Darker skin tones are more susceptible to abnormal healing of injury. Due to overproduction of melanin at the injury site, scarring may occur outside of the normal injury boundary, forming what is known as a keloid scar. According to Dr. Susan Taylor's Brownskin.net, a majority of scars are not this radical, however darker skin tones are at a higher risk. Treating scarring in darker skin tones can help to prevent and even treat keloid scars as well as normal scarring from everyday injuries.
Step 1
Apply pressure bandages to scar sites for raised scars such as keloids or hypertrophic scarring. This applies gentle pressure to the affected tissue, increasing blood flow to speed up the skin's natural healing process and flatten raised scars. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, pressure bandages, used along with daily massage, can help to flatten scars when used regularly for several months.
Step 2
Massage silicone gel into the scar as directed by the manufacturer or your dermatologist. Silicone is also available in gel sheeting that can be applied like a bandage and worn for up to 24 hours. According to Dr. Susan Taylor, the exact method to how silicone gel works is unknown. It is believed to reduce the appearance of keloids and treats already existent scarring.
Step 3
Opt for dermabrasion to slough off the damaged outer skin layers. Dermabrasion provides a deep exfoliation to remove damaged skin and return smoothness to the affected area. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, minimal scars may only require one treatment, while intense scars may require several, depending on severity.
Step 4
Relax with a chemical peel at your dermatologist's office. Chemical peels remove the outer layers of damaged skin through chemical means, without affecting darker skin tones, simulating the exfoliating action of dermabrasion. Chemical peels for scarring of the outer layers of skin use a mild chemical solution. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is ideal for shallow superficial scars.
Things You'll Need
- Pressure bandages
- Silicone gel or bandages
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