Having a scab on your face can be a real pain in the ass. While scabs could be natural reactions, they can also form from acne, pimples, allergy, or some kinds of skin illness. I understand that they are a sign of healing; they can be unattractive. Scabs help to protect the wounds from infections.
But then, what now happens when they become a problem? Are you aware that you can cover your scabs with makeup? Do you have so many scabs on your face that it has become a major concern for you? I know most ladies have this as part of their worries.
We can hardly avoid the many hormonal fluctuations and skin reactions we go through. Covering my scabs used to be my worry until I discovered a way to hide them perfectly with my makeup.
If you have this same worry, you’re in luck. In this article, I’d be sharing some tips on how to hide your scab like it never existed with makeup perfectly, so stay glued till the end.
What is a Scab?
A scab is a protective layer that forms when your skin has been damaged. A scab is formed of blood cells called platelets. When your skin is cut, you begin to bleed. As the blood is exposed to air, the platelets go into action and work with proteins called Fibrins and other substances to form a scab.
In essence, a scab is your body’s defense mechanism for protecting wounds against bacteria and infections.
A scab on your face can come as an after-effect of a pimple or an injury on your face. Although it’s not attractive, I’d be sharing how you can just let that scab be and let your makeup conceal it perfectly.
How do you cover up a scab with makeup?
No matter how much you think a scab can damage your makeup, you’d be pleased to know it’s not too much than makeup can cover. With the proper application, you’d be surprised that your scab would disappear. To cover your scab with makeup;
Step 1: Wash your hands
You should avoid bringing dirty hands in contact with your scab. Dirty hands can bring bacteria into contact with your scab, which can cause infections. So it would be best if you start by washing your hands with a disinfectant soap and water before touching your scab. After touching your scab, rewash your hands to prevent germs from spreading to the rest of your makeup.
Step 2: Clean and moisturize your face
You must work with a clean face. After cleansing, dab a hefty amount of moisturizer on your face and the scab. This moisturizer is to help hydrate the scab and make it look less dry and flaky. Allow the moisturizer to sit on your face for a few minutes.
When you’re ready to apply makeup, use a soft cotton ball to remove the excess moisturizer on your face. Some moisturizers have high oil content, and you’d want to get them out of the way to prevent the oil from ruining your makeup.
Step 3: Prime your face (including the scab)
Priming is a step you should not miss. According to Lerma, a thin layer of primer on your face would help fill in the fine lines and rigidness from the scab and help the rest of your makeup glide on flawlessly. Also, primers create a protective layer between the scab and your makeup.
Step 4: Apply concealer on your scab
You should go for a thicker or creamy concealer instead of powder. Using a powder concealer would make your scab dry and more noticeable. You only need to use the tip of your beauty blender and dab on some concealer on the scab. You should go for a concealer that matches your skin tone.
If your scab is reddish, you should go for a green color correcting concealer, which would help neutralize the redness.
You might probably not be used to applying concealers before foundation, but when it comes to covering blemishes and scabs, concealers should go first to create an even base for your foundation.
Step 5:Apply Foundation.
You should go for a full coverage foundation that matches your skin color. And usually, since you’ve applied concealer on some parts, you honestly don’t need to go overboard with your foundation. Apply a decent amount of foundation on your face and use a brush to spread out gently. Go over your face with a beauty blender to ensure that your makeup has been well blended.
Step 6: Conceal again
After blending your foundation evenly, apply more concealer if you observe your scab is still perking up. There are no two ways to do this. The aim is to get your scab well covered. You can use a precision brush to apply the concealer and blend it out.
Step 7: Dust your face with translucent powder
Dip your brush in your powder and dab lightly on the scab and other necessary areas. You should try not to apply too much to prevent caking. Although the effect of your translucent powder would not be visible, if you apply it the right way, it can help hold your makeup in place throughout the day.
To remove your makeup, use a cotton ball and a makeup remover. Apply your makeup remover on your cotton ball and place it gently on the scab. The goal is to allow the cotton ball to soak up the makeup. Do not scrub or drag the scab, as this can lead to irritations.
Note: Try using a soft brush around the scab to avoid irritations on the scab. You should be gentle throughout the entire process.
Is it safe to put makeup over a scab?
I wouldn’t say it’s safe, but I’d say it’s ok to put makeup on your scab. The reason is that when you have a scab on your face, it means you are healing. Your scab is meant to serve as a barrier for germs and harmful bacteria from coming into the wound.
It is also safe to say that the scab serves as a protective shield to prevent your makeup from entering the wound.
However, you should never apply makeup on an open wound. The chemicals contained in your makeup can slow down the healing process.
How can you get rid of scabs? [watch video]
The following tips can help you get rid of the scab on your face faster;
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Avoid picking the scab
Scabs can be itchy at times, and it is common for some people to scrub or scratch them. However, this shouldn’t be the case despite how tempting it can be. By picking or scratching the scab, you risk bleeding, and it increases the chances of it leaving a scar and delaying the healing process.
If the itch on the scab is unbearable, gently press a clean, dry cloth on the scab. It would help alleviate the itchiness.
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Keep the area clean
You should always keep the scab and its surrounding area clean. A clean area would help prevent infections. There are times when the scab would be exposed to dirt and sweats. When this happens, gently wash the area with water and a gentle soap and pat to dry.
You should avoid touching your scab frequently as this is the fastest way to get bacterias into the scab. Touch only when cleaning is necessary.
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Always Moisturize
It is quite normal for the skin surrounding the scab to get dry as the scab gets older. Therefore, moisturizing the scab and the surrounding skin can help the scab heal faster and prevent irritations. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, keeping a wound moisturized would help it heal faster. If you have oily skin, you should use a moisturizer with less oil content.
Always use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to prevent clogged pores. If you don’t have moisturizer, you can also use other moisturizing products such as coconut oil, petroleum jelly, or ointment. This process of moisturizing would help minimize the risks of scarring.
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Always apply sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the sun has been proven to help prevent scarring, speed up the healing process, and get rid of the scab. In addition to moisturizing your skin, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and above to reduce the risk of scarring.
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Hot compress
Applying a warm compress on the scab can accelerate skin rejuvenation and blood flow. It would help speed up the healing process and also help reduce itchiness.
How long do scabs on the face take to heal?
It would take around a few days to four weeks for your scab to heal completely. Sometimes, scabs could end up leaving a scar on your face. When a scab is fully healed, it falls off by itself.
FAQ
Can Vaseline heal scabs?
Yes, it does. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using Vaseline on the scab to prevent drying out. You would be surprised to know that applying Vaseline on injured skin can help the wound dry and even prevent a scab. In essence, it minimizes the possibility of scarring.
Is touching a scab advisable?
No, it is not. Touching a scab increases the risk of infections and prevents it from healing. It is advised that you avoid touching the scab as much as you can. That way, you allow the scab to go through the required healing process.
Can I make a scab heal faster?
Yes, it is possible to make a scab faster. Using the tips mentioned above will help increase the rate at which the scab heals. Be sure always to keep the scab and the surrounding area clean and moisturized to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
I understand how important our looks are to us. Yes, scabs can be frustrating, but remember that they are a healing remedy to wounds and the like. The best way to treat a scab is to give it time to heal by itself and avoid picking or touching it. Makeup can help cover your scab when necessary.
However, no matter how your scabs look, take a little break off makeup if you can. Appreciate your skin, keep it clean, moisturize regularly.
Most importantly, be proud of your looks. The scabs will heal in a few weeks, and guess what? You’ll be left with even healthier skin. So let the scabs be!
