How to Reduce a Collagen Buildup

Collagen is important to the firmness of your skin. Laid down in a crisscross matrix, collagen is the connective tissue that holds other tissues of the body together, including the skin. When skin is injured due to wounds, surgery, stretching or acne, the natural formation pattern of collagen is interrupted and collagen is laid down in parallel rows and bundles. Thick scars or white lines form as collagen builds up excessively. Prevention of excessive collagen buildup will reduce scar formation.

Instructions

• 1

  Maintain a moist environment for wounds. Cover wounds from injury or surgery with antibiotic and a sterile dressing. Silicone sheets may be used to cover the wound after the wound is closed, or approximately one week after sutures are removed.

• 2

  Massage closed wounds gently, after showers or baths and before replacing silicone sheets or other dressings. Use essential oil or lotion as a lubricant. Gentle massage promotes blood flow and breaks up tissue bundles.

• 3

  Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Consuming liberal quantities of antioxidant-rich foods supplies vital nutrients to promote rapid healing.

• 4

  Seek professional care for hypertropic scars to speed the healing process. Hypertropic -- thick, reddened -- scars may take a year or more to subside. Injections of cortisone can speed the healing process and reduce the discomfort of itching or burning.