Cutting, scratching, and picking at your skin until the point of bleeding can leave permanent marks. Some people find that such scars bring back terrible memories or remind them of a tough moment in their lives. So, they’d like to know how to hide self-harm scars.
Your scars are nothing to be ashamed of. But if covering them up is something you want to do, you should go for it. We know a few things to help you keep them hidden.
How to Hide Self-Harm Scars: 5 Ideas
1. Foundation or Concealer
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Makeup can help temporarily conceal scars. Try applying concealer to the area using your fingers. For example, a green corrector might be a good choice. Then cover it with a full-coverage foundation using a beauty blender and tiny, circular strokes.
This method is great because it’s inexpensive, and you can do it yourself. However, it is most effective on small and flat scars. Also, you have to do it every day.
2. Dermaflage
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Dermaflage is a topical scar filler that looks like real skin. You can use it for raised scars to even out your skin.
How to hide self-harm scars using Dermaflage? Simply squeeze the product out and grab hold of it using the applicator brush. Rub it over your scar, then smooth it into the surrounding skin. After that, take the texture pad and press it over the product to make it look like real skin. Although Dermaflage is skin-colored, you can also apply some makeup on top of it.
Dermaflage costs about $40 and is available in most drug stores. It is also flexible, moving along with your skin. The only drawback is the color — such products usually don’t have an option for every skin tone. The most common shades resemble light-colored skin.
3. A Tattoo
Tattooing can transform a body part that once was evidence of your pain into a work of art. This is a long-lasting solution that may be appealing to individuals who want to paint over their scars or make them the focal point of their body art.
You’ll need a licensed tattoo artist who has experience covering up scars. Schedule an appointment to choose a design that will help conceal the damaged area.
A great thing about tattoos is that they will permanently resolve the issue. At the same time, they really are permanent. So, you have to think very carefully before you do it.
Furthermore, while it is normally possible to conceal scars with tattoos, it will depend on their size and location. The elevated areas of your skin might stay visible. A tattoo artist should be able to tell you whether or not it is possible to cover your scars this way. Also, the whole process can be rather costly, depending on the type of tattoo you choose.
4. A Medical Tattoo
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Medical tattoos are designed to resemble your natural skin. If the tattoo is successful, you will not be able to notice it because it will blend the scars into the skin around them.
Look for a licensed dermatologist, then schedule a meeting to discuss your options. Using a medical tattoo machine, the doctor will color-correct and blend the scars into your skin.
This method is especially effective for people who have a history of self-harm, and it works well with all skin tones. However, it’ll take more than one appointment to get everything done. Also, you must update your medical tattoos every three to five years. That means you may need to go through the whole procedure over and over again.
Keep in mind that insurance usually doesn’t cover medical tattoos. A medical tattoo might cost you more than $300 per hour.
5. Laser Therapy, Needling, or Surgery as a Permanent Solution
Dermatologists can provide medical therapy for scars. Considering the number of scars and their location, you may be able to diminish their visibility with needling, laser therapy, or surgery. This is the best option if you wish to remove your scars permanently.
• Needling is the process of puncturing the skin using tiny, sterilized needles to create small wounds. Scars should fade as the skin heals.
• Laser therapy is a preferable option because it is very effective. It can even out discoloration and raised and “depressed” skin.
• Scar surgery entails removing the damaged skin and sealing the area with tiny sutures. As a result, you get a smaller and not-so-obvious scar.
