Erythematous Scars: How to Remove Them?

Following a skin trauma, the skin heals. This natural and life-saving process can result in various types of skin marks: the brown scars or pigmented, the raised scars or keloids, the indented scars or craters, the white ball-like scars or perifollicular elastolysis or the red-coloured scars or erythematous, which are the ones we are interested in here.

The red scars are also referred to as erythematous spots or post-inflammatory erythematous marks. Unlike other types of scars, these manifestations persist for several months, but usually end up disappearing. These marks are caused by the vasodilation of superficial skin vessels and are more visible on fair skin.

They can be caused by acne spots but also by insect bites or even various skin traumas. Erythematous scars can cause discomfort, pain or feelings of unease.

Even though for the majority of scars it is difficult or even impossible to completely erase them without resorting to cosmetic surgery techniques, erythematous marks can nevertheless be significantly reduced or even erased. This requires prompt intervention and an appropriate beauty routine. The treatments to be applied vary depending on the stages of healing.

During the inflammatory phase, which is between 1 and 3 days, the use of a skincare product against skin infections is recommended. For instance, several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C. It works by inhibiting NFkB, a transcription factor involved in the immune response and responsible for activating a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL1, IL6, and IL8. Therefore, vitamin C prevents redness as well as post-inflammatory erythema.

Next, during the repair phase, which lasts between 3 and 15 days, the application of a suitable treatment aids in wound closure. It may be relevant to utilise certain ingredients such as the Centella asiatica. Through the action of the saponosides and triterpenes contained within this plant extract, it promotes collagen production. In addition to preventing skin ageing, this protein ensures cellular regeneration and thus tissue repair.

You can also intervene during the remodelling phase, up to 2 years after the formation of the scar. To reduce the appearance of the erythematous scar, it is advisable to rely on a treatment containing a moisturising active ingredient that softens and smooths its appearance such as thehyaluronic acid or even the polyglutamic acid. Indeed, these two ultra-moisturising active ingredients contribute to the reconstruction of damaged skin tissues.

Furthermore, the cosmetic treatments based on acids (A.H.A., B.H.A. and P.H.A.) at low concentrations (up to 20%) can be used to reduce the appearance of erythematous scars. However, several applications at a regular pace will be necessary to achieve visible results. In this regard, you can use the exfoliating serum containing 10% glycolic acid or the gentle peeling serum based on lactic acid, more suitable for sensitive skin. The anti-mark serum specifically targets acne scars and is applied locally. It contains gluconolactone from the P.H.A. category and extract of Centella asiatica, an active ingredient known to help remodel the texture of marked skin.

• PLATSIDAKI E. & al. Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars. Clinics in Dermatology (2017).

• CHAWLA S. Split face comparative study of microneedling with PRP versus microneedling with vitamin C in treating atrophic post acne scars. Journal of Cutaneous Aesthetic Surgery (2014).

• PYTKOWSKA K. & al. Moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016).