Scarring can be a serious impediment to a model's career. Casting directors have to choose between many girls and so are on the lookout for any small flaw that will help in the elimination process.
Scars can be covered with makeup on a shoot or Photoshopped, but it saves the client time and money to get a girl with no such imperfections.
A scar comes from the production of collagen, your body's defence mechanism to seal up and fill in a wound on the skin. Treatment of the scar will depend on the person, as the location of the injury, genetic profile and racial background all play an important factor.
Treatment of scars can range from a trip to the doctor for laser therapy, to just applying a topical cream once a day. Addressing the problem quickly and determining the appropriate treatment are crucial.
Laser Resurfacing
The new laser technology works best on stretch marks and shallow scars. The laser's energy vaporizes the top layer of skin and
stimulates the production of collagen.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure is painless, affordable and can actually now
be done at home with some of the many wonderful microdermabrasion kits now available.
Microdermabrasion is a lighter method of gradually scraping away the skin's top layer, exposing fresh new skin underneath. It works well to improve the appearance of minor acne scars and blemishes, as well as erasing fine lines. Microdermabrasion is highly effective on every skin color, but may not be the best choice for those with skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
Chemical Peels
If you have wrinkles, age spots, adult acne, dry areas, uneven pigmentation or sun damage, a chemical peel could work for you. It
is used particularly for severe acne scarring, however it can also really improve mild and superficial scars.
Some deeper peels pose risks for patients with heart problems, so be sure to tell your doctor your full medical history.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice works great to lighten darker colored acne scars and
freckles. The natural citric acid found in lemons helps to gently slough off the skin's top
layer and expose fresh glowing skin.
To use a lemon juice treatment, cleanse your skin then slice up a lemon and hold it to your face for around 10 minutes. It stings a little but nothing to worry about.
Dermabrasion
This cosmetic procedure is more aggressive than
microdermabrasion. It usually requires a sedative or local anaesthetic, but in more aggressive
treatment a general anaesthetic is sometimes used.
Dermabrasion involves a controlled scraping of the top layer of the skin by a hand tool. After the treatment, skin will be swollen and tender and will require some time to heal, anywhere from 7-14 days. The newly developed skin will appear pink at first but will eventually develop into your normal skin tone. This process can however take up to 3 months.
Dermabrasion is used to improve the skin by reducing scars from acne, previous surgeries, sun damage, age spots, wrinkles, and other blemishes. This procedure is not ideal for those with darker colored skin, sensitive skin, acne and those who tend to get keloid scarring.
Collagen Injections
These injections work great to improve the appearance of the pitted scars and
pock marks. Collagen is simply injected beneath the skin to elevate the
scar. There are some risks (like collagen allergies) involved with this procedure, so be sure to
carefully discuss them with your doctor in advance.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera was one of Cleopatra's favorite beauty secrets. It contains numerous proteins,
vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are beneficial for the skin. Aloe Vera can significantly inhibit
scar tissue growth and accelerate the production of healthy new cells.
Aloe Vera is cheap and widely available in variety of products. Try to buy the gel - it is pure and more concentrated.
Silicon Sheets
In this treatment, a silicon sheet is simply applied to the scar. It is unclear
exactly how the silicon helps, but it is thought that the pressure and
moisture play a key role. Silicon gel treatments work on the same premise, but are applied to the scar
and allowed to dry. Both the sheets and gel must be used diligently for at least 8 weeks.
Trilastin
Stretch marks, caused by rapid changes in weight or growth, are a form of scarring and every girl's nightmare. There are now
some excellent treatments, the most promising of which is Trilastin.
This topical cream has been clinically proven to repair damaged tissue and permanently reduce stretch mark scars in less than a month. Trilastin works on both new and old stretch marks, as well as effectively preventing future scarring with its mixture of elastin, collagen and soy protein.
Before you decide on a course of treatment, make sure to visit your doctor or dermatologist. Finding out exactly what type of scar you have will help you choose the right treatment and speed up your recovery!
Keloid Scar
A raised, excessive scar extending beyond the margin of the skin injury. It is more common on darker complexions, however it can
develop on anyone after surgery. Keloid formation can appear months or even a year after the skin injury.
Hypertrophic Scar
Also a scar with excess collagenation, although it does not extend beyond the injury's borders. These scars can develop
within a week of the injury and can happen on any skin type.
Contracture Scar
A scar where a large portion of the skin has been lost or damaged. This often causes a tightening of the skin and
damages underlying nerves, muscles and tendons which can affect mobility and cause pain.
Atrophic Scar
A scar caused by cystic acne, resulting in the destruction of the skin's collagen. This creates a hole or depression in the skin.
