Scars are a natural part of life. Children fall; people get wounded. But these scars are the bane of most women's existence. Scarred legs or knees often keeps a girl from wearing skirts or shorts. Acne scars demand constant use of make-up that could eventually dry one's face. Sometimes make-up residue would even clog pores and would then lead to breakouts which will result to new scars. It is a cruel and vicious cycle.
Scars defined
The formation of scar is the natural result of the healing process of an injury. Scars are fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after a wound has healed. They tend to be easily visible because the cells that make up scar tissue are of inferior quality compared to the healthy skin cells. As scar tissue forms to replace the damaged or destroyed cells, it tends to be thicker, paler and denser than the surrounding tissues due to limited blood supply. Other differences between scars and healthy tissues include lack of hair follicles and sweat glands, reduced protection from ultra-violet (UV) radiation, and functional limitations like reduced movement, circulation and sensation.
The formation of scar is the natural result of the healing process of an injury. Scars are fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after a wound has healed. They tend to be easily visible because the cells that make up scar tissue are of inferior quality compared to the healthy skin cells. As scar tissue forms to replace the damaged or destroyed cells, it tends to be thicker, paler and denser than the surrounding tissues due to limited blood supply. Other differences between scars and healthy tissues include lack of hair follicles and sweat glands, reduced protection from ultra-violet (UV) radiation, and functional limitations like reduced movement, circulation and sensation.
Examples of Scar treatment through the years
The first known substance to treat scars was honey. Both Hippocrates and Aristotle praised honey's medicinal properties. Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Romans and Chinese had all used honey to treat wounds and to prevent any infection from developing. This was explained to be because honey has the pH level between 3.2 and 4.5, which is pretty acidic and thus capable of preventing the growth of many bacteria. In the seventeenth century, William Fabry, often referred to as the father of German surgery developed lotions to help heal burn scars. His lotions were meant to soften the scars so that skin could be stretched and repaired. One of the lotions included hen and bear's grease, flower oil, egg yolks and juice of earthworms. Hippocrates, meanwhile, was the first known physician to suggest treating scars with moisture and warmth. Silicone scar sheets, which were developed in the twentieth century, best fulfilled his recommendation. The silicone sheets, when applied to scars or newly healed wounds, warm and hydrate the skin. They are then able to prevent any scars from forming and even flatten existing ones. Laser scar removal was first introduced in the 1980s. Early lasers were more aggressive and as a result had damaged the top layers of the skin which needed a long duration of recovery. Now, lasers are fractioned so that instead of burning a large portion of the skin, hundreds of tiny holes are made to prompt the healthy cells around the surroundings to heal the damaged tissue. With these newer lasers, the process had become less painful and with a quicker recovery time.
The first known substance to treat scars was honey. Both Hippocrates and Aristotle praised honey's medicinal properties. Ancient Sumerians, Egyptians, Romans and Chinese had all used honey to treat wounds and to prevent any infection from developing. This was explained to be because honey has the pH level between 3.2 and 4.5, which is pretty acidic and thus capable of preventing the growth of many bacteria. In the seventeenth century, William Fabry, often referred to as the father of German surgery developed lotions to help heal burn scars. His lotions were meant to soften the scars so that skin could be stretched and repaired. One of the lotions included hen and bear's grease, flower oil, egg yolks and juice of earthworms. Hippocrates, meanwhile, was the first known physician to suggest treating scars with moisture and warmth. Silicone scar sheets, which were developed in the twentieth century, best fulfilled his recommendation. The silicone sheets, when applied to scars or newly healed wounds, warm and hydrate the skin. They are then able to prevent any scars from forming and even flatten existing ones. Laser scar removal was first introduced in the 1980s. Early lasers were more aggressive and as a result had damaged the top layers of the skin which needed a long duration of recovery. Now, lasers are fractioned so that instead of burning a large portion of the skin, hundreds of tiny holes are made to prompt the healthy cells around the surroundings to heal the damaged tissue. With these newer lasers, the process had become less painful and with a quicker recovery time.
For more natural treatments, cucumber juice is discovered to also be an effective moisturizer and bleach with cooling properties. Its alkaloid content helps regulate the production of skin cells. Lemon juice, which is full of Vitamin C, is also a natural bleach which can help with the lightening of scars and blemishes. Sandalwood paste is also effective in minimizing the appearance of scars or skin discoloration because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
What makes Argan oil effective in treating scars
Vitamin E or Tocopherol, which is found to be abundant in pure Argan oil, had been shown to significantly help in reducing the formation of scars from wounds as well as the appearance of stretch marks. Argan oil is known to heal acne and chickenpox scars, revitalize dull skin and help in treating burns. Sterols, lipid-like compounds that help prevent skin aging by improving skin metabolism and reducing inflammation, is also abundant in Argan oil. Two of the families of sterols are found in the oil, schottenol and spinasterol. These two are rarely found in vegetable oils. Schottenol stimulates not only the balance but also the regeneration and healing of the skin. Spinasterol, an antimutagen, had been studied for any potential of being anti-carcinogenic. The study had revealed that after the application of spinaestrol, there had been a decrease in the incidence of skin tumor, thus could be seen as an active promoter of skin health.
Vitamin E or Tocopherol, which is found to be abundant in pure Argan oil, had been shown to significantly help in reducing the formation of scars from wounds as well as the appearance of stretch marks. Argan oil is known to heal acne and chickenpox scars, revitalize dull skin and help in treating burns. Sterols, lipid-like compounds that help prevent skin aging by improving skin metabolism and reducing inflammation, is also abundant in Argan oil. Two of the families of sterols are found in the oil, schottenol and spinasterol. These two are rarely found in vegetable oils. Schottenol stimulates not only the balance but also the regeneration and healing of the skin. Spinasterol, an antimutagen, had been studied for any potential of being anti-carcinogenic. The study had revealed that after the application of spinaestrol, there had been a decrease in the incidence of skin tumor, thus could be seen as an active promoter of skin health.
Application of pure Argan oil on the scarred area regularly is what's usually advised. Gently massaging the oil in circular motions onto the damaged skin after a bath, so that the skin is cleansed and refreshed, is ideal. Also, it is best that the skin is still slightly damp so that the oil could seal the moisture in. Creams with argan oil as an ingredient can also be used.
The quest to find the solution to achieving a flawless, unmarred skin will continue until the indefinite future. But with the recent discovery of just how much potential the Argan oil truly has, it might just be a much smoother journey.
