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Self harm scars

Posted , 7 users are following.

fee93319
fee93319

Hi all, 

I haven't self-harmed for a year and a half now, but I have a lot of scars on my upper arm, differing in size, colour etc. there's a few that are raised but a lot of white, flat marks too. 

I am a bridesmaid/MOH very soon and it is a sleeveless dress, nobody knows about my past self-harming, I never told anyone and intend it to stay that way, plus it wouldn't be the time or place. I've bought a shawl to cover myself but I won't be able to wear it during the ceremony itself. I have bought some make up that is supposed to be good for scars but, I'm useless at all of that so my hopes aren't too high there. 

I do use bio oil etc, I know that scars are scars, they stay with you but, has anyone had any similar situations and how did you deal with it? Was makeup an effective solution or am I going to end up doing a runner for a wedding that isn't even mine! 

Any advice/tips/cover up ideas would be helpful. 

Thanks guys

3 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • brenda69464
    brenda69464 fee93319

    Posted

    I  understand you wanting to keep this private, esp. at your friends wedding.

    My Mum is a make-up pro, she has covered both scars and tattoos for special events. I am a total hopeless case when it comes to make-up. 

    Can you afford to have a professional cover them up for you for the wedding day ? It will give you the comfort and confidence to toss the shawl and celebrate with your best friend on her day.

    Best wishes

    • fee93319
      fee93319 brenda69464

      Posted

      Thanks Brenda, I had a little look at seeing a professional make-up artist/specialist scar cover-up places where they tell you what would cover it/how to use it etc. but, it's so expensive. I'm hoping maybe I can do it myself, I suppose it may be a case of doing a few practice runs!

    • brenda69464
      brenda69464 fee93319

      Posted

      I am sure you can do it yourself !

      I have often watched videos on You Tube and found them to be extremely helpful. Maybe there would be one that you could follow step by step and do a few practice runs before the day of the wedding ! 

      Give it a go girl ! you've got this !

  • 9999
    9999 fee93319

    Posted

    I don't know if this would help but maybe a self tanner. Those sprays can darken the area covering the scars somewhat or have you tried liquid makeup in your arms.. "It's the one for your face but you can put it in your arms to cover the scars for that special occasion. Good Luck👍

    P.S. There's some spa's that can tan you.

    • fee93319
      fee93319 9999

      Posted

      Hey - I was thinking about this actually, I just wasn't sure whether it would come out as an even tone on my skin with certain areas being lighter? I tried an over the counter liquid concealer but, I bought the total wrong shade for my skin tone! I've ordered some that is built for skin conditions/scars but, the website makes applying it sound so complicated that I have no idea where I'd even start!

    • 9999
      9999 fee93319

      Posted

       I've never put any on me but I've seen YouTube videos where they explain how to apply it. Hope it works for you.👍Good Luck

  • laura46832
    laura46832 fee93319

    Posted

    Try to use tanning lotion all over and say you went to a tanning salon. Just a suggestion .If that dosen't work try saying you have poison ivy and it became infected even if you have to put calamine lotion on them and you were embarrassed therefore a light shawl that matches dress. I hope one of these suggestions work for you. Wish you the best Go you will have a good time. If the shawl is what you decide I promise you the guests will be staring at the bride and not being focused on the bridemaids            Be Well     Buckminster

  • dee06451
    dee06451 fee93319

    Posted

    Hi Fee, my daughter was a bridesmaid last year for a wedding in california and has a tattoo on her shoulder. It is a medium sized tattoo but she managed to get a special make up for covering tattoos and it worked great , I know it was a Kat Von Dee brand and even if that is not available then ask for one that is for covering tattoos as it will cover scars too. You do not have to say it is for yourself and just say your friend has similar skin tone to you and match it that way. I hope this is of some help and that you manage to go to the wedding and have a good time. Take care xx

     

  • vixvickyvic
    vixvickyvic fee93319

    Posted

    you could use scarguard. I used it after I got surgery, It kind of helps
  • wayne1962
    wayne1962 fee93319

    Posted

    Hi Fee - Being male I have yet to be a bridesmaid, but my thought was, if the scars are only on one arm and are not responsive to all the helpful suggestions here, that perhaps you could use a flesh coloured bandage or something similar. Just work out some minor accident scenario (we don't want to upstage the bride) to explain the bandage. Who knows, it might get you a bigger slice of cake. Or maybe even the bouquet...

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