How to Prevent or Minimize Scars? - An Extensive Discussion

Scars always come as bad news because they bring nothing but marks and pain. No matter the type, be it bruises, acne, keloid, or hypertrophic, you get to face more or less the same trouble. 

Here are many reasons why these scars turn up on your skin. Some are internal and some are external. Got punched? there you have scars! Got stressed? Face the marks again

Although they may fade within 6-18 months, you should take steps to speed it up.

There are many meds, treatments, and home remedies you can try to shoo them away. But there’s one method that’s grabbing attention because of its efficiency. And that’s LLLT devices. 

These are red light for treating scars which work through lasers or LEDs. So, if you want to minimize or prevent them, give it a shot.  

Understanding Different Types Of Scars 

Bruises

Bruises are basically skin discolorations that happen after a solid impact. When the blood leaks out of your vessels and capillaries and then accumulates under the skin, it ends up with bruises. It’s because there isn’t any opening for the blood to get out of the body.

Stretch marks 

A kind of scar, stretch marks usually develop when your skin stretches or shrinks mostly due to losing/gaining weight or pregnancy. The sudden change is what causes your collagen and elastin to rupture. 

Acne scars

Acne scars come straight from inflamed lesions that break at the dermis layer and go deeper below the skin surface. When skin pores are crammed with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it leads to acne scars.

Keloid Scars

A keloid is an overgrowth of extra granulation tissue that happens from abnormal wound healing. The scar tissue occurs in response to skin trauma or inflammation and can spread beyond the injury areas.  

Hypertrophic Scars

These are thick raised scars that develop when there’s a lot of tension and stress around a healing wound. They usually stay limited to the injury areas and regress over time. 

Red Light Therapy For Scar Treatment

Red light therapy is like a therapeutic technique. It works to treat different skin conditions like burns, scars, and marks using low-level wavelengths of red light. 

The device consists of special lights that shine on the skin. You won’t find it too hot but they help change cell activity in a good way. 

The therapy uses either lasers (coherent light sources) or LED (non-coherent light sources) or sometimes both to help treat the issues. 

Some Of The Main Uses Of RLT Include 

• Reducing pain and inflammation 
• Speeding up tissue repair 
• Promoting regeneration of tissues and nerves
• Preventing skin damage 
• Treating fine wrinkles and photoaged skin
• Healing scars 

As per a 2013 study by SCMS in the US, such special light therapy has evidently shown efficiency in healing a variety of skin conditions and pains. 

Can Red Light Therapy Minimize and Prevent Scars?

Yes, Red Light Therapy can help minimize and prevent scars using lasers or LEDs or both that alter biological activity and treat the damages.

Let’s know how it works!

1. Boosts Mitochondria Production

Red Light Therapy makes sure it stimulates and boosts your cellular energy production when the light penetrates the skin. This way, it treats inflammation, promotes tissue repair and reproduction, speeds up the healing process, and eventually minimizes scarring. On top of that, it helps prevent future scarring too. 

2. Amplifies Blood Circulation

RLT multiplies the production of endothelial cells. It means the therapy helps your body make more cells that line blood vessels and make them bigger. This works to amp up blood circulation and bring more oxygen and nutrients to the scarring. As a result, it helps accelerate healing and prevent scarring from forming again. 

3. Enhances Collagen Density

Red light therapy also works with the cells that give strength to your skin. It increases the density and organization of collagen which further helps fight rigid scar tissue. Not only does it create healthy skin but makes it flexible too. 

How To Minimize Scars With Red Light Therapy?

Step 1: Choose High-quality Device

Opt for the right RLT device. You can expect the best results from one that’s high-powered and high-quality. Check out the measurement mW/cm2. Higher numbers mean more power and more efficiency. You might consider Biomax 600 for the scar.  

Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin

Red light therapy works better on fresh, bare skin without any products on it. So, cleanse your face thoroughly before using the device. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t have harsh chemical formulations to worsen scarring. 

Step 3: Position the RLT Device At A Distance 

Red light therapy is indeed safe. Yet, staying too close to the device can overheat and damage your skin tissue. It’s better to sit 6 to 12 inches away from the device and expose the affected areas to the light. Make sure to keep them bare. 

Step 4: Start The Session Depending On The Scars

In case you’re new, it’s advisable to start the session with 5 to 10 minutes. Then as your skin acclimates to the therapy over 2-3 weeks, gradually work your way up to 15 to 20 minutes.  

The session period, treatment duration, and results can vary based on the type and severity of scarring. 

It’s better to consult an expert and know about the treatment in detail. 

Step 5: Be Consistent

Red light therapy can take longer to show visible results. Make sure to be consistent and use the device following manual instructions. 

All the devices come with a manual. You’ll get key details like recommended treatment times, frequency, and positioning of the RLT device on the scar over there. 

Skipping the session, doing it carelessly or overexposure can lead to damage to your skin. 

Red Light Treatment-Session Depending On Scars

How To Prevent Scars?

You have to follow some tips to prevent scars. Let’s highlight some here:

General Tips for Scar Prevention

• Clean the wound
• Use proper ointment or antibiotic creams
• Cover with a bandage
• Avoid infection and minimize tension on the wound
• Protect the wound from the sun
• Use sunscreen
• Wear protective clothing 

Home Remedies 

• Silicone sheets and gels
• Vitamin E oil
• Aloe vera
• Honey

Therapy Options

• Low-level laser therapy
• Low-level LED therapy 
• Collagen induction therapy
• Scar massage

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Red Light Therapy Help With Scars?

Yes, red light therapy can change the cell activity of the scan which helps treat scars. 

Can You Overdo Red Light Therapy?

No. You should never ever overdo red light therapy because it leads to skin irritation, redness, blistering, and more scarring. The RLT session shouldn’t go beyond 30 minutes. 

Is 30 Minutes Too Long For The Red Light Therapy?

No. A lot of red light therapy sessions might last up to 30 minutes depending on your skin conditions. Longer RLT sessions are advisable only for severe cases. 

Should I Put Anything On My Skin Before Red Light Therapy?

No. You shouldn’t put anything on your skin before red light therapy. Any products like serums or moisturizers prevent the efficiency of the light. Only cleansing the affected area will do. 

Keep These In Mind Before You Go For Minimizing Scars

It’s a must to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider before grabbing a red light device. They’ll tell you if it’s suitable for the scar type you’re having. 

Because there are different types of scars, understanding them is important. Red light therapy usually works better on certain types than the other. For example, it tends to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars more effectively than third-degree burns.

Avoid putting on anything before the therapy apart from the cleanser. Keep the skin clean, bare, and dry. 

Shower or wash your skin 24-48 hours after the red light therapy. Never rub the treated area. Instead, gently dab it dry. You shouldn’t go swimming until the scar heals.