When I was mulling over topics to discuss in this week’s blog, I got to thinking about scars. I started pondering the different scars that I have had to deal with in my 37 years.
I developed my first keloid scar when I was 10, and acne and stretch marks in my teens, the latter of which made me prepped for pregnancy in my 30s. So given that I’ve been dealing with scars for 27 years, and over that period of time have tried a whole bunch of treatments, I thought I could share what has helped (and a few things that haven’t).
Acne scars
I don’t know about you but I was definitely a picker when it came to pimples in my teens. I had friends who resisted and would come to school with zits gleaming white and untouched. I’m sorry to say that I just couldn’t bear it. I squeezed to my heart’s content and to the detriment of my skin. I know better now but years of bad habits have left their mark. It was rosehip that I turned to to help repair my acne scars. Studies have shown that rosehip oil significantly promotes wound healing and effectively improves scars. So for the past 10 years now I have been applying what is now my Repair Face Serum (pictured). I have found that this combination of rosehip, calendula, jojoba and other organic oils, really help reduce my scarring and discourage further acne from occurring. I also use the 2 in 1 Face Scrub + Mask 2-3 times weekly to increase skin cell turnover.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks occur at any age when we grow quickly and skin is forced to stretch beyond its normal pace. They most commonly occur on upper thighs during teenage growth spurts and around the abdomen during pregnancy. With this type of scarring, prevention is definitely better than a cure, and so when you anticipate growth (as in pregnancy) it’s a good idea to apply a treatment that will reduce the occurrence of stretch marks. Because I did get some minor stretch marks on my thighs in my teens, I anticipated abdominal stretch marks during my pregnancy. And so my growing tummy was smeared daily with a coat of organic balm (what is now my Ultimate SOS Balm) rich in rosehip and calendula oils. I’m happy to say that I managed to scrape through with no new stretch marks. It’s worth noting that this balm can also be applied to existing stretch marks to help encourage skin cell turnover and reduce scar tissue.
Keloid scars
For those of you who don’t know what keloid scars are, they are scars that develop when you cut yourself or have surgery, but instead of the normal healing process occurring, collagen production goes into overdrive and you are left with a ‘lumpy’ scar that is red and often itchy. I got my first proper keloid scar when I was 10 after a GP removed a small pea-sized scar on my chest (caused by chicken pox) and caused a much larger scar as a result. Being a self-conscious teenager I took to wearing t-shirts and tops that covered my scar, and began searching for treatments to reduce it. Over the course of many years I tried steroid injections (painful injections which go directly into the scar), silicone sheets and all manner of natural ointments and oils. In the end I stuck with rosehip oil as it was the only thing that softened my scar, kept its size under control and reduced the incessant itching. I apply my Repair Face Serum daily to my now 4 keloid scars to keep them in check and improve their appearance.
As always, I’m here to help so please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
I hope you find it helpful.
The humble toner has come a long way from the skin-stripping products we once knew them to be. These days, toners are full of active ingredients that nourish and soothe your skin.
Add to this the fact that they also prime skin to receive the full benefit of your skincare and it becomes clear just how indispensable toners are.
