Hyperpigmentation

For some people, scars are almost a badge of honor or a physical mark that shows you endured an intense event. But others would rather not have them hanging around. And if you’re trying to minimize the appearance of a scar, the first thing to know is that you’ll have to be patient—and especially skeptical.

Types

• Contracture scar: Though uncommon, these painful scars—which cause the skin to tighten—can develop after a large area of skin is damaged or lost (typically due to a burn).
• Depressed (or atrophic) scar: Typically caused by chicken pox and acne, these marks sit below the skin’s surface—usually on facial skin—and have an indented appearance.
• Flat scar (cicatrix): These scars tend to be slightly raised at first, but eventually flatten. They may end up slightly darker or lighter than your skin tone.
• Keloids: These are larger, often dark raised scars that most commonly form after skin is cut—from an injury, surgery incision, or piercing, for example—and are more likely to affect people with darker skin tones.
• Raised (or hypertrophic) scar: Yep, these firm scars rise above the surface of your skin, though they tend to flatten over time.
• Stretch marks: You’re likely pretty familiar with them already because they exist on many bodies, but stretch marks are a type of scar that typically forms when skin grows or shrinks quickly. This could be during pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or any other changes in your body.