When our internal and external tissues are damaged in any way, be it from a cut, scratch, acne, bite, burn, or surgery, our body's natural healing reaction is to increase its production of collagen and form a protective scar to assist the wound to heal.

Most scars gradually fade, however, keloid scars are different. As documented by Indy Rihal, of the Birish Skin Foundation "A keloid scar is an overgrown scar that can spread outside the original area of skin damage...(they) are shiny and hairless, they're raised above the surrounding skin, and can feel hard and rubbery," and it can take years for them to diminish.

PEOPLE IN THE HIGH RISK CATEGORY

According to Rihal, "People with dark skin get keloids much more easily than people with fairer skin, and it is common in people with black skin! They're most common between the ages of 10 and 30, and can run in families. Burns, acne scars and wounds that get infected are particularly likely to form keloids, and you're at higher risk of getting a keloid scar if you have had one before."

REDUCING THE RISK

The best way to avoid keloid scars from occurring is to steer clear of any deliberate cuts or abrasions of the skin such as tattoos and piercings. You may also find it largely beneficial to avoid cosmetic surgery and seek medical treatment if you suffer from extreme cases of acne so that acne scars may be limited.

TREATING KELOIDS

There are a range of treatment options available that assist in flattening keloid scars but success is not always guaranteed. These include: steroid injections, covering scars with steroid-impregnated tape, applying silicone sheets, freezing the keloids with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, and surgical removal. The problem is that most of these methods are intrusive, expensive, and only deal with the existing scar tissue, therefore doing little to limit future outbreaks.

THE BEST TREATMENT INVOLVES NATURAL PRODUCTS

The popularity of natural products in the reduction and management of keloids is on the rise because they are cheaper, free of side effects, and effective in slowing down future scar developments.

Their level of success has been bolstered by ingredients such as Helix Aspersa Muller glycoconjugates, which are extremely effective in regenerating healthy skin cells and improving skin elasticity thanks to their high collagen count and close biological composition to human skin.

Butterbur Herb (Petasites japonicus) extracts are another trooper in the war on keloids, as they are effective in minimizing mast cell degranulation and histamine, two critical components for counteracting the discomfort, itching, and irritation caused by keloid scars. Extracts of the Elder Tree (Sambucus nigra L.) are another integral ingredient in limiting future keloid scars as they are full of natural anti-inflammatory properties.