Any break in the skin is considered to be a wound, whether it occurs as the result of cutting yourself accidentally or from a surgical procedure. As part of the healing process, your skin knits together to form a scar; how you scar depends on several factors, including heredity, age, ethnicity, skin type and depth of the wound. Scars are permanent, being bright red at first and then fading over time.

• Bromelain

Bromelain is extracted from the flesh and stems of the pineapple plant, however, the stems hold it in the highest concentration. It is a protease enzyme, meaning it helps digest certain proteins, making it a natural anti-inflammatant. Bromelain is often used following surgery to reduce tissue swelling, allowing wound healing and scar formation to occur. It is also used to treat post-surgical hematomas, or blood clots, that can form under the wound. Blood clots increase healing time by impeding wound healing and scar formation.

• Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is native to tropical and subtropical areas and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The gel from the aloe vera plant contains substances that decrease pain and swelling while promoting healing, skin growth and skin repair. Aloe can be obtained as a fresh gel from the plant or in a commercial gel, cream or ointment.