Seven ways to treat scarring on black skin
When it comes to treating scars, there’s no universal treatment or plan of action as each scar and body is unique.
On black skin in particularly, it is advisable to tread carefully and cautiously so avoid the possibility for further scarring.
We’ve highlighted some treatments with a proven track record that will effectively reduce scarring and improve the appearance of scarring on your skin. With scarring it’s crucial to always remember that the focus of treatment is to improve the condition of the skin.
Chemical Peels
Superficial and medium peels are best suited for black skin and these treatments can be tailored to breakdown damaged tissue and encourage remodelling and resurfacing of the skin.
Peels are widely used in treating textured acne scarring such as superficial ice pick, box scars and rolling scars as they stimulate collagen to plump the skin. Whilst peels may not always be the best option for hypertrophic and keloid scarring they are great at improving the volume and health of the skin which can make scars less apparent.
Additionally, they’re highly effective in correcting hyperpigmentation as they assist in removing sluggish skin cells which contain concentrated pigment and encourage better skin cell renewal to reveal fresher skin cells.
Microneedling
Microneedling can treat all forms of scarring. The probes not only create micropunctures (or pinprick wounds), they fragment tough, old scar strands. This process encourages the wound to heal because it stimulate the building blocks of healthy skin and tissue - collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
Platelet Rich Therapy
Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP), sometimes called the vampire facial involves using your own blood to provide stimulation for healing damaged tissue.
The science is that your blood being drawn, thickened and separated into three layers: platelet-poor-plasma, platelet-rich plasma and red blood cells. The platelet rich plasma is full of multiple growths factors and proteins beneficial for stimulating healing in damaged tissue.
Like all therapies, the research is constantly being updated but PRP has been shown to be effective in reducing indented (atrophic) scarring, especially when combined with laser therapy.
Wrinkle Reducing Injection’s & Dermal Fillers
Commonly known as Botox injections, they can be effective in treating raised (hypertrophic) and keloid scarring. The injections reduce the activity of the muscles to allow the wound to heal and the collagen in the area to mature without any tension to impair healing – this is particularly beneficial for scarring on the face as facial muscles move significantly making tension more likely to occur.
Dermal fillers are a suitable option for treating indented (atrophic) scarring as they can be applied directly under the scar to plump depressions in the skin.
Light -based Therapy
Laser treatment can be used as a single or supplemented treatment to help resurface any damaged scar tissue and improve its appearance. Ablative and non-ablative lasers are effective in lessening most scars including raised (hypertrophic), indented (atrophic), hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and stretch marks. LED and other forms of low-level light therapy can be used soon after injury has occurred to support wound healing, reduce inflammation and the severity of any scars that occurs post-injury.
Silicone Gel and Sheets
Silicone sheets are an effective tool for minimising itching, discomfort and the severity of scarring. It does this through increasing hydration within upper layers of the skin, protecting scarred tissue from infection and preventing infection-induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue as well as encouraging a more controlled healing of the skin after injury.
Silicone gel and sheets can be prescribed or purchased over-the-counter for self-treatments and there is research to support their use for safe and effective treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scarring.
Topical
Adopting a suitable skin care regimen can help to improve the appearance of scarring by supporting the skin before and after injury. Cosmeceutical skincare ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Retinoids, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid and Resveratrol are a few that help to boost internal hydration, strengthen the protective barrier, improve structure and limit stress within the skin.
Depigmenting agents such as.Kojic Acid, Liquorice Root, Cysteamine, Resorcinol, Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid will reduce hyperpigmentation over time and keep it at bay when combined with strict use of broad-spectrum sunscreen designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Corticosteroid creams have been shown to successfully re-pigment the skin but prolonged long-term use can influence thinning of the skin which could lead to stretch marks, so they must be used with caution and under medical supervision. Many skincare products claim to rid the skin of stretch marks but at best they improve the quality of the skin to make them appear less prominent.
It’s easy to see from these options that scar treatment is diverse and there are many other medical solutions such as surgery, advanced procedures with injections, pressure therapy and cryotherapy. Many types of procedures can also be combined to achieve even better long lasting results.
At a very basic level, prioritising the health of your skin after trauma by keeping it clean, free from heat and infection, moisturised and protected is key for optimal wound healing and scar management. Using results driven skincare and having in-clinic treatments will further support the skin and refine any scars left behind.
EDITED BY: Nateisha Scott