Advice for Treating Marks & Scars

Marks refer to temporary or non-permanent discolourations or blemishes on the skin caused by various factors. Scars, on the other hand, are permanent changes in the skin’s texture and appearance resulting from the healing process of a wound or injury. When the skin is damaged, the body initiates a repair process by producing collagen fibres to close the wound. Depending on the depth and severity of the injury, the resulting scar can be different. Scars on the skin may form from trauma, burns, surgery, and after more severe forms of acne.

Marks can include:

Pigmentation marks: These are areas of skin that appear darker or lighter than the surrounding skin due to increased or decreased melanin production. Common pigmentation marks include freckles, sunspots, and age spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH occurs after skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, burns, or cuts. It results in darkened areas of the skin at the site of the healed injury
Birthmarks: Birthmarks are marks present on the skin at birth or appearing shortly after. They can vary in size, shape, and colour, and may be either pigmented (brown, blue, or black) or vascular (red or pink)
Stretch marks: These are linear streaks that can appear on the skin due to rapid stretching or growth, commonly associated with weight gain, pregnancy, or puberty
Scrape or scratch marks: Marks caused by superficial injuries to the skin, such as scrapes or scratches, resulting in temporary redness or discolouration

Depending on the depth and severity of the injury, the resulting scar can be different:

Hypertrophic scars: Raised and thickened scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound
Keloid scars: Overgrown, raised, and often extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars are more common in individuals with darker skin tones
Atrophic scars: Depressed or sunken scars, commonly seen with conditions like acne or chickenpox
Contracture scars: Scars that cause the skin to tighten and restrict movement, often seen after burns

Treatment tips that can help with Treating Marks and scars

Prescription

Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin to the wound
Apply a treatment cream or silicone gel to the wound once it has healed
In certain situations, surgical procedures, such as scar revision or scar excision, may be considered for more severe scars or when other treatments have not been effective

(Check with your medical professional)

Non-Prescription

Clean the wound thoroughly with clean water or normal saline
Keep the wound occluded and moist as this has been shown to speed up wound healing
Apply a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen on top of the silicone gel to prevent pigmented scars
Laser treatments can be effective in reducing the appearance of certain scars
Chemical peels, particularly those containing AHAs or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), can help exfoliate the skin’s top layer, reducing the appearance of superficial marks and scars
Microneedling involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and potentially improving the appearance of scars

Skincare ingredients that can help with Treating Marks & Scars

Skincare products that can help with Treating Marks & Scars

Scar treatment products are specifically formulated to address the appearance of marks and scars on the skin. They often contain active ingredients that can help improve the texture, colour, and overall appearance of scars. Dr Webster Recommends: