How to Cover up Scars

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Where your scar is will determine exactly how you feel about your scar, and how best you might try to hide it.  There are many make-up products that you can use to hide your scars.  Clothing may work to a point, but if your scars are in a very visible area then it is likely that throughout the year this will be difficult. 

Scar Reduction Make-up

If having your scar treated isn’t an option for you, or you wish to cover it up occasionally then there are products that you can use to do this.  The British Association of Skin Camouflage was set up in 1985 to investigate the best ways of hiding scars and other skin irregularities.  They use make-up to completely hide anything that you don’t wish to be visible.  They endorse certain products that are referred to as paramedical skin camouflage.  These products are specifically designed to be very heavy duty, very durable and undetectable when applied.  Unlike normal make-up, skin camouflage lasts around three to four days once applied, and around a day for facial camouflage.  The make-up is available privately, or is sometimes prescribed by a dermatologist or your doctor. 

Skin camouflage risks

You can have an allergic reaction to skin camouflage, although this is rare.  It would be a good idea to perform a small skin test before you use the make-up.  Other than this there are no risks involved with using skin camouflage, and it may prove a useful tool for you even if you are trying to have your scars treated or made to look better using a different technique.  If you feel that this sort of product could prove helpful your doctor will be able to give you advice on how to buy it, or will be able to write you a prescription.  Prices will vary depending on how much you buy and what product it is. 

Skin camouflage help

Using the body camouflage might take some practise.  The British Association of Skin Camouflage has a helpline if you are finding it difficult, and are available during usual office opening hours.  They can also provide a technician who can help you decide which colour is the best for your skin, and show you how it is best applied.  Using skin camouflage can quickly become a standard part of our daily routine. 

Scar jewellery

Wearing jewellery can also help you to cover up your scars.  If you scars are on your wrists or arms then bangles and bracelets can help to cover them up.  Many heart surgery patients find that they can hide their scars on their sternum by wearing long necklaces that hang over where the scar is positioned.  This method of scar cover-up is obviously a lot easier for women than it is for men, and also can make you feel restricted in your jewellery and clothing choices.  If your scar is one that is in a place that is rarely seen due to ordinary clothing, then some jewellery might help you to feel more confident when wearing different, maybe evening, clothing.   

Jewellery, clothing and make-up might be useful tools in hiding your scar if you are unhappy with it and haven’t yet had any treatment.  They may also be helpful for early, still developing scars that might eventually grow less unsightly. 

Scar tattooing

Some people choose to have a tattoo placed over an unwanted scar, providing a permanent cover which doesn’t need any repetitive applications.  Tattoos can be placed over a scar to completely hide it.  There are instances which work better than others, for example a scar would be best hidden in a large area with little detail as opposed to an intricate design.  This varies from scar to scar.  Generally smaller scars can be tattooed over with little visibility, larger or thicker scars might still be slightly visible, although less so as part of a tattoo than as a scar.  Your tattoo artist will be able to inform you as to what kind of tattoo would best cover up your scar.  It is important to wait for at least a year, preferably longer, before having a tattoo placed over a scar.  Your scar may continue to heal, and scar tissue is easier to incorporate into a tattoo when it has matured as much as possible. 

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