What Are The Scar Healing Stages (And When Can I Conceal a Scar?)
Getting an injury is bad enough, but it can feel even worse when it happens on your face or another noticeable part of your body.
Thankfully concealer comes to the rescue! At HIDE, our products are ideal for covering anything, including scars. If you don't know how to use concealer properly, you're in the right place. After this, you will be applying makeup like a pro.
However, you want to avoid putting makeup on broken skin. There are a few important things to remember when dealing with a scar. We are going to go over the different stages of the scar healing process so that you know at what point you can safely conceal a scar.
The Healing Stages of a Scar
It is nearly impossible to go through life without getting hurt at least a few times. Or perhaps, you had to get surgery or have severe acne and are left with scarring.
When your body is healing, it goes through a specific process. It is uniquely designed to heal itself. When you first get an injury, your body will almost immediately clot the blood, and then a scab forms rather quickly.
Let's go over the healing stages of a scar.
Stage 1 of Scar Healing
After your scab falls off, your body's rebuilding stage is in full swing. It sends oxygen-rich blood cells to the area to create brand new tissue. Other signals from your body cause the cells around the area to make collagen, which is an elastic tissue.
At this point in the healing process, you will likely have a fresh raised scar. It may give the skin a reddish, pinkish hue.
Stage 2 of Scar Healing
Eventually, your wound is completely closed, leaving behind a scar. However, it's still healing and may still look pink. You may also experience itching or tightness.
Stage 3 of Scar Healing
The scar will slowly fade in color and could become more flat. It may totally disappear, but this can take up to two years. If your injury was only to the top layer of skin, you most likely won't be left with a scar. However, if it's a deeper wound, you probably will scar.
It is also important to note that there are many different types of scars. While most end up being flat and white, others can be raised, which are hypertrophic scars or keloid scars. A scar raises when the body produces too much collagen.
When You Can Conceal A Scar
So at what point in the scar healing process can you start covering it with makeup? Once your wound has fully closed and is in the scaring phase, it is safe to apply makeup.
When you have a scab or have an open wound, try to keep it clean. As hard as it may be to go out in public with a noticeable scab, don't try to cover it with makeup. This can lead to harmful bacteria getting under your skin, leading to infection and prolonging the healing process.
Another reason you don't want to put makeup over a wound that hasn't completely closed is that it could dry out your skin. In the early stages of the wound healing process, it needs moisture to heal. Without moisture, it will slow down the healing process, and you may experience more pain.
Some makeup can clog the pores on your face resulting in oily skin, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria. If you do use makeup, try to use one that doesn't block your pores. HIDE products provide high coverage but still allows your skin to breathe. However, ideally, you will hold off on the makeup until your wound is closed.
How To Know If You Have An Infection From a Scar
If you develop an infection, it is important to recognize it and treat it before it gets worse. If you have been applying makeup to a wound before it's fully closed or haven't been able to keep it clean, here are a few things to look out for.
Pain: The pain getting worse can be the most obvious sign of an infection. You may also have redness around the wound that wasn't there before.
Swelling: Your skin around your wound swelling is also a sign of infections. It is normal for there to be swelling when you first get injured, but after some time, if the swelling returns, it may be an infection.
Drainage: If there is drainage coming from the wound, like pus, that is a clear sign there's a problem, and you should consult a doctor.
Fever: If the area is hot to the touch or if you have a fever, your wound may be infected. A fever is the body's way of killing a virus or bacteria since the higher temperature makes it harder for a virus or bacteria to survive.
Types Of Concealer for Covering Scars
Once you can safely cover your scar with makeup, there are many different kinds of concealer to consider.
Cream Concealer: Cream concealer has a thick consistency and a highly pigmented formulation. Some people may not like the heavy consistency over a larger area, though, and the thicker consistency can make raised bumps stand out.
Liquid Concealer: Liquid concealers, like the name implies, have the highest amount of hydration. This type of concealer is the most versatile and is adaptable.
HIDE Liquid Concealer is a premium quality product that can cover anything. It will conceal your scars and any hyperpigmentation. Hide products that won't clog your pores and don't feel too heavy on your skin. It's also waterproof, so it will stay in place and last all day.
HIDE liquid concealer is medium to full coverage and is buildable. You want a highly pigmented concealer when covering scars, so you don't have to cake on the product to cover it.
How To Conceal A Scar
Once you have a concealer, here are a few tips for applying it to hide your scar.
Start with a primer to help fill in the uneven surface of the skin where the scar is. If the scar is discolored, pink, or red, you can use a green color-correcting concealer to cancel out the discoloration. However, if you are using HIDE concealer, you most likely won't need a color-correcting concealer.
Before concealer, use a foundation to even out the skin tone, like HIDE Premium Foundation. After, use a damp makeup sponge to gently dab concealer over your scar, pressing the product into the skin. Start with a thin layer, slowly building up until you reach the desired coverage. This dabbing technique will prevent the product from settling into any fine lines or creases after your done.
Once you feel good about the way it looks, set it with a loose setting powder and a powder brush or a makeup setting spray. Setting the makeup will help ensure that it will be locked in place all day.
HIDE Any Scar
Being able to cover a scar is very beneficial, but you should only do it when your wound is in the scar healing phase. Otherwise, you may be susceptible to infection, which can prolong the healing process.
HIDE makes a high-quality concealer that works great at covering scars. You can build up the coverage to fit your needs, and it won't clog your pores. HIDE will give you the perfect natural look, and no one will be able to see your scar!
Sources:
Scar Treatment: How to Heal Your Scar | The Hand Society