Scars are marks on your skin that occur when your body repairs various forms of skin damage. In some cases, they can cause unwanted cosmetic changes in the appearance of your skin. Although you can use a number of different techniques to improve the appearance of scars, you cannot heal them with substances called omega-3 fatty acids.
Understanding Scars
When your skin is injured, your body performs repairs with both your skin cells and associated connective tissue cells called fibroblasts, according to the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology. Scarring occurs during the normal healing process when specialized fibers from your fibroblasts are deposited in a wound and seal it closed. Younger individuals tend to have a strong healing response and usually form more prominent scars than older individuals, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. Typically, your chances for scar development increase in accordance with the amount of damage done to your skin.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are substances that your body needs for several vital functions, including proper development of visual and nervous functions in children and everyday brain function in children and adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You cannot make omega-3s internally, so you must get them from foods in your diet. Established sources of dietary omega-3s include fatty fish such as lake trout and salmon, algae, small shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, soybeans, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Omega-3 Uses
The UMMC lists potential uses for omega-3 supplements that include treatment of heart disease, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. There is also some evidence that indicates that omega-3s may provide benefit in the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, lupus, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and osteoporosis. If you have the sun sensitivity disorder called photo dermatitis, omega-3 supplements may help your condition; however, you will typically get a much greater treatment benefit from use of topical sunscreen products.
Scar Treatments
The AAD lists potential treatment options for healing or reducing the prominence of scars that include chemical peels, soft tissue injections, laser or conventional surgery, a freezing procedure called cryosurgery, a skin resurfacing technique called dermabrasion and a skin replacement technique called punch grafting. Additional approaches to treating your scars include silicone gels, cortisone injections and pressure bandages that flatten your scars when applied regularly over a period of several months. You can also use cosmetics that cover your scars temporarily while they heal naturally.
Considerations
Many scars that alter your appearance during normal healing disappear on their own over time, the AAD explains. The time frame for healing can be as long as 6 to 18 months. While doctors can help modify the appearance of an existing scar, they cannot remove all signs of the scarring process or return your skin to its pre-damaged state. Be aware that the results of scar treatment vary from individual to individual. Consult your doctor for more information.
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