Getting pimples and acne from time to time is completely normal and isn’t so much of a reason to panic. But the real problem starts when you notice that the same pimple has left behind a dark, hard patch of skin and you’re worried it will leave behind a permanent scar. This patch of hard and rough skin is what is known as a scab.
Not only do scabs on the face look unappealing, but they can also cause a lot of stress, especially if you have no idea about what is going on and why your skin has developed the scab in the first place. But don’t worry, as this problem is about to change. In this article, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about scabs on the face. From the causes to treatments and even home remedies, here’s a complete guide on how to deal with scabs on the face without breaking into a sweat. Read on…
- What are scabs on the face and how are they formed?
- How to get rid of scabs on the face
- FAQs about scabs on face
What are scabs on the face and how are they formed?

For those of you who don’t know, scabs are nothing but a layer of dead skin cells that is hard to touch. It is usually formed over a wound and its main function is to help your skin heal the wound faster. The scab's color and look actually depend on how old the injury is, but they have a brown or orange color in most cases.
Each time there is a cut or an injury on your face, the platelets in your blood come together to form a clot. The two main functions of this clot are to plug the opening of the skin to stop the bleeding. Secondly, scabs also prevent germs, bacteria, and impurities from entering the wound to prevent festering and infection.
Every time your body is in the process of healing an injury, it is trying to do a lot of things, such as producing more collagen, healing the broken tissues, repairing the damaged blood vessels, etc. A scab is a protective layer that prevents external factors from hampering this healing process, and that’s why they’re super helpful.
How to get rid of scabs on the face

Even though scabs help in healing a wound or injury faster, they look super unappealing and can sometimes even leave behind a permanent scar. That’s exactly why it is important to get rid of them ASAP in a safe manner. Here are some tips that can help you get rid of these scabs on the face successfully –

The first and most important step in getting rid of facial scabs is to ensure to keep your hands away from your face. This can disrupt the healing process of the injury and considerably slow it down. Plus, our hands come in contact with so many things that are always brimming with impurities, dirt and bacteria that can increase the risk of infection. Additionally, just like how picking at your acne increases the risk of leaving behind a permanent scar, the same can happen with scabs too. Hence, it is best to avoid touching your scab as far as possible.

Dry and dehydrated skin takes a lot longer to heal and this is why you have to make sure to keep the scab and the skin surrounding it amply moisturised. Apart from promoting timely healing, regular moisturising will also help in keeping problems such as skin irritation and itchiness at bay. Make sure to use a moisturiser that is meant for your skin type to avoid clogged pores and acne.

Alternating between a hot and cold compress is another way to treat scabs. Applying a hot compress stimulates blood circulation to the area and accelerates the healing process.

Scabs on the face are quite prone to leaving behind scars, unless cared for in the right way. Exposure to harsh sunlight can cause damage and hinder the healing process of your skin. This increases the chances of scarring. Avoid this by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen over all the exposed parts of your body, especially the face and neck.
FAQs about scabs on face

Q. Is Vaseline good for scabs?
A. Vaseline petroleum jelly helps in keeping the facial scabs and the skin surrounding it well-moisturized at all times. Additionally, gently dabbing some Vaseline over the injured skin is a great way to prevent the wound itself from drying out and forming a scab. This also helps in reducing the chances of scarring to a great extent.
Q. How can I make a scab heal faster?
A. With the right skin care tips and maintaining a certain level of personal hygiene, you can indeed expedite the healing of scabs. Make sure to keep the scab clean and adequately moisturized at all times. Do not pick your scabs and apply an antibiotic cream, sunscreen and use a hot and cold compress alternatively to get rid of facial scars.
Q. Is it better to pick a scab or leave it?
A. As tempting as it may be to touch and pick at your scab, it is always better to leave it alone. Picking your scab disrupts your skin's entire healing process and increases the possibility of leaving behind a scar. Make sure to adequately moisturize your skin, protect it with sunscreen, apply a hot and cold compress instead to make sure the injury and scab heal a lot faster with minimal chances of a scar.
Written by Urvi Dalal on 25th Jun 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!