Shin scars are unsightly and difficult to hide while wearing shorts or a skirt. However, you don't need to just live with scarred shins. A number of options are available to help reduce the appearance of shin scars. Treatment varies based on the type of scarring you're experiencing.
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are very useful for minimizing superficial, surface scars, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Chemical peeling is administered by a dermatologist. The procedure involves the application of glycolic acid or a similar acid. The acid burns off the topmost skin layers, then the acidic solution is neutralized and removed. Once the top layers of skin are removed, new skin grows over the treated area. This procedure helps to fade the small shin scars commonly associated with accidental leg shaving cuts.
Dermabrasion
Much like chemical peels, dermabrasion therapies remove scarred skin, allowing for new skin growth. The primary difference is in the removal method. Rather than utilizing acid, dermabrasion uses an abrasive brush to remove skin. Dermabrasion is best suited for small scars, like those from shaving. Some minor imperfections can be removed in one treatment, but repeat treatments can be administered to address deeper scarring, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Cryotherapy
People with darker skin pigment are more likely to experience keloid scarring on their shins. Keloid scar tissue can appear up to one year after the original scar has formed, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Keloid scarring is characterized by excessive collagen production at the scar site, causing the scar to protrude from the skin's surface. This type of scar can occur even from a minor shaving cut. Cryotherapy is administered to freeze off keloid scars. After treatment, keloid scars can regrow, requiring multiple cryotherapy sessions.
Collagen Injections
If your shin scars are the result of a sports injury or other trauma, the scarring may have cut deep into the shin. Deeper scars can leave an indented mark in the skin. This scarred crater is fixable with collagen injections. Collagen plumps up the scarred skin, making the scar smoother and less noticeable. However, collagen injections are only temporary. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, collagen breaks down within three to 12 months, and you will need new injections.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing can even out scarred surfaces when other methods fail. Laser therapy is precise and effective, but it can cost several thousands of dollars. It is more financially feasible for most people to exhaust other scar reduction methods before pursuing laser resurfacing. According to the University of Michigan Department of Plastic Surgery, CO2 lasers are ideal for very deep scars, and Erbium lasers work well for shallow scars or darker skin tones.
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