Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 24 February 2015

After undergoing skin cancer surgery, you may have some scarring over and around the site. If the scars are located on your face, neck, or some other visible area of your body, you may feel uncomfortable about what you choose to wear each day. There are things you can do to minimize the scarring in your skin, including these three below.

1. Apply Organic Coconut Oil to Your Scars

Organic coconut oil contains beneficial nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that heal and protect your skin after surgery. The oil doesn't contain artificial coloring or additives that dry out your skin or over-moisturize it. Instead, organic coconut oil hydrates scarred tissue with fatty acids so that it appears smooth and supple again.

The oil appears opaque in the container but dissolves to a clear liquid once you apply it to your skin. You should apply one teaspoon of oil to your skin immediately after showering or bathing. Moist skin absorbs coconut better than dry skin. Additionally, use the oil every morning and night to speed up your skin's healing.

2. Drink Plenty of Yogurt Smoothies

While coconut oil works to improve the appearance of the surgical scars located on the outside of your body, yogurt smoothies help the cells of your scarred skin heal from the inside. Yogurt contains vitamin A, which is a nutrient that promotes the growth of healthy cells in your skin. The vitamin also keeps bacteria and other destructive agents from infecting your surgical site. 

To enjoy the skin-healing benefits of vitamin A and your yogurt smoothies, follow the steps below:

• Place 5-6 teaspoons of vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt into a blender
• Add ½ cup of fresh strawberries or blueberries to the yogurt
• Pour ½ cup of unsweetened organic soy or almond milk into the blender 
• Mix the ingredients together until smooth 

Pour the mixture into a glass and top with fresh mint for extra flavor. Place any leftover yogurt mixture into the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh. You should drink at least one glass of yogurt drink a day to minimize your scars. 

3. Weight Train Three Times a Week

Weight training can also help heal your scarred skin. The scarred skin may appear less pronounced or raised if the skin is taut and healthier. 

Before you try any of the tips above, consult with a skin cancer surgeon, like Countryside Dermatology & Laser Center. The doctor may recommend other ways to minimize your scars, or he or she may suggest that you wait a few weeks before following the tips. Your surgical site may require more time to heal before you work on the scars.