How does scar gel work?
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An effective scar gel typically uses silicone as an active ingredient within its formulation for scar treatment.
When applied to the skin, silicone acts as a barrier to air and moisture, sealing the skin to outside impurities.
Ideally, the silicone used within a scar gel should be medical grade. This is important so it can offer a wound healing effect to lighter or darker skin.
A good scar gel containing silicone should be easy to apply.
Simply place a small amount of gel onto a fingertip and smooth the formulation over the scar area and surrounding skin. Make sure the entire surface is covered by the gel.
The formulation should dry quickly, leaving little residue on the applied surface after 20 seconds.
Dr. Erin Gilbert of Gilbert Dermatology indicates that research in scar reduction “has shown that silicone is the most effective ingredient in reducing the appearance of scars.” This is because silicone can reduce collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring.
Importantly, silicone also works to lighten, flatten and visibly reduce scars by hydrating scars and surrounding skin tissue.
Other ingredients which can appear in a scar gel formulation can be vitamin E oil and allantoin. These inclusions can assist with skin hyrdation.
To reduce the appearance of scars, creams and other products actively work on hydration levels and seek to smooth the area. This reduces redness and evens out the skin.
Dr. Gilbert notes that “excellent results can be achieved” with scar creams and “you will see improvement in your scar.”
However, total elimination of a scar is unlikely.
According to Dr. Gilbert, scars are the result of collagen fibre regrowth after a skin injury. “Most superficial injuries” she says, “will lead to temporary changes in the colour of the skin (red or white depending on your skin type). Deeper injuries can lead to depressed scars (as in acne), raised scars or flat, shiny scars (as in deeper burn scars).”
The majority of scars, regardless of cause, will change colour and fade naturally with time. Specific treatments and products may be required to significantly reduce scar formations and their appearance.
In looking after your scar, it’s important to remember to always protect the scarred area from the sun with sunscreen or protective clothing.
Dr. Gilbert reminds us that “Sun damage can impair the healing process as well as result in prolonged scar discoloration.” This is also very important for aging skin.
Research indicates that silicone-based therapy can take up to 6-12 months of constant application to produce optimum results.
It must be stressed though that the application of silicone to a scar and surrounding tissue needs be regular and consistent.
Over time, the application of silicon-based treatments will help a scar to become lighter, flatter and less visible on a person’s skin.
A scar gel is a great way to lighten, flatten and visibly reduce the appearance of a scar.
Ideally, the scar gel formulation should contain silicone as an active ingredient. This will protect scarred tissue and help to improve the surrounding skin.
Although total elimination of a scar is unlikely, the use of a silicone based gel will definately assist the scar and surrounding tissue to become less noticeable over time.
When applied to the skin, silicone acts as a barrier to air and moisture, sealing the skin to outside impurities.
Ideally, the silicone used within a scar gel should be medical grade. This is important so it can offer a wound healing effect to lighter or darker skin.
Scar gel should be easy to apply
A good scar gel containing silicone should be easy to apply.
Simply place a small amount of gel onto a fingertip and smooth the formulation over the scar area and surrounding skin. Make sure the entire surface is covered by the gel.
The formulation should dry quickly, leaving little residue on the applied surface after 20 seconds.
Information from a scar expert
Dr. Erin Gilbert of Gilbert Dermatology indicates that research in scar reduction “has shown that silicone is the most effective ingredient in reducing the appearance of scars.” This is because silicone can reduce collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring.
Importantly, silicone also works to lighten, flatten and visibly reduce scars by hydrating scars and surrounding skin tissue.
Other ingredients which can appear in a scar gel formulation can be vitamin E oil and allantoin. These inclusions can assist with skin hyrdation.
To reduce the appearance of scars, creams and other products actively work on hydration levels and seek to smooth the area. This reduces redness and evens out the skin.
Dr. Gilbert notes that “excellent results can be achieved” with scar creams and “you will see improvement in your scar.”
However, total elimination of a scar is unlikely.
The changing colour of scars
According to Dr. Gilbert, scars are the result of collagen fibre regrowth after a skin injury. “Most superficial injuries” she says, “will lead to temporary changes in the colour of the skin (red or white depending on your skin type). Deeper injuries can lead to depressed scars (as in acne), raised scars or flat, shiny scars (as in deeper burn scars).”
The majority of scars, regardless of cause, will change colour and fade naturally with time. Specific treatments and products may be required to significantly reduce scar formations and their appearance.
Sun damage
In looking after your scar, it’s important to remember to always protect the scarred area from the sun with sunscreen or protective clothing.
Dr. Gilbert reminds us that “Sun damage can impair the healing process as well as result in prolonged scar discoloration.” This is also very important for aging skin.
The time required to heal a scar
Research indicates that silicone-based therapy can take up to 6-12 months of constant application to produce optimum results.
It must be stressed though that the application of silicone to a scar and surrounding tissue needs be regular and consistent.
Over time, the application of silicon-based treatments will help a scar to become lighter, flatter and less visible on a person’s skin.
Conclusion
A scar gel is a great way to lighten, flatten and visibly reduce the appearance of a scar.
Ideally, the scar gel formulation should contain silicone as an active ingredient. This will protect scarred tissue and help to improve the surrounding skin.
Although total elimination of a scar is unlikely, the use of a silicone based gel will definately assist the scar and surrounding tissue to become less noticeable over time.
