What do you get when you venture outdoors for the first time? How long did it take you to recover from your first ever bicycle accident? Why did you have develop these off-hue, flat and/or raised skin issues?

Scars aren’t exactly the perfect skin mix-up. They are skin concerns which are already the main complaints of many consumers worldwide.

Scarring, as a matter of fact, is a normal healing process that the body undergoes to repair the skin. However, when the skin produces too much collagen scarring becomes too much to handle. Overgrowth, then, becomes evident in the form of a thicker skin over the affected areas.

Can it be reduced? Yes. Though treatments are already available in the market, many still opt to reduce scar visibility without spending too much.

How can you minimize scar appearance, then?

Here are simple tips which you can do to at least cover up the unwanted scar façade.

• Wear sunscreens. UVA and UVB rays aren’t especially helpful when you have scars. According to Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a dermatologist in California, the sun is a culprit to unnecessary hyperpigmentation. It is important that you use sunscreens with at least 30 SPF and contains zinc or titanium oxide – 2 chemicals which are extremely helpful in keeping UVA and UVB rays at bay.
• Usage of silicone gel sheeting. Every day use of silicone sheets over the affected areas can prevent the scars getting worse. A Florida dermatologist claims that for best results, silicone gel sheets must be used for more or less a period of 3 months.
• Concealers can make a cover. Not only can concealers resolve baggy eyes and dark circles under the eyes, they can be your partner in making scars fade a little. Choosing the perfect concealer is the trick. Sometimes, applying concealers become frustrating because you tend to use just any type of concealer. Here are some simple notes to remember: 1) for a reddish or pinkish scar, use a concealer with a green undertone, 2) for a brownish scar, use one with a yellow undertone, and 3) for scars lighter than your skin tone; pick a concealer that is exactly like your skin tone. Additionally, remember to buy water-proof concealers. Otherwise, you will be re-touching minutes after you have made-up.
• Petroleum jellies over fancy creams. The market is an arena of cosmetic products. Creams with cocoa butter and Vitamin E, promising to deliver scar-free days, aren’t fully studied at all. According to some experts, it is of more value if you use petroleum jelly rather than these fancy creams.
• Bleaching creams can be used to keep scars away. The most common creams are composed of whitening substances usually in the form of retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives which are studied to have decreased hyperpigmentation on many occasions. Retinoid-based creams, though, may induce hypersensitivity. It is important that you take care in using any of these creams. If you are dubious or are suffering from allergies, do ask a medical expert.