Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by researchers at the University of California who suggested it had beneficial properties for skin, especially in support of wound healing and scar repair. It is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin.
Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
Does vitamin E diminish scars? While vitamin E may help moisturize the skin, research indicates that vitamin E oils and supplements have no notable effect on scars. Vitamin E has a wide range of benefits, including keeping the eyes healthy and strengthening the immune system.
Silicone gels or sheets can be used on healing skin (not open wounds) to help soften and flatten a scar. They can also relieve itching and discomfort. To be effective, silicone gels or sheets should be placed over the scar for 12 hours a day for at least 3 months. They can be washed and reused.
Application of a triple antibiotic ointment (such as over-the-counter Bacitracin, Neosporin or Polysporin) three times a day to the wound for a full three weeks helps prevent infection and creates a better foundation for improved long-term scar appearance.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Excessive pulling or tension across a healing wound is increasingly implicated as a factor which may increase inflammation and scar formation. An environmental factor that clearly has an effect on the appearance on skin scarring is sunlight exposure.
Long periods underwater or exposure to running water can make the scabs or softened new skin fall off. This prolongs the healing process. Immersion in cold water for more than a minute or two slows down blood flow, which in turn slows down scar healing.
Regularly applying moisturizer to an external scar and massaging it in the direction of the tissue can keep the scar softer and more flexible and it may decrease tissue sensitivity. There are also silicone gel patches that adhere to the skin and can help promote tissue healing.
However, research studies have consistently shown that applying Vitamin E directly to scars does not improve their appearance or aid in the healing process. In fact, it may even lead to adverse effects.
Burn scars
You can apply two to three times a day (depending on the size and severity of the burn). Vitamin E can help burn scars, as it is an oil which can help to regenerate the skin which can prevent scarring.
And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance.
Is there anything the fan-favorite skin-care ingredient can't do? Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that, much like retinoids, caters to myriad skin-care concerns, including sun damage, fine lines, rough texture, and stubborn scars.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into scars (avoiding broken skin), twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Results will vary from individual to individual.
A skin wound that doesn't heal, heals slowly or heals but tends to recur is known as a chronic wound. Some of the many causes of chronic (ongoing) skin wounds can include trauma, burns, skin cancers, infection or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Wounds that take a long time to heal need special care.
Stretching and pulling the area helps the remodeling process. This stretching allows the collagen to align and return to normal. Remodeling is essential to ensure that your injured tissue regains normal range of motion, strength, and mobility.
Sugar, alcohol, sodium-rich foods, and caffeine should all be avoided or limited while recovering from an injury. Nutrient-dense foods may support the overall healing process and potentially lead to a faster recovery time.
Don't Pick at the Wound
In addition to picking, refrain from scratching or manipulating wounds or newly formed scabs. “Picking at wounds during the healing process leads to increased inflammation and scarring,” Salyards says. It can also increase the risk of infection from bacteria on your hands.
The cells in healing skin can be damaged by UV Rays and result in more prominent scarring. Exposure to UV Rays may also cause skin discoloration, called hyperpigmentation, making the scarred area more prominent.