Acne, burns, tattoos, injections, piercings and insect bites all cause trauma to the skin, which can ultimately lead to scaring. Darker skin is prone to developing very dark and almost black scars. During the healing process, post inflammatory hyper pigmentation occurs, a result of accelerated healing. This is designed to efficiently close wounds and prevent infection.
Types of Scars
Some degree of scaring is to be expected following skin trauma, and many scars can go unnoticed. More serious scars are: keloidal (Reference 2), hypertrophic, and atrophic. People of color are prone to developing keloidal and hypertrophic types. Keloidal scars are dark, elevated, non-malignant tumors, generally appearing on the chest, ears, back and shoulders. They tend to spread over the edge of the original wound and can be difficult to remove. Hypertrophic scars are also dark and slightly raised, causing intense itching. These usually disappear after a period of time. Atrophic scars are sunken marks, creating valleys in the skin. Stretch marks are an example of these.
Honey
The antibacterial properties in honey can help heal wounds and promote skin cell growth. Apply it to the cleansed, affected area several times a day. With constant use, scars should fade. Using honey is not recommended if you have oily skin.
Cucumber Extract
Packed full of water, oils and vitamin E, cucumbers are naturally good for the skin and have a soothing effect. Apply the extract to the scar and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.
Vitamin E
The effectiveness of vitamin E on scars has come into question recently, and some claims suggest that it can actually worsen the appearance of scars. Despite this, some users still insist that the use of vitamin E on scars can produce rapid results. Simply rub the vitamin E oil directly onto the scar. The gentle massage action assists in breaking up scar tissue. Do this regularly until the scar has faded. There is a risk of developing contact dermatitis, so it is advisable to test on a small patch of skin on your forearm first.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice can help to remove dark and unsightly scars. To exfoliate, mix baking soda with lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture over the effected area to loosen the dead dry skin. This method also works to lighten dark areas on knees and elbows. Make sure you use a sunscreen before going out, as lemons can cause hypersensitivity.
Tomato Extract
Tomatoes are very good for the skin and their vitamin C content assists in the rejuvenation of skin cells. The acidic action in the extract is excellent when used to exfoliate; removing dead skin layers from scars whilst healing the underlying tissues. Rub a tomato slice over the scar and leave the extract on the skin for five minutes before rinsing.
Banana
Bananas contain potassium, minerals and antioxidants, and the banana peel can treat a variety of skin conditions including warts, psoriasis, bruising and allergic reactions. The banana fruit can also be used to remove scars. Mash a ripe banana and apply it to the scar. Leave it for around seven minutes and then rinse off thoroughly. Continue to do this until the scar fades.
About this Author
Eshe Asale is a holistic massage therapist based in Washington, D.C. She began writing in 1995, with articles appearing in Examiner.com, “Iqra” newspaper and “Between Love Hope and Fear” anthology. She holds a massage therapy certificate from Lourdes Institute, a Master of Arts in media studies/communications from Goldsmiths University, and a Bachelor of Arts in writing and publishing/film studies from Middlesex University.
