Different types of scar require different types of treatment. Here are some of the ingredients you’ll find in scar creams and gels. Scar Contractures - Most common after a burn. The skin contracts causing tightness that can restrict movement around the scar. There are several different types of scars, says Dr. Rapaport, and you should figure out which kind you have before choosing a treatment. A 2020 review of six studies found that the use of topically applied silicone was beneficial for preventing post-operative scar formation. Researchers also found that topically applied silicone sheets or gel significantly reduced scar pigmentation and height. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) Silicone gel is a medical-grade scar treatment that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) at pharmacies or online without a prescription. It can be extremely effective in shrinking raised scars, including large keloid and hypertrophic scars; evening out deep scars, such as acne pits; and reducing pigmentation.

BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid can really help to smooth out acne scars. They resurface and renew your skin, helping to minimise pits and lines and even out your skin tone. Scars are a part of the skin's natural healing process and are the body’s way of repairing itself. Scars can appear in different shapes and sizes, they will usually fade over time but may never completely disappear. Scars are caused by breaks in the skin that may be the result of injury, burns or surgery.Because the scar we tested with these sheets was more than four years old, we were impressed when they improved both the pigmentation and texture of the scar—especially since we only wore the sheets at night while we slept. However, it was pretty uncomfortable for us to keep them on for the recommended 24 hours a day, so keep that in mind. Keloids: Raised, textured scars that can spread past the original wound area. You might say that keloids are scars that heal a little too well in response to the injury. Scars can be beautiful, of course. A C-section scar gave life to a child, and wound scars show that you survived an injury. But scars can also really affect your confidence. So we’re very happy to discover that many scar creams really do work, with active ingredients such as medical-grade silicone gel, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and allantoin working in different ways to fade and heal different types of scar, and prevent scars from forming after injury or surgery. Some users may experience burning, irritation, itchiness, and redness after application. What is the best time to use scar cream? USAGE: Clean and pat the scar. dry Apply a small amount of the gel and rub. Wait 5-10 min to dry completely. Apply twice a day - morning and evening for 12-16 weeks. The use of Scarex gel could begin at least 24 hours after removing the stitches.

Syed F, et al. (2013). Ex vivo evaluation of antifibrotic compounds in skin scarring: EGCG and silencing of PAI-1 independently inhibit growth and induce keloid shrinkage. Even though we only used the sheets at night, the scar lightened a bit in color and improved in texture. In fact, the scar flattened and smoothed out enough that hair began growing again over the scar for the first time in years.CookieYes sets this cookie to record the default button state of the corresponding category and the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. In addition to at-home or medical treatments, your scar will fade faster if you keep it protected from the sun. Khoo TL, et al. (2011). A prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial to study the efficacy of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars.

Superficial wounds like cuts and abrasions cause fine-line scars. This type of scar fades significantly over time, becoming nearly invisible without treatment. Oftentimes, if medical treatment isn’t an option, OTC scar creams can be used with other remedies, such as compression garments, skin massages, and moisturizing the skin. What else can I do for scars?Throughout the lab testing phase and our research, we also relied on the expertise of several dermatologists and plastic surgeons, both in the Lab phase of our testing and during the research process: