How our bodies heal and how we help them

Whether it’s an innocent child’s accident, a fight against acne, or a mild or traumatic mishap, every scar has an origin story. First, it’s a fresh wound, then a pesky scab, and finally our own tough scar. It’s the evidence of our body’s complicated biological healing process. Before we can treat a scar, we have to truly understand what occurs below the surface.

So, what is a scar?

A scar is a physical blemish comprised of dense scar tissue. One may fade over the years, but for the most part, a scar is for life. They are the result of our blood vessels and tissue rebuilding themselves after an area of skin has been damaged. The discoloration and texture of a scar depends on the severity of the wound and the overall nutrition of the individual. Healthier, well-nourished skin and bodies are more receptive to a less impactful healing process.

How long does it take a scar to heal?

Typically scars develop in a month, several months, or upwards of a year, depending on the nature of the injury. The healing process begins by sealing the damaged blood vessels, which occurs right after we obtain an injury and is known as hemostasis. Next, we experience inflammation, the phase most often associated with swelling and pain. Then, our bodies begin rebuilding tissue.

This process, known as the maturation phase, is when properly moisturizing and nourishing our skin becomes the most important. Cotton thistle (image above), one of the primary active ingredients in CELSUS Scar Cream, works to stabilize and regulate hydration, which maintains the flexibility and softness of skin while it heals.

Why are scars so stiff?

Just by running your fingers over a scar, you can feel its raised texture and the toughness of the skin below it. Scar tissue is denser than the tissue surrounding it because of the way the collagen fibers redevelop. Collagen is the main structural protein present throughout the entire body that gives our skin both elasticity and strength. As our bodies rebuild it, the collagen fibers become clustered, making our skin feel stiff.

For a comprehensive guide on collagen, see Perfect Keto's What is Collagen.

What gives a scar its color?

Many of us sport an old, white scar from something that happened to us years ago. These older scars are lighter in color than the surrounding skin because of the loss of pigment-producing cells that happened during the original injury. We just might not notice for a while because many scars are darker in color as they heal, due to the damaged blood vessels.

Is it possible to reduce the visibility of a scar?

Depending on the age of your scar, it is possible to reduce to the appearance by properly caring for the damaged skin. Just as we take care of our bodies, hydration and proper nutrition are integral in encouraging scar tissue to soften. CELSUS Bio-Intelligence Scar Cream incorporates natural elements, such as Tamanu, Helichrysum, and Centella Asiatica that have been clinically proven to reduce the visibility of scars both old and new. Try a daily application and see for yourself!

—Kayleen Cohen, Celsus Bio-Intelligence staff writer