What is Healing?

Healing: the skin's self-repair process.

Our skin is as valuable as it is complex. Made up of three layers (the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis), it represents between 5% and 10% of the average adult's weight. Its thickness can range from 0.5mm (on the eyelids) to 5mm in areas like the upper back, for example.

On average, skin is composed of:

• 70% water

• 27% proteins

• 2% lipids

• 0.5% minerals.

The skin serves multiple functions: it regulates our temperature, synthesizes vitamin D, and allows us to perceive various stimuli. But above all, it acts as a barrier protecting us from external aggressions (shocks, ultraviolet rays, viruses, microbes, and other infections).

If it can successfully perform most of its tasks, it’s thanks to its ability to self-repair.

When the skin suffers from injuries (wounds, burns, or irritations), it activates an intricate process of tissue regeneration. This is called healing: a mechanism that refers to the spontaneous repair of a tissue in the body affected by a lesion, usually resulting in a scar, according to the Larousse dictionary.

Healing vs. Regeneration: What’s the Difference?

Theskin regenerates constantly, whether it is damaged or not. Our epidermis is made up of several layers of cells. The outermost layer is composed of dead cells that shed, and are replaced by new cells. In healthy, well-maintained skin, this cycle repeats indefinitely.

When one or more layers of the epidermis are accidentally damaged, it shifts from simple regeneration to healing. This more complex process involves multiple types of cells, whose role is to destroy damaged elements before rebuilding them.

The Four Stages of Healing

Not everyone heals the same way. Depending on your age, physiology, skin quality, overall health, the nature of the wound, and many other factors, healing can be faster or slower, and more or less effective.

However, in most cases, healing progresses through four main stages, which can overlap:

1. Hemostatic and Vascular Phase

This begins immediately after the injury. Vasoconstriction speeds up to reduce the size of blood vessels, limiting and then stopping blood loss.

At the same time, a fibrin clot (a filamentous protein) forms to seal the wound and hold the edges together. It forms a scab, acting as a temporary matrix.

2. Inflammatory Phase

Alongside this first phase, which can last up to three days, vascular activity works to eliminate dead tissue and foreign bodies, triggering an inflammatory reaction. This is why this phase can be uncomfortable. In addition to discharge, swelling or erythema may form. You may also notice an increase in temperature at the wound site.

Although painful, this step is essential: it’s here that neutrophils and macrophages attack bacteria to clean the wound and keep it healthy while maintaining the conditions necessary for effective healing.

3. Granulation Phase

3 to 10 days after the injury, blood vessels develop to supply the proliferating cells with the nutrients and oxygen they need. At the same time, collagen production accelerates, reinforcing the wound’s structure. Gradually, it is covered by new connective tissue with a granular texture (hence the name). The area progressively regains its mechanical functions.

4. Remodeling or Maturation Phase

This is the longest stage, as it can take several years depending on the nature of the injury and the form of the scar. At this point, the scar tissue strengthens. Its appearance gradually changes. It becomes less prominent and its color evolves, shifting from red to pink, and finally to white by the end of the process.

RGENTec’s Tips for Healing Under the Best Conditions

Cleaning:

This is the essential step.

Start by ensuring there are no foreign bodies in the wound that could encourage abscesses or infections.

Then, clean thoroughly with saline solution or mild soap. Once the wound is clean, apply an antiseptic. Never use alcohol! Not only does it sting, but it also causes the blood to coagulate.

Bandage or No Bandage?

There is a lot of conflicting information about bandages. Some say a wound heals better when exposed to air. This is false! A bandage (whether pre-made or made from sterile gauze) protects the wound from bacteria. Covering your wound helps create a moist environment. And contrary to common belief, this is excellent for healing.

A good bandage should be large enough for the adhesive part to make contact with the skin around the wound. It should prevent foreign bodies from reaching the injured areas and absorb wound fluids without drying it out.

Change the bandage regularly, especially when it’s dirty or soaked. Use this time to clean with clear water.

Monitoring

Is your wound red? This is a good sign. However, if after a few weeks it doesn’t seem to progress, remains painful, or turns an unusual color (black, yellow, or green), see a doctor!

Don’t Touch the Scabs!

It’s tempting, we know, but every scab you tear off will delay healing.

Optimize Regeneration

Got skin abrasion, a burn from friction, or a scratch? Regular application of Bye Bye Burn balm stimulates cellular regeneration, leading to optimal recovery and healing.

In addition to soothing your skin, it helps repair and intensely hydrate it.

Note that the sun is the enemy of scars: protect them with SPF50!

Massage to Soften and Prevent Adhesions

For more significant scars (e.g., after surgery), the healing skin may stick to the muscles. To prevent adhesions, you can massage the scar once or twice a day with Shock and Roll roll-on. Its regenerative effects, provided by the active RGTA® (Regenerating Agent) complex, soothe and encourage the repair of the epidermis. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid hydrates and softens the tissues.