cosmetics

The Secret of Scars

The Secret of Scars

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...

Where Inactive Ingredients Hide in Skin Care Products

Where Inactive Ingredients Hide in Skin Care Products

A conscientious skin care routine means treating yourself to natural, nourishing products. For those of us attempting to reduce the visibility of a hard-earned scar or unanticipated stretch mark, it’s important to find a product that fulfills its promise of banishing the blemish while also supporting the overall health of our skin. What many of us don’t know is that potentially harmful chemical compounds hide in the inactive ingredients in many mainstream products.

Producers of cosmetics are proud to promote their primary active ingredients, but what about the rest of the stuff listed on the back of the box? Inactive ingredients are often used to give skin care products a longer shelf life or a better consistency, but these synthetics are in no way “natural.”

“Because your skin is porous, you actually absorb 60 to 80 percent of what you put on it, depending on the compound,” said Pieter Oosthuizen, creator of CELSUS Bio-Intelligence Scar Cream. “That means you shouldn’t put anything onto your skin that you wouldn’t put into your mouth.”