This story was updated in January 2019.
Table of Contents
Scars have always been a topic of contention amongst a lot of people. While some people believe you need to wear your scars like battle stripes, proof that you existed and achieved something, others are really conscious of their scars, giving them body image issues. Especially if the scars are on the legs, most women shy away from wearing clothes like shorts, skirts and dresses, fearing that they’ll be judged for these scars or dark pores.
The truth, however, is that you deal with your scars the way only YOU want to. If you’re self-conscious about it, then you can use all these remedies to get rid of your scars but if you’re unbothered by them, go ahead and let them be. The choice, ultimately, is yours and do not buy into the idea of perfection that the society is trying to sell you. That being said, if you belong to the first category and are legitimately looking to reduce those scars on your legs that you might have gotten due to injuries, shaving or general wear and tear of the body, then we have some solutions for you. From DIY treatments you can do at home to a chemical procedure, we’ve covered everything here! Have a look and choose what suits you (and your budget) the best!
Causes Of Scars
Types Of Scars
Home Remedies
Products
Procedures To Remove Scars
Tips And Tricks
Reasons For Scarring
Whenever there is a wound, a scar is a natural part of the body’s biological healing process. Most wounds, from accidents to diseases to skin conditions like acne, lead to some degree of scarring. It happens when the deep, thick layer of the skin, called the dermis, is damaged. To heal these wounds, the body goes into an immediate repair mode to try and close up the wound by producing extra collagen to mend the damage which results in the formation of a scar. Since your body was in such a hurry to repair, the collagen is not laid out in the neatly organised lattice pattern like the rest of your skin. This is why the new tissue has a different texture than the surrounding skin, making it more prominent and noticeable. Over the next few years, once the wound is completely healed, the body tries to replace the messy collagen and rearrange it properly, which reduces the appearance of scars but it is never completely healed, because of which the scar remains, even if it is lighter and less prominent than before.
There also some other factors responsible for scarring. Age affects the appearance of scars as the older you get, the body’s production of collagen and elasticity lowers making it difficult to heal the wounds. Skin tone is another huge factor as people with darker or fairer skin tones have more prominent scars. Another major factor is the location. If you get an injury in a place where healing takes time, like your knee, which bends a lot or your hand which is constantly moving, the scars will be more prominent.
Also Read About treatments for ingrown toenails
Types Of Scars
To successfully treat scars on legs, you must know all the kinds of scars. Some treatments are specific to particular scars only and this knowledge will help you use the most effective one! You must also consult a dermatologist, if you’re in doubt.
Keloid Scars
When a wound heals too aggressively, these large, growth-like scars are formed. They grow larger over time and can even return after treatment.
Hypertrophic Scars
Initially red or pink, these are raised scars caused by burns, surgery, injuries like falling and such. They are itchy in the beginning but fade over time!
Atrophic Scars
These are the deep, pit-like scars left behind by severe acne or chicken pox.
Stretch Marks
When the body goes through a period of rapid weight loss or gain, the skin develops thin reddish-purple scars. Most commonly present in pregnant ladies, they lighten over time and become white.
Contracture Scars
Caused usually by burning of the skin and covering large parts of the body, these scars may feel tight, especially around the joints. In some case, they can restrict movement as well!
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Scars
Cucumber Juice To The Rescue
Cucumber helps reduce the appearances of dark spots on your legs. It’s cooling for your skin and hydrates it naturally. Mix the juice of one raw cucumber with a couple of drops of rosewater and lemon juice. Stir using a spoon and apply it on your legs for 10-15 minutes. Do this for at least 10-15 minutes every alternate day for a month, and you’re bound to see a difference.
Have You Tried Egg Whites Yet?
A natural way to heal strawberry legs is to use egg whites. All you’ve got to do is crack an egg and separate the white from the yolk. Dip your fingertips into the white and gently apply it on your pores. After 5-10 minutes, wash it off with cold water.
Tea Tree Oil Is The Best
Did you know that tea tree oil is packed with antibacterial properties? It’s known to help heal strawberry legs. In a bowl, add 2-3 teaspoons of tea tree oil and a couple of drops of olive oil. Massage for a good 10 minutes and wash it off using lukewarm water. Thrice a week is good enough to get quick results.
Vitamin E Will Solve All Your Problems
Vit E is a holy grail when it comes to skin issues and scarring. Since it is highly moisturizing and contains powerful antioxidants, it helps repair skin and damaged tissue. You can take a capsule orally or burst open a pill to release the oil and apply it to the affected area.
Cocoa Butter To The Rescue
A natural product, cocoa butter helps reduce the scars by softening the outer and middle layers of the skin as it is highly moisturising. This helps smooth out the surface of the skin too! Massaging the cocoa butter using circular motions 2 to 3 times a day can speed up the healing process.
The Superpowers Of Aloe Vera
If you got 99 problems, Aloe vera can probably solve about 90 of them! Aloe vera not only has soothing and moisturising properties, but it is also anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, promotes regeneration of skin. This is what makes it the perfect product to use on fresh scars. You can use both natural aloe vera direct from the leaf or aloe vera extracts available in stores.
Make Olive Oil Your BFF
Another natural treatment that is really known for its superpowers of making scars disappear. Extra virgin olive oil has higher levels of acidity and vitamins E and K, as compared to other olive oils making it especially effective. The moisturising properties of the oil cause the scar tissue to loosen up while the skin is exfoliated because of its acidity levels. Using it with a teaspoon of baking soda can work wonders.
ProTip: Combine one teaspoon of rosehip/chamomile/calendula oil with two teaspoons of olive oil and apply this to the scars. You’ll see almost immediate results.
Trustworthy Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and that’s why it can be used for reducing scars. Lemon juice also minimizes redness and exfoliates the skin. Pure lemon juice can be a little harsh on the skin so diluting it with water or mixing it with products like cucumber or honey to counteract lemon’s drying properties!
Use some onion juice
A surprising remedy but one that works miraculously. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit collagen production. This helps in fading of scars and stops new ones from forming. You can even apply onion juice diluted with rose water on your face to get rid of those pesky acne scars.
Amla ka magic
Amla, or gooseberry, is one of the fruits richest in vitamin C. This vitamin helps reduce the formation of new scars and because of its acidic properties, helps lighten old ones. You can mix amla juice with olive oil to keep the skin moisturised as it heals!
Products That Get Rid Of Scars
Scar Eeducing Creams And Gels
A lot of over the counter products are available at local pharmacies that work on improving the appearance of scars. The effectiveness of it, though, depends on how old or severe the scar is. Medical professionals are usually skeptical of the results but a lot of people swear by them. It is more of which products suits and works on your skin, so it is a hit and trial method. Mederma and Bio Oil are two really great products but the result can only be seen after prolonged periods of use.
A Silicone Based Sheet
Silicone scar sheets are a new and innovative way to deal with and get rid of the unsightly scars. These self-adhesive sheets use the silicone technology to hydrate your skin and fade the scars. Available over-the-counter, each box provides about three months supply of sheets. For noticeable results, the sheets must be applied to the scarred area for about 12 hours each day for a period of two to three months!
Image: Source
Bleaching Creams
Most bleaching creams contain ingredients like hydroquinone which reduce the appearance of scars by targeting the hyperpigmentation. They lighten the colour of these scars, usually brown, black or red in appearance over time.
Chemical Procedures To Lighten Or Remove Scars
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure in which the skin is exfoliateed using a rotating wire brush or diamond wheel. This removes the top layers of the skin over and around the scars. After the procedure, as the skin heals around the scar, the appearance of it is reduced a lot. While this procedure is used extensively for acne and facial scars, it can also be used for the scars on your legs. But remember, it is a delicate process and must be done by only a trusted surgeon since it can do more damage than good if performed incorrectly.
Get a chemical peel
Used only for superficial scars and not for the deep ones, this works wonderfully well on scars caused by hyperpigmentation. In a chemical peel, an acidic solution is applied to the intended area and left for a few minutes only. Patients experience a burning sensation which normalises once the solution is neutralised and washed off. A few days after the procedure, the old skin begins to peel away and leaves behind new skin. Depending on how pigmented the scars are, you’ll have to go through a few peels before you see a noticeable difference. But remember, your skin becomes super sensitive after a chemical peel for a few weeks so you must moisturise well and wear sunscreen with high SPF.
Laser Treatments
This is another great way to improve the appearance of the scars in the long term. This procedure is usually for deeper scars which dermabrasion and chemical peels fail to target. The treatment works by burning away the scar tissue and letting new, scar-free skin grow in place and replace the old skin. Don’t worry, the procedure is relatively pain-free as the areas are numbed with a local anaesthetic or numbing cream. Again, you may require several sittings so this procedure can be relatively expensive depending upon the scar.
Image: Source
Steroid Injections
This procedure is exceptionally good for treating keloid scars as they are the most difficult to get rid of. They contain substances like hydrocortisone which is injected around the scar directly. For larger keloids, you are injected after the scar is sliced or frozen off. You’ll probably have to return every two-three weeks to receive another injection which makes it a costlier procedure but with higher success rate. That’s why it is important to consult a dermatologist and weigh your options before you go in for the treatments.
Filler Injections
Injection of collagen or other fats improve the appearance of indented scars like the ones left behind by acne or chickenpox very well. This treatment is highly effective but the downside is that it’s not permanent as the skin absorbs natural collagen. The scars have to be refilled every three to four months. Also, each injection is costly making the process extremely expensive. Make sure you do a skin test before this treatment because some people are allergic to this treatment.
Some Tips And Tricks To Prevent Scarring
Start As Soon As You Spot One
A scar should be treated as soon as it heals. Most remedies to get rid of scars on legs work better when the scar is new rather than a little old. This will help you save that money on all those expensive treatments later!
Get Soaking
The first step to getting rid of those dark dots is to soak your legs in warm water for about 5-10 minutes. It’ll help open up your skin’s pores and draw out impurities that are trapped under. You can either dip your legs in a tub of warm water or take a hot shower – both will get the job done.
Lather Up
Never ever shave your legs without applying some form of a lubricant first. Shower gel, soap, moisturiser, aloe vera gel or even your regular hair conditioner will do the trick. It helps the razor glide with ease and keeps your skin super smooth.
Use That Loofah
Your loofah is an amazing tool that will really help get rid of strawberry legs. Lather on some shower gel or body scrubs and gently scrub your legs in a circular motion. Start from your ankle and slowly make your way to the top. Stop exfoliating when your skin turns slightly pink. Wash it off with cold water soon after.
Soothe Your Skin With Oil Massages
To give your skin some much-needed pampering, moisturize after shaving your legs. Make sure to apply baby oil so it stays smooth and baby soft. You could also use body lotion to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying up.
The Secret of Scrubbing
After you’ve shaved or waxed, remember to exfoliate your legs for the next couple of days. It will help prevent ingrown hair and dark pores from forming. Make your own natural homemade scrub by using white sugar crystals, lemon juice and coconut oil. After blending all the ingredients, apply it on your legs and massage well. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and wash it off with chilled water.
Swear By Clean Razors
A good quality razor is what you need in order to keep the dark pores away. Make sure that your blades are sharp and not blunt. If you use an old razor, it could cause pesky ingrowths. Be gentle and remember to shave your hair along the direction of the growth. Once that’s done, splash some cold water to help close the pores.
Using Makeup As a Temporary Fix
For an instant fix, give makeup a shot. It not only helps conceal dark pore, but marks, scars and bruises too! Add a bit of luminizer/concealer to your body lotion and apply it on your legs to make them look flawless and sexy!
Use Sunscreen
A lot of people don’t know that new scars are extremely sensitive to the UVA rays of the sun. Overexposure to the sun can cause these scars to become darker than usual. Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above can help a lot with discolouration.
Images: Shutterstock
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