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 bumpy scars or perifollicular elastolysis, or the red-colored scars or erythematous scars, 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 light skin.

They can be caused by acne pimples , but also by insect bites or even by 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 apply vary depending on the stages of healing.

During the inflammatory phase, which is between 1 and 3 days, the use of a skin infection treatment 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 beneficial to utilize certain ingredients such as the Centella asiatica. Through the action of the saponosides and triterpenes contained in this plant extract, it promotes collagen production. In addition to preventing skin aging, this protein ensures cellular regeneration and thus tissue repair.

You can also intervene during the remodeling 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 moisturizing active ingredient that softens and smooths its appearance such as thehyaluronic acid or even the polyglutamic acid. Indeed, these two ultra-moisturizing 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 diminish the appearance of erythematous scars. However, several applications at a regular rhythm 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, which is 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 an extract of Centella asiatica, an active ingredient known to help remodel the texture of marked skin.

• PLATSIDAKI E. & others. 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. Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016).