The skin’s job is to protect you from external germs and substances. It protects our inner organs from heat, dust, bacteria, dirt, and even water. Yet, sometimes we get into accidents that damage the skin. An example is when a kid trips or falls and gets skinned knees. The natural way the body heals broken skin is through scarring. Many skincare manufacturers market sebo de macho as a product that removes scars that is especially effective if applied when a wound is new. However, the question is: Does it really work? Are the claims true? Here, we discuss what scars really are, what sebo de macho is made of, and what it actually does when we use it on our skin.
What are scars?
As earlier mentioned, a scar is the body’s way of healing damaged skin that results from infection, surgery, injuries, or tissue inflammation. When there is a break in the skin, it grows new tissue to grow the skin. Scars can occur anywhere in the body and can look very different from one to another. The type of scars affect if – and how well – sebo de macho makes a difference in their appearance.
Different types of scars
- A contracture usually follows burns, where the skin tightens as a result.
- Depressed (atrophic) scars are a consequence of chickenpox of acne and resemble pits or indentations that are found on the face.
- Flat scars are those that flatten out as they heal and typically appear red or pink.
- Keloids are scars raised above the skin and spread beyond the wounded area.
- Stretch marks are caused by the rapid stretching or shrinking of the skin. This happens after childbirth or significant weight loss.
Can sebo de macho eliminate scars?
This substance is considered a natural remedy for removing scars. Mutton tallow, which is processed fat derived from cattle or sheep and has a variety of uses: food, lubricant, personal care products, and even soap and candle-making.
Mutton tallow is an emollient, meaning that it is an agent that can seal in moisture. According to a study on fats whose fatty acid structure was rearranged (interesterified) – like tallow – they moisturized better than other types of fat.
Scars are permanent, but they do fade over time. It’s important to manage expectations about treatments and procedures that address these. Scars can fade or get smaller, but it’s unlikely they will completely go away.
According to experts, what sebo de macho can do is soften the skin due to its moisture-locking action. In order for it to be effective, you have to apply it regularly and over a long period of time.
What else can I do?
Dermatological procedures exist to reduce the appearance of a scar, but each of these depend on your age, health status, medical history, severity of the scar, tolerance to certain drugs, expectations and personal preferences.
If you’re more inclined to natural means, you can try honey or aloe vera. Honey has long-established antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties useful for healing wounds and promoting tissue regeneration. It’s also been known to leave you with very little to no scars at all. Scientists hypothesize that honey’s sugar content nourishes the damaged area, while its viscous quality creates a protective barrier.
Meanwhile, a study on aloe vera showed that it helped control inflammation, improved alignment of the scar tissue and reduced scar tissue size.
Apart from these, there are many other science-based treatments than sebo de macho that can help with scars.
What are the best ways to prevent scarring?
Of course, the only way to truly prevent scars is by acting quickly when the wound happens.
- Clean the wound to rid it of bacteria and minimize the chances of infection.
- Contrary to what we’ve probably been told growing up, wounds should be kept moist, not dry. Apply petroleum jelly to the wound and bandage it up.
- Minimize movement, because it will make the scar more likely to get thicker or wider.
- Do not pick at the scabs as these are the body’s natural bandages.
Key Takeaway
According to experts, there’s no real need to apply special creams to your scars. In fact, cream or any simple moisturizer – like sebo de macho – will do. Gentle massaging on the scar helps break up any scar tissue that’s getting thick. Keep in mind though that depending on the type and size of scar you have, they may fade but never fully go away.
Learn more about Skin Health here.
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