal smoothly.

3. Consider a Topical Retinoid

A topical retinoid can be one of the best ways to reduce the appearance of thinner scars. With a topical retinoid, even an over-the-counter one, you may be able to stimulate collagen production for atrophic scars, which are scars that have a depressed appearance. Many beauty companies have retinoid creams, so consider finding an Ulta coupon and purchasing a cream for smaller scars that you’re looking to improve the appearance of.

4. Think About Laser or Tattoo Treatments

There are some treatments, including laser treatments, that may be able to reduce the appearance of scars. While they don’t get rid of scars, they can be a helpful tool to reduce the appearance, which can be very important if your main problem is that you dislike the appearance of a prominent scar. If it’s been many years since you got a scar, you may want to talk to your dermatologist about one of these treatments.

5. Wait at Least a Year, If Not Longer

One of the biggest things you can do to reduce a scar’s appearance is simply wait. The longer you wait for a scar to heal, the less prominent it’ll likely be. A scar will continue healing for at least a year after you got the wound, and the fading can last for even longer. By simply waiting, you may be able to see a marked improvement in scar appearance.

Conclusion

Scars can be frustrating to deal with, but you don’t have to just accept them and move on. There are many options available for people who want a reduction in their scars, which can include everything from topical treatments to laser treatments and even just waiting it out. With these five tips, you may be more likely to manage your scar’s appearance.