What's a quick way to fade scars on back of hand? And scars on lips?
May 18, 2019 1:24 AM Subscribe
I am looking for suggestions on how to quickly fade/remove a new scar from the back of my hand as well as older acne scars and scars on my lips.
I *was* planning to finally enter the dating pool in June, and was working hard to make myself presentable to meet guys (working out every day, trying to eat healthy, doing lots of self-improvement, etc). I was trying to make my body the best it can be. I was feeling good about myself, and ready to make this change in my life -- take action to meet a partner. I've been single for so long was ready to put myself out there.
Then last week I had to be an idiot and scrape my hand against the wooden seat of the dragon boat when I was exiting it. I've been paddling for 7 years and never done such a thing before. The timing of this screw up could not have been any worse. It's healing but the scars are very ugly, and it's very visible since it's on the back of my hand. I can't go on a first date like that!!!!
I'm freaking out because it had to happen RIGHT when I was feeling confident to start dating and all I can think of is that these new scars are going to immediately turn guys off. I was reading a thread about scars and the consensus there is that attractive women can get away with scars. Since I'm not what society would consider attractive, that won't work for me. Due to my race (black), imperfect body (visible scoliosis, hearing aids, glasses) and the fact that I had planned to date interracially, I'm already playing the dating game at the hard level. I already have a black scar from sun damage on the bottom corner of my lip, a white scar on the opposite corner of my lip and dozens of acne scars. I had FINALLY reached the point where I had accepted those scars, but these new scars on my hand have reversed all of that and made me doubt that this dating thing is going to work for me. I've put off my plans to date (probably until next year) until I can get ALL of the visible scars on my hands and lips (two of the areas where guys will be looking at/judging most) either faded or removed.
I have heard about laser therapy, and silicone patches. Has anyone tried those? Are they effective? Which one works faster? Thanks!
I'm freaking out because it had to happen RIGHT when I was feeling confident to start dating and all I can think of is that these new scars are going to immediately turn guys off. I was reading a thread about scars and the consensus there is that attractive women can get away with scars. Since I'm not what society would consider attractive, that won't work for me. Due to my race (black), imperfect body (visible scoliosis, hearing aids, glasses) and the fact that I had planned to date interracially, I'm already playing the dating game at the hard level. I already have a black scar from sun damage on the bottom corner of my lip, a white scar on the opposite corner of my lip and dozens of acne scars. I had FINALLY reached the point where I had accepted those scars, but these new scars on my hand have reversed all of that and made me doubt that this dating thing is going to work for me. I've put off my plans to date (probably until next year) until I can get ALL of the visible scars on my hands and lips (two of the areas where guys will be looking at/judging most) either faded or removed.
I have heard about laser therapy, and silicone patches. Has anyone tried those? Are they effective? Which one works faster? Thanks!
Scars are cool, it means you've been places, seen things, done stuff. You have history. Anyone who gives you shit for it is not worth your time. I wouldn't think twice about dating someone with the scars you describe. Think of this as a useful character filter.
Depending on your skin tone and propensity for hyperpigmentation and keloids, I would be cautious with lasers. They've gotten better for dark skin in the last five years but in unskilled hands can make things worse! If you go that route -- which I, an internet stranger, don't think you need to do! – shop around and make sure your technician has lots of experience with black skin. Ask to see unfiltered before & afters in your tonal range.
posted by aw jeez at 2:26 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Depending on your skin tone and propensity for hyperpigmentation and keloids, I would be cautious with lasers. They've gotten better for dark skin in the last five years but in unskilled hands can make things worse! If you go that route -- which I, an internet stranger, don't think you need to do! – shop around and make sure your technician has lots of experience with black skin. Ask to see unfiltered before & afters in your tonal range.
posted by aw jeez at 2:26 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Other general advice I’ve heard with new scars is making sure they don’t get more sun damage (i use some face cream with SPF in it) and I’ve also had some success using over the counter mederma. However, I’m white and I’m not sure how either of these is impacted by having darker skin.
posted by raccoon409 at 2:37 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by raccoon409 at 2:37 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
I don’t have any advice on how to heal up a scar quickly. If you want to cover it up because you think it’s unsightly, you could wear a bandage over it until it heals? It will heal. And anybody who is interested in going on a date with you will be aware of that.
If you met a guy you were attracted to, do you think you would say no to a date with him because he had injured his hand? I don’t think you would. If you even noticed it, you would probably not think much of it, because scars heal over and that’s that.
But if you are super self conscious about it, I would just bandage it up and say you hurt your hand getting out of a boat and it’s healing.
You say that after all this time you were starting to feel ready and then this happened and you can’t believe the timing. If I’m honest, reading your framing of the question, I can. You have put a ton of effort in and I am certain it has paid off, but it doesn’t sound to me like you believe you, yourself, without tons of effort, are worthy of dating. Even when this scar heals over, there will be “flaws” that come and go. They are also the story of who you are!
You absolutely are attractive! Even the things you count against yourself. Your black skin is beautiful. Your commitment to physical health and your athleticism despite your painful scoliosis is inspiring and beautiful. Your ability to adapt and thrive makes your hearing aides beautiful. The contours in your face that show the story of the changes in your body are beautiful. I don’t even know you and you sound like a truly beautiful person to me!
This will sound like pandering nonsense to you probably but I do completely mean it. There are people who will genuinely see you for who you are and love you for it. Dating is hard mode for everyone!
It’s a very long journey to change your thinking about your self worth. Keep putting the work in because it is self care and you deserve it. Consider trying to change your media intake from media focused on physical perfection. See if you can follow people on Instagram who look more like you and who are thriving.
posted by pazazygeek at 4:10 AM on May 18, 2019 [16 favorites]
If you met a guy you were attracted to, do you think you would say no to a date with him because he had injured his hand? I don’t think you would. If you even noticed it, you would probably not think much of it, because scars heal over and that’s that.
But if you are super self conscious about it, I would just bandage it up and say you hurt your hand getting out of a boat and it’s healing.
You say that after all this time you were starting to feel ready and then this happened and you can’t believe the timing. If I’m honest, reading your framing of the question, I can. You have put a ton of effort in and I am certain it has paid off, but it doesn’t sound to me like you believe you, yourself, without tons of effort, are worthy of dating. Even when this scar heals over, there will be “flaws” that come and go. They are also the story of who you are!
You absolutely are attractive! Even the things you count against yourself. Your black skin is beautiful. Your commitment to physical health and your athleticism despite your painful scoliosis is inspiring and beautiful. Your ability to adapt and thrive makes your hearing aides beautiful. The contours in your face that show the story of the changes in your body are beautiful. I don’t even know you and you sound like a truly beautiful person to me!
This will sound like pandering nonsense to you probably but I do completely mean it. There are people who will genuinely see you for who you are and love you for it. Dating is hard mode for everyone!
It’s a very long journey to change your thinking about your self worth. Keep putting the work in because it is self care and you deserve it. Consider trying to change your media intake from media focused on physical perfection. See if you can follow people on Instagram who look more like you and who are thriving.
posted by pazazygeek at 4:10 AM on May 18, 2019 [16 favorites]
Scars are a part of life. Literally everyone has them and can get new ones at any time, constantly. Please work on accepting that someone not dating you for a simple scar wouldn't be worth your time, and working on your anxiety around this. I think you may benefit from body acceptance and body positivity movements. My husband has a scar on his lip from a dog bite. I find his attractive, from the moment I met him. My lip is uneven due to scars. He likes my wobbly lip. I have a huge 4.5" scar from a recent hysterectomy.
I (pale, white) have had luck with gentle massage, vitamin E oil, Mederma, Bio Oil, sun protection, and most importantly time. However it's been more for comfort of scar tissue than appearance although appearance has improved with all of those.
posted by Crystalinne at 4:17 AM on May 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
I (pale, white) have had luck with gentle massage, vitamin E oil, Mederma, Bio Oil, sun protection, and most importantly time. However it's been more for comfort of scar tissue than appearance although appearance has improved with all of those.
posted by Crystalinne at 4:17 AM on May 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
oh I feel you. was super bummed a dozen stitches later when i sliced the top of my entire foot open swimming, and my bro shrugged and said, 'you don't wanna die without any scars.' realized that was true , and it changed my whole outlook. Plus yeah, dragon boats?! So rad!! talk about a good ice breaker re dating!
But. Shea butter 2x day, honey (masks) and sunscreen (mineral, rather than chem) - but I also gotta chime in and say, this sounds like avoidance/anxiety to me too, and the way to punch them in the face is by doing the things even if you're freaking out. it's one legit way to rewire your brain to be less worried.
good luck!
posted by speakeasy at 4:45 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
But. Shea butter 2x day, honey (masks) and sunscreen (mineral, rather than chem) - but I also gotta chime in and say, this sounds like avoidance/anxiety to me too, and the way to punch them in the face is by doing the things even if you're freaking out. it's one legit way to rewire your brain to be less worried.
good luck!
posted by speakeasy at 4:45 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Everyone else has talked about how you can totally date with scars. I agree with this. You totally can and should. Especially the first few throwaway dates that you know are gonna suck anyway! Why not!
But anyway, I'm coming in here as a self described skincare nerd. I am the wonder breadest white but scar real pink so have done a lot of reading about products for hyperpigmentation, most of which are aimed at POC who scar dark. Maybe this will be useful for you. Bonus: I'm cheap and this is all (relatively) cheap for skincare. Hooray!
Scars in general, especially that one on your hand, love Vitamin E. I use this stuff. It's really thick and sticky but I always slather it on real good anyway. With this magic Vitamin E goo my scrapes and post zit healing is halved from what it used to be. Maybe even less, honestly.
Then there are some targeted products from The Ordinary.
You want to start (on a clean face, so wash your face before this with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil) with an acid exfoliator. I like their 10% Lactic Acid or their toner, and either would probably be fine for you unless your skin is very very sensitive. However, from what I've read their Azelaic Acid is recommended the most for darker skin with pigmentation. I'm sure it's good (I've always been impressed with the Ordinary products) I've just never used it myself.
Their Niacinamide + Zinc is what I've seen recommended the most for treating skin pigmentation. I have it and use it. I have also seen Their Alpha Arbutin very highly recommended for pigmentation but have not used it. (If you do order from the Ordinary shoot them an email asking how best to use the products you've bought together. Their support is very good and they'll tell you how to patch test and pace out trying new things, etc.)
Your Vitamin E oil and moisturizer (I like CeraVe) go on top of that. And you also absolutely need to wear a sunscreen (goes on top of your moisturizer). Almost all sunscreens make me break out, but I love love love Biore Perfect Face Milk. It has a slightly powdery texture when it dries and might cause a white cast. You can't tell on me because I'm pasty af, but if you have darker skin it might be noticeable. If you think that might be an issue try Biore Watery Essence instead. It's just as good but I find the formula a little harsh (it's got more alcohol) but it's got way less white in it.
It generally takes about a month of continuous use to see the benefits of a new skincare program but I personally started seeing a difference literally overnight when I first started using Vitamin E. My skin loves that stuff.
posted by phunniemee at 5:12 AM on May 18, 2019 [25 favorites]
But anyway, I'm coming in here as a self described skincare nerd. I am the wonder breadest white but scar real pink so have done a lot of reading about products for hyperpigmentation, most of which are aimed at POC who scar dark. Maybe this will be useful for you. Bonus: I'm cheap and this is all (relatively) cheap for skincare. Hooray!
Scars in general, especially that one on your hand, love Vitamin E. I use this stuff. It's really thick and sticky but I always slather it on real good anyway. With this magic Vitamin E goo my scrapes and post zit healing is halved from what it used to be. Maybe even less, honestly.
Then there are some targeted products from The Ordinary.
You want to start (on a clean face, so wash your face before this with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil) with an acid exfoliator. I like their 10% Lactic Acid or their toner, and either would probably be fine for you unless your skin is very very sensitive. However, from what I've read their Azelaic Acid is recommended the most for darker skin with pigmentation. I'm sure it's good (I've always been impressed with the Ordinary products) I've just never used it myself.
Their Niacinamide + Zinc is what I've seen recommended the most for treating skin pigmentation. I have it and use it. I have also seen Their Alpha Arbutin very highly recommended for pigmentation but have not used it. (If you do order from the Ordinary shoot them an email asking how best to use the products you've bought together. Their support is very good and they'll tell you how to patch test and pace out trying new things, etc.)
Your Vitamin E oil and moisturizer (I like CeraVe) go on top of that. And you also absolutely need to wear a sunscreen (goes on top of your moisturizer). Almost all sunscreens make me break out, but I love love love Biore Perfect Face Milk. It has a slightly powdery texture when it dries and might cause a white cast. You can't tell on me because I'm pasty af, but if you have darker skin it might be noticeable. If you think that might be an issue try Biore Watery Essence instead. It's just as good but I find the formula a little harsh (it's got more alcohol) but it's got way less white in it.
It generally takes about a month of continuous use to see the benefits of a new skincare program but I personally started seeing a difference literally overnight when I first started using Vitamin E. My skin loves that stuff.
posted by phunniemee at 5:12 AM on May 18, 2019 [25 favorites]
I think it's reasonable to try to fade the scars - IME, people don't really notice non-huge scars once they're basically healed. I also think that it's partially true that "imperfections" make it harder to date, that there is racial and ableist bias in dating and it's reasonable to recognize that rather than try to pretend it's not the case. That said:
1. I have big scars on one hand and wrist, and lots of other small visible scars on my other hand, arms, knee, lip, etc. I know the arm scars are very visible because people have asked about them, and they're scars from when I used to cut myself so there isn't even a good story (like being a rower and getting a cut on a dragon boat!) I am....not normatively beautiful. I have dated men. None of them have ever paid any attention to any of the scars. I think that unless you have a huge dueling scar running across your face people are taking the bigger view on first dates and will not pay a lot of attention.
2. You sound a bit like me in that you're trying to manage your anxiety by "hacking" the dating problem through research and systems, partly as an avoidance strategy. I very strongly urge you to avoid reading threads about dating, attractiveness, who is attractive "enough", physical "drawbacks" to dating, etc. Those threads are the equivalent of googling "[my trivial common symptom] and cancer" - the people who post on them are already super interested in dividing the world up into "attractive" and not, coming up with rules and "consensus" on who can "get away" with stuff, etc. They are also like Yelp reviewers in that most of them have had extreme experiences of one kind or another that they are trying to generalize to the whole world.
This creates the misleading impression that every date is about you getting ranked on a 1-10 scale by some chuddy guy who would date you if you had one small scar but dump you if you have two. The types of godawful experiences that make those threads really do happen, but they are not nearly as common as the threads would have you believe, and all the threads do is inspire fear and stress - they're the equivalent of non-stop crime on the news giving people the impression that the world is incredibly dangerous when it's not.
From your posting history, you sound like someone who has made some big strides in life and has some cool hobbies. I think that those things are going to ultimately make you dateable regardless of "flaws".
posted by Frowner at 5:21 AM on May 18, 2019 [33 favorites]
1. I have big scars on one hand and wrist, and lots of other small visible scars on my other hand, arms, knee, lip, etc. I know the arm scars are very visible because people have asked about them, and they're scars from when I used to cut myself so there isn't even a good story (like being a rower and getting a cut on a dragon boat!) I am....not normatively beautiful. I have dated men. None of them have ever paid any attention to any of the scars. I think that unless you have a huge dueling scar running across your face people are taking the bigger view on first dates and will not pay a lot of attention.
2. You sound a bit like me in that you're trying to manage your anxiety by "hacking" the dating problem through research and systems, partly as an avoidance strategy. I very strongly urge you to avoid reading threads about dating, attractiveness, who is attractive "enough", physical "drawbacks" to dating, etc. Those threads are the equivalent of googling "[my trivial common symptom] and cancer" - the people who post on them are already super interested in dividing the world up into "attractive" and not, coming up with rules and "consensus" on who can "get away" with stuff, etc. They are also like Yelp reviewers in that most of them have had extreme experiences of one kind or another that they are trying to generalize to the whole world.
This creates the misleading impression that every date is about you getting ranked on a 1-10 scale by some chuddy guy who would date you if you had one small scar but dump you if you have two. The types of godawful experiences that make those threads really do happen, but they are not nearly as common as the threads would have you believe, and all the threads do is inspire fear and stress - they're the equivalent of non-stop crime on the news giving people the impression that the world is incredibly dangerous when it's not.
From your posting history, you sound like someone who has made some big strides in life and has some cool hobbies. I think that those things are going to ultimately make you dateable regardless of "flaws".
posted by Frowner at 5:21 AM on May 18, 2019 [33 favorites]
Dude. You need to relax and take a deep breath. You do not need to have a flawless body to date. Lots of people go on lots of dates even though they aren’t conventionally beautiful. I guarantee you that no man is going to see your scar and think OMG SHE’S UNDATEABLE. (And in the unlikely event that happens, he’s a jerk and you can dump him).
I haven’t shaved my legs in 2 years and I never wear makeup and I still get dates. I once showed up to a date with a huge disgusting zit right between my eyebrows and the guy texted me right after asking for a second date. Men do not care. Any man who’s worth a second of your time will not care about this.
posted by a strong female character at 6:08 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
I haven’t shaved my legs in 2 years and I never wear makeup and I still get dates. I once showed up to a date with a huge disgusting zit right between my eyebrows and the guy texted me right after asking for a second date. Men do not care. Any man who’s worth a second of your time will not care about this.
posted by a strong female character at 6:08 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
Padma Lakshmi has a seven-inch scar on her upper arm. If you google her name and the word scar, you'll find a lot of articles about her decision not to hide it. I haven't linked any particular one because the fashion mag/celebrity quotient seems to be so high and could be bothersome if you are already thinking about self image.
But yes-- dragon boat, cool!
posted by BibiRose at 6:33 AM on May 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
But yes-- dragon boat, cool!
posted by BibiRose at 6:33 AM on May 18, 2019 [3 favorites]
Wait, are you afraid people will be scared off because you're too cool, or are you only planning to date controlling perfectionists?
posted by amtho at 7:51 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by amtho at 7:51 AM on May 18, 2019 [7 favorites]
You are feeling anxious about jumping back into dating and the new scar is the excuse your mind is using to try and trick you into delaying dating again so you don’t have to face this scary new thing. My mind often works the same way.
I promise you no one you’d want to date would be put off by you having a big scar on your hand from a dragon boat—I think it’s the opposite!
My solution is counterintuitive—stop waiting to date until you’re perfect and jump in *right now* and see what it’s like. Don’t try to optimize yourself, just be yourself. It’s going to be rough either way and there’s no magic way to prevent that. It’s rough even for those people you’d look at and think are super good at it. But it can also end up wonderfully, and does for a lot of people, even the people you’d think will never find someone. It’s a gamble!
posted by sallybrown at 8:43 AM on May 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
I promise you no one you’d want to date would be put off by you having a big scar on your hand from a dragon boat—I think it’s the opposite!
My solution is counterintuitive—stop waiting to date until you’re perfect and jump in *right now* and see what it’s like. Don’t try to optimize yourself, just be yourself. It’s going to be rough either way and there’s no magic way to prevent that. It’s rough even for those people you’d look at and think are super good at it. But it can also end up wonderfully, and does for a lot of people, even the people you’d think will never find someone. It’s a gamble!
posted by sallybrown at 8:43 AM on May 18, 2019 [6 favorites]
Mod note: Folks, the "don't try to fade them, guys won't dislike them or if they do then forget those guys" advice is meant well and now that point's been made. But from here on, please stick to answering the question OP asked, with info about skincare/scars. Thanks.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 8:55 AM on May 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 8:55 AM on May 18, 2019 [4 favorites]
I have a gnarly purple scar on my (white) skin that I am treating with a similar vitamin e oil as posted above. I had the same surgery in another foot and used the vit e and that scar is totally invisible now. Sorry I don’t remember how long it took to fade.
posted by gryphonlover at 9:09 AM on May 18, 2019
posted by gryphonlover at 9:09 AM on May 18, 2019
I have a librarian friend who has some pretty severe facial scarring and she wrote an article for Teen Vogue about what she does for her scars. She is not the same race as you but many of her suggestions come in a variety of shades.
posted by jessamyn at 10:31 AM on May 18, 2019
posted by jessamyn at 10:31 AM on May 18, 2019
i've tried the silicone patch thingies for a huge visible neck scar and it didn't make much of a difference, but also you have to secure it onto your skin with medical tape and i have a latex/adhesive/idek allergy, so instead of dulling/lightening the scar it gave me a huge crusty red rash around the scar, which was like. this is the opposite of what i wanted.
i got a super greasy vitamin E cream that seems to be working very slightly better but i'm not really optimistic about it doing anything to make a dramatic difference.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:14 AM on May 18, 2019
i got a super greasy vitamin E cream that seems to be working very slightly better but i'm not really optimistic about it doing anything to make a dramatic difference.
posted by poffin boffin at 11:14 AM on May 18, 2019
Just went to the dermatologist about someone’s scar.
1. High SPF always for the sun for at least the first year. It’s new skin and can burn very easily.
2. Scar massage can help thin a scar.
3. For very thick scars there are meds that can make them thinner but my insurance didn’t cover it enough and it would have cost $300 with insurance so we skipped it.
posted by anya32 at 11:47 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
1. High SPF always for the sun for at least the first year. It’s new skin and can burn very easily.
2. Scar massage can help thin a scar.
3. For very thick scars there are meds that can make them thinner but my insurance didn’t cover it enough and it would have cost $300 with insurance so we skipped it.
posted by anya32 at 11:47 AM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Vitamin E and CoQ 10 oil made a huge difference in healing a large burn I got on the back of my left hand. People did notice it when it was new, and my response was 'The first rule of Fight Club is don't talk about Fight Club.' which always got a smile. It's faded a lot over the years and hardly anyone notices it now.
For acne scars, glycolic peels are great! You can buy them online from MUAC (they're not expensive!) and they have detailed instructions on how to use them.
posted by ananci at 12:06 PM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
For acne scars, glycolic peels are great! You can buy them online from MUAC (they're not expensive!) and they have detailed instructions on how to use them.
posted by ananci at 12:06 PM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Due to an autoimmune disorder, I frequently deal with scarring from wounds that won't heal, skin lesions, and both hyper and hypo pigmentation.
Because lips are mucous membranes, it is very unlikely that the scaring on them is going to be permanent. Exfoliation, such as giving them a good and gentle scrub with a damp towel after a shower and then applying a lip balm to moisturize should be sufficient.
The back of your hand you mentioned scraping last week and that there is healing and scaring already present. If there were no stitches required, and due to the location of the skin on the hands getting more wear, it sounds like this would be superficial layer scaring that should heal and fade fairly quickly on its own as well.
With any scaring, you're essentially looking at an area of dead skin with keratin buildup in it. Regular exfoliation of the area followed by regular moisturizing is your best bet at getting it to heal well.
I've heard many people have had very good success with acid peeling agents, such as lactic acid, but I want to warm you that if your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, that these could make your scarring worse.
Keep your moisturizer rich and simple. Glycerine and silicone should be main ingredients and avoid anything that could irritate new skin growth either directly from fragrances, petrol based ingredients, alcohol, or through sun exposure reactions to vitamin a or e. Vitamin e specifially can actually impair the healing process in some people if used too soon on a scar. Zinc oxide is a good ingredient to look for as well, it provides spf protection and is super moisturizing.
Scaring also responds well to increased blood and lymph flow by massaging the area. Some people find some essential oils help to fade scars quickly, added to a carrier oil(there are so many kinds, you really do have to experiment to find what your own skin likes best), and if you do a bit of looking around online, you can find some places that sell these for only a few dollars each in the NOW brand.
Lastly, what I've found incredibly helpful is taking several grams of MSM a day. If you buy the powder/granules in a bulk tub, its really inexpensive too. After a few weeks, there really is a noticeable improvement in your skin. People have found that msm has helped their skin heal faster and better, that there is less inflammation, and that the skin is thicker/firmer/and has an improved texture.
posted by OnefortheLast at 12:08 PM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Because lips are mucous membranes, it is very unlikely that the scaring on them is going to be permanent. Exfoliation, such as giving them a good and gentle scrub with a damp towel after a shower and then applying a lip balm to moisturize should be sufficient.
The back of your hand you mentioned scraping last week and that there is healing and scaring already present. If there were no stitches required, and due to the location of the skin on the hands getting more wear, it sounds like this would be superficial layer scaring that should heal and fade fairly quickly on its own as well.
With any scaring, you're essentially looking at an area of dead skin with keratin buildup in it. Regular exfoliation of the area followed by regular moisturizing is your best bet at getting it to heal well.
I've heard many people have had very good success with acid peeling agents, such as lactic acid, but I want to warm you that if your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, that these could make your scarring worse.
Keep your moisturizer rich and simple. Glycerine and silicone should be main ingredients and avoid anything that could irritate new skin growth either directly from fragrances, petrol based ingredients, alcohol, or through sun exposure reactions to vitamin a or e. Vitamin e specifially can actually impair the healing process in some people if used too soon on a scar. Zinc oxide is a good ingredient to look for as well, it provides spf protection and is super moisturizing.
Scaring also responds well to increased blood and lymph flow by massaging the area. Some people find some essential oils help to fade scars quickly, added to a carrier oil(there are so many kinds, you really do have to experiment to find what your own skin likes best), and if you do a bit of looking around online, you can find some places that sell these for only a few dollars each in the NOW brand.
Lastly, what I've found incredibly helpful is taking several grams of MSM a day. If you buy the powder/granules in a bulk tub, its really inexpensive too. After a few weeks, there really is a noticeable improvement in your skin. People have found that msm has helped their skin heal faster and better, that there is less inflammation, and that the skin is thicker/firmer/and has an improved texture.
posted by OnefortheLast at 12:08 PM on May 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Active management of the hand injury is where to focus right now. Keep the scrape moisturized and covered to heal (vitamin E is great for this) and once it’s more healed, always have high power SPF on the area and reapply often. New skin after injury has a tendency to hyperpigment when exposed to UV. Hands get exposed to a lot of UV. Wear SPF all day and slather with vitamin E overnight. For the lips, see a dermatologist. You may be able to get a scar revision procedure done to lessen the appearance. Acne scars can also be reduced with injected fillers. If you’ve tried the over the counter options and it’s still an issue, go see a professional. I’ve also had great luck fading scars and hyperpigmentation with acids of various kinds. Mandelic acid works very well for this. I like the one from Makeup Artists Choice.
posted by quince at 12:12 PM on May 18, 2019
posted by quince at 12:12 PM on May 18, 2019
As a fellow darker-skinned lady who scars easily and often due to doing active stuff, I'll nth being really diligent about sunscreen. Scars and acne are very photosensitive, even if you have dark skin, so sunscreen will help with hyperpigmentation. For scars on your hands, this probably means reapplying any ol' sunscreen after you wash your hands. For your face, it's worth hitting up Sephora or Nordstorm's beauty counter to find a good high-SPF sunscreen that doesn't have a grey-ish cast on dark skin and is camera flash-friendly. As far as drugstore options are concerned, La Roche Posay's Antihelios Ultra-fluid Lotion (more expensive) and Coppertone Clearly Sheer Face (inexpensive) are ones I find are good on darker skin. The sunscreen recommendation is especially important if you're using some sort of OTC hydroquinone.
Another thing that's really helpful is using an occlusive ointment on your scars at night. I'm a big fan of Aquaphor; it's mostly petrolatum, like Vaseline, but it contains water and other stuff which helps it to lock in your skin's moisture and promote scar healing.
Silicone tape (but not silicone gel, though) has really helped to heal and lighten new scars. I like Mepitac because it's easy to cut to size.
As for hyperpigmentation from blemishes, I've had really great results with mandelic acid (either the 10% serums from MUAC or The Ordinary, or MUAC's peels) as well as using retinol/retinoid serums. I've also had a couple of really stubborn hyperpigmentation spots with texture issues treated with liquid nitrogen (from the spray can, like for wart treatment) at the doctor's office. This doesn't completely fade scars but it does lighten them a bit and help with texture so that it's easy to cover them with concealer. Do know that doctors may be squeamish about using cryosurgery techniques on dark skin because of the risk of permanent hypopigmentation.
There's probably no need to jump to laser treatment yet; if you haven't done so, a dermatologist can prescribe effective topical treatments and instruct you on a safe treatment regimen. One important tool they have at their disposal is Rx higher-strength hydroquinone that will work better than whatever strength of Ambi or Nadinola you can find at a beauty supply. Your PCP might be okay with starting some treatment, but it's more likely that they will refer to a dermatologist due to how finicky Fitzgerald Type IV/V/VI skin can be.
And while I will agree that you are fixating on minor stuff because you're scared to start dating again (ask me how I know!), I'm not here to pretend that you're not dating on hard mode, or that black women don't get judged much more harshly for imperfections, because you and I both know they do. Feel free to Mefi Mail me if you need a commiseration buddy or someone to talk you through doing a DIY chemical peel. Best of luck out there!
posted by blerghamot at 2:58 PM on May 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Another thing that's really helpful is using an occlusive ointment on your scars at night. I'm a big fan of Aquaphor; it's mostly petrolatum, like Vaseline, but it contains water and other stuff which helps it to lock in your skin's moisture and promote scar healing.
Silicone tape (but not silicone gel, though) has really helped to heal and lighten new scars. I like Mepitac because it's easy to cut to size.
As for hyperpigmentation from blemishes, I've had really great results with mandelic acid (either the 10% serums from MUAC or The Ordinary, or MUAC's peels) as well as using retinol/retinoid serums. I've also had a couple of really stubborn hyperpigmentation spots with texture issues treated with liquid nitrogen (from the spray can, like for wart treatment) at the doctor's office. This doesn't completely fade scars but it does lighten them a bit and help with texture so that it's easy to cover them with concealer. Do know that doctors may be squeamish about using cryosurgery techniques on dark skin because of the risk of permanent hypopigmentation.
There's probably no need to jump to laser treatment yet; if you haven't done so, a dermatologist can prescribe effective topical treatments and instruct you on a safe treatment regimen. One important tool they have at their disposal is Rx higher-strength hydroquinone that will work better than whatever strength of Ambi or Nadinola you can find at a beauty supply. Your PCP might be okay with starting some treatment, but it's more likely that they will refer to a dermatologist due to how finicky Fitzgerald Type IV/V/VI skin can be.
And while I will agree that you are fixating on minor stuff because you're scared to start dating again (ask me how I know!), I'm not here to pretend that you're not dating on hard mode, or that black women don't get judged much more harshly for imperfections, because you and I both know they do. Feel free to Mefi Mail me if you need a commiseration buddy or someone to talk you through doing a DIY chemical peel. Best of luck out there!
posted by blerghamot at 2:58 PM on May 18, 2019 [5 favorites]
Came in to say azelaic acid for the hand, which I see has already been said.
posted by liminal_shadows at 6:54 PM on May 18, 2019
posted by liminal_shadows at 6:54 PM on May 18, 2019
I had a big second excision of a melanoma on my shoulder after a first biopsy. The dermatologist said to basically always keep it covered with Vaseline. I had a noticeable keloid for a while, but it’s smooth, flat and smaller now. I’d recommend this. Not Neosporin, just a brand new container of Vaseline applied with a fresh cotton swab or pad, massaged in. And sunscreen, please.
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 8:36 PM on May 18, 2019
posted by OneSmartMonkey at 8:36 PM on May 18, 2019
If you have decent health insurance that will cover it, see a dermatologist (I've had luck crowd-sourcing recommendations on social media).
posted by bunderful at 6:30 AM on May 19, 2019
posted by bunderful at 6:30 AM on May 19, 2019
Silicone tape can be really great for new scars. I've had good experiences with both Mepitac (cut to size) and CicaTape (perforated in 2" squares). I think it could be ideal for your hand -- flexible, stays put, and isn't bulky or sticky. Annoyingly, all this stuff only comes in white-person skin color. The CicaTape is slightly translucent, so it might blend in a bit more.
posted by redfoxtail at 7:19 AM on May 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by redfoxtail at 7:19 AM on May 19, 2019 [2 favorites]
Have you ever tried hydrocolloid bandages/acne patches? The bandages would be good for your hand or similar cuts, acne patches are for active zits, there's a few different types of acne patches depending on the type of zit. They really seem great as far as preventing the normal scarring plus help with the healing/recovery time. Note this is only for new injuries/active acne (hand probably, acne scars no), just didn't see anyone mentioning it yet in the thread.
posted by love2potato at 2:00 PM on May 19, 2019
posted by love2potato at 2:00 PM on May 19, 2019
Also not a point on healing the scar, but maybe more of a point on healing the emotional ones you can't see: I've always thought of my scars as kind of the visual story of where I've been / what I've done.
I've got some pretty gnarly scars. Last year I broke my right leg badly - tibia and fibula fully outside the leg. The doc was able to bolt me back together again and save my foot, but I've got serious scarrage on my right ankle for the rest of my life.
Some day, when my kid is old enough to ask me about it, that'll be the story of when dad was skateboarding to work and had a nasty accident.
My funky pinky fingernail is the story of when I slammed my finger in the car door on the way from touring Dachau to the Christmas markets in Munich.
Etc..
Look at it this way: anyone who is too put off by your physically evident scars to be interested in you hopefully isn't the kind of person you want to invest too much of your own time and interest in, right?
As Hemingway put it: The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.
Go out there and keep charging at life and pick up a few more scars along the way. Be the kind of person you'd want to date.
posted by allkindsoftime at 11:48 AM on May 21, 2019
I've got some pretty gnarly scars. Last year I broke my right leg badly - tibia and fibula fully outside the leg. The doc was able to bolt me back together again and save my foot, but I've got serious scarrage on my right ankle for the rest of my life.
Some day, when my kid is old enough to ask me about it, that'll be the story of when dad was skateboarding to work and had a nasty accident.
My funky pinky fingernail is the story of when I slammed my finger in the car door on the way from touring Dachau to the Christmas markets in Munich.
Etc..
Look at it this way: anyone who is too put off by your physically evident scars to be interested in you hopefully isn't the kind of person you want to invest too much of your own time and interest in, right?
As Hemingway put it: The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.
Go out there and keep charging at life and pick up a few more scars along the way. Be the kind of person you'd want to date.
posted by allkindsoftime at 11:48 AM on May 21, 2019
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I think putting off dating until next year just because of a scar is on the extreme end of possible reactions, you know? It sounds like this is more about dating anxiety or general body or self-esteem issues, and treating that would be much more important than treating a scar.
(btw I hear what you're saying about playing the game at a hard level. But it sounds like you're really internalizing all the potential judgment, and it's not taking you to the best place.)
posted by trig at 2:09 AM on May 18, 2019 [94 favorites]