The formation of a scar is a result of the natural heeling process of the body. The skin is composed of two main layers; the dermis which is the lower and thicker layer, and the epidermis which is a thinner outer layer. The more damage which is done to the dermis, the deeper and darker the scar will be, notes ScarInfo.
Scars will generally fade and improve over the two years after the injury, or acne outbreak, as new collagen forms and blood vessels are repaired. However, the skin will always be marked to some degree as hair follicles and sweat glands will not return.
Make a paste of manuka honey and cinnamon in a bowl. 3 tbsp of manuka and 1 tbsp cinnamon.
From a fresh lemon, squeeze the juice into a small bowl or dish.
Cleanse face with warm water and an over-the-counter cleanser lotion or tonic.
Dab cotton ball in lemon juice and apply to scarred area. Drench the area in juice and leave for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Aapply manuka honey paste in a thick layer to the scar, before bed. Allow this to dry before sleeping. Rinse off in morning.
Apply moisturizer. If the scarred area is on the face or another area of body exposed to sunlight, use a moisturizer with a high SPF--sun protection factor.
Tips
The honey can be applied with no cinnamon content. To save on mess, it can also be applied to a dressing or bandage.
The lemon juice can sting. To reduce the citric acidity it can be diluted in water. Lemon juice can also increase photo sensitivity in the scarred area and so the moisturizer with SPF is recommended.
Warning
There is very little medical research evidence to support the effectiveness of home remedies like honey and lemon in treating scars. It is best to always consult a specialist before beginning any self-treatment. Both honey and lemon can create skin irritation in some sensitive skin types. If there is no improvement in the scar coloration after several weeks of use an over-the-counter product or a prescription medicine may be recommended by a specialist.
