From scrape to scar and beyond: tips to minimize scarring

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(ARA) - Scars come in all shapes, sizes and textures, but they have one thing in common: everyone has them. For some people, scars can be nostalgic reminders or even "badges of honor," but for many, they can be embarrassing, resulting in self-consciousness. Scars can appear from multiple sources, including accidents, surgeries, burns and even acne, so understanding proper wound care and the benefits of scar management options can mean the difference between covering up a scar and feeling confident in your skin.

While there is no way to eliminate a scar, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent a more serious scar. First, always keep a wound clean and covered, since a clean wound heals faster and more efficiently, resulting in a less noticeable scar. To reduce the appearance of scars, keep skin healthy with the following tips:

* Eat a diet high in vitamin C to protect your body from free radicals, and high in B vitamins, which are crucial for hair, skin and nail health.

* Use a moisturizer with SPF daily to protect your skin from sunburn while keeping it hydrated.

* Exercise regularly to increase circulation to your skin.

One new nonprescription scar product makes reducing the appearance of scars easier than ever. Mederma, the No. 1 doctor- and pharmacist-recommended brand in scar care, recently launched the first and only once-daily scar gel, Mederma Advanced Scar Gel, available now in drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Products like Mederma Advanced Scar Gel work to soften, smooth and reduce the overall appearance of old and new scars.

Celebrity makeup artist and international beauty expert Mickey Williams recommends Mederma to her clients on a regular basis, even for scars that are a few years old. "Covering scars with makeup is a good temporary fix, but at the end of the day the scar is still there," she says. "Once-daily Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is a convenient option for my clients who want to reduce the appearance of their scar without interrupting their already busy schedules."

Check out for more information about scar management and expert tips on scars and stretch marks.