Generally scars on the face are the result of acne lesions or injuries. The type of scar determines which treatment is appropriate.

Once facial skin has been injured, e.g. due to an accident or surgery, scar tissue will develop. Most commonly these scars are hypertrophic. This means they are red (or purple/pink) and raised. They may itch and, in some cases, hurt.

The only working treatment for such scars are silicone gel sheets. They are proven effective as demonstrated by various clinical trials and studies. Check out this PubMed study abstract to learn more: Silicone gel sheeting is safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Also silicone gel creams (a popular cream goes by the brand name Kelo-Cote) can improve cosmetic appearance. Silicones make hypertrophic and keloid scars less red, more skin colored, flatter, softer, and they reduce the risk on keloid development as well. Click here for recommended scar treatment products.

Acne scars are harder to treat effectively. There are roughly two types of acne scars. Rolling scars which are slightly depressed and ones that are narrow and deep. Recommended therapies are laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and (collagen) fillers.

A popular over-the-counter product used to reduce acne scars on the face is Glycolic Acid

In case such treatments do not work surgery may be conducted as a last resort.

Non-acne facial scars will often heal relatively well because there are so many muscles in the face. Regular movement of these muscles as well as optimal blood flow tends to improve the healing process.

Make sure to keep scars out of the sun for the radiation will make their appearance worse. Also hydration (e.g. by using Vaseline or another moisturizer) and massage will aid the healing process.

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Those who have read other posts or my Squidoo lenses probably know the first step in effective scar treatment is proper wound care*. Wounds should not be exposed to the air and let dry out but instead kept moist and clean. Effective ways to do so are by using manuka honey or Vaseline. (* side note, the actual first step in preventing acne scars is to reduce acne outbreaks as much as possible. Make sure to avoid picking at the pimple and treat it early with an appropriate anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory medication. See the link at the end of this post for more about this.)

Both have clinically shown to provide excellent hydrating properties. Which is a major factor in rapid wound healing. They also form a barrier which prevents bacteria and other causes of infections out. Additionally manuka honey also has powerful antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties known to prevent and treat infections. If you have the right type of this honey (not all manuka honey has these medicinal characteristics) it, in some cases, is more effective than conventional medicine such as antibiotics. Furthermore it also has no side effects such as deteriorating skin. But more about Vaseline now.

Vaseline is the brand name for petroleum jelly or petrolatum. This ointment is cheap and easy to use, hydrates, soothes, and keeps wounds clean. Acne like all other skin injuries can potentially leave scars. This occurs as a result of inflammation and irritation of the acne. When using Vaseline to treat or prevent acne scars it should be applied on the red marks left by the pimple, the wound or scab only. Not on the pimple itself. Another remark; it’s no miracle cure it just speeds wound healing, promotes new tissue growth which leads to less or most ideally no scar tissue. Also it seems Vaseline is unable to clog the pores because its molecules are too big (it is a so called non-comedogenic product).

Use it regularly on wounds and fresh scars that are still red or pink. It will lead to improvement I am convinced. If you are not check out these forums for experiences of other acne sufferers.

Click here to learn about manuka honey acne treatment. Here some more info on the question: Can manuka honey get rid of acne? (Are there clinical trials proving it works and other related information)

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