What Are the Best Supplements for Scar Healing?

A scar is your body's way of repairing damaged skin. It may develop following surgery, injuries, or burns. At that time, your body needs the right amount of protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to rebuild tissues and collagen.

No single supplement can cure or remove a scar. But some nutrients can support the body’s natural healing process by providing the building blocks for tissue repair.

In this guide, we'll read about the key nutrients that support scar healing and how supplements can fit into a scar-care routine.

5 Ways Nutrition Supports Healing of Scar

• Tissue repair
• Collagen production
• Cell growth & regeneration
• Immune support
• Tissue remodeling

Nutrients & Supplements for Scar Healing

Key Nutrients Your Body Needs to Heal Scars 

1. Protein & Amino Acids

One of the main nutrients needed for tissue repair is protein. (1).

While you’re healing, amino acids and proteins help your body build collagen and fix damaged areas.

Good sources of protein include:

• Eggs
• Fish & seafood
• Chicken & lean meats
• Greek yogurt
• Beans & lentils
• Tofu & other soy-based foods
• High protein nutritional shakes

2. Vitamin C

Another highly essential nutrient required is Vitamin C as it holds significant value for building collagen (2). Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant and supports normal immune function.

Vitamin C-rich foods include:

• Oranges & other citrus fruits
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes

3. Zinc

Zinc matters, too. It’s involved in making DNA and proteins, keeps the immune system working, and helps cells grow - everything your body needs to heal properly.

Good sources of Zinc include red meat, shellfish, legumes, milk, and seeds.

Although Zinc is highly important in the healing process, taking too much Zinc for a long period can lead to several problems too.

4. Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports immune function and the integrity of tissue (3).

Foods rich in Vitamin A include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Eggs
• Dairy products

5. B Vitamins & Folate

B vitamins turn the food we eat into energy and keep our cells running smoothly. Folate, in particular, helps our bodies make DNA and supports the process of cell division.

When you’re healing from a wound, your body needs to make a lot of new cells and tissue, so it’s key to get enough B vitamins and folate.

Sources include:

• Whole grains
• Eggs
• Meat & poultry
• Leafy green vegetables
• Beans & lentils
• Fortified cereals

6. Copper

Let’s talk about another key nutrient.

Copper helps build connective tissues (4). It plays a key role in the development of new connective tissues via the cross-linking activity of the enzymes on collagen and elastin.

Some dietary sources of copper are fish, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, and organ meats.

Doctor-Recommended Scar Healing Supplements

When it comes to supporting recovery after surgery/injury, HealFast offers physician-formulated supplements designed to provide targeted nutritional support throughout the healing process. 

Our surgery recovery supplements include:

• Pre-Op Formula: It provides key nutrients before surgery to help prepare the body for tissue repair & support the nutritional processes involved in healthy wound healing.
  

• Post-Op Formula: On the other hand, the Post-Op formula provides a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and probiotics to support collagen production, tissue repair, and surgical wound healing as scars develop.

Read our white paper to learn about the research behind the key ingredients in HealFast's formulas.

When You Should Consult Your Doctor About Supplements

Before taking any supplement, you should consult your healthcare provider in case you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have kidney or liver disease

• Take prescription medications

• Take blood-thinning medication

• Have a known vitamin or mineral deficiency

• Are preparing for another surgery

• Take several supplements already

• Are considering high-dose vitamins or minerals

Related Articles:

HealFast vs ScarAway vs Mederma vs Biocorneum: Best Scar Gel Comparison

Vitanica vs Juven vs Woundvite vs HealFast Supplements

Internal vs External Scar Tissue: How They Form and Heal Differently

FAQs

Q1. Can staying hydrated help with scar healing?

Drinking enough water keeps your blood flowing well and helps your body deliver the nutrients your skin needs to heal. Hydration doesn’t decide exactly how your scar will turn out, but it definitely plays a role in recovery.

Q2. Why do some people develop more noticeable scars than others?

A lot of things come into play - your genes, your skin type, where and how deep the wound is. The way you take care of a wound while it heals can also shape the final look of your scar.

Q3. Does getting enough sleep help a scar heal?

Absolutely. Your body needs sleep to repair itself, boost your immune system, and heal tissues. Getting quality sleep really helps you bounce back after an injury or surgery.

Q4. Can exercise affect a healing scar?

For sure. Moving around or exercising can tug at a healing wound and might change how your scar forms. If you’ve just had surgery or some kind of injury, check in with your doctor before jumping back into your usual activities.