There are many scar treatment options on the market nowadays. With so many to choose from it’s extremely hard to know where to begin. The following scar healing treatments have been shown to safely get rid of scars:
Silicone Gel and Silicone Sheeting: The exact way in which silicone improves scar appearance is unknown. One theory is that silicone re-arranges the orientation of the skin’s molecules through an electrostatic charge. Another theory is that the scar improves because of the moisture trapped between the skin and the silicone gel/sheet barrier. Whatever the mechanism may be, one thing is for sure – silicone scar treatments work.
Silicone sheeting has long-been the gold standard in terms of scar treatment. The problem is they are not user-friendly. They have to be worn for the majority of the day and get in the way of clothing. Using make-up or sun block if the scar is on the face is impossible. Dimethicone silicone gel has been shown to be just as effective as sheeting but is much easier to use. Rub it in and you’re done. Make-up and sun block can be applied over it easily.
Vitamin C: Normal skin is composed of organized, linear (but slightly wavy) collagen fibers. The skin reacts to injury by absorbing the damaged collagen and replacing it with new collagen fibers. Unfortunately, this new collagen is laid down in a very unorganized way. Unorganized collagen is more likely to be associated with ugly scarring. Vitamin C helps to improve and organize collagen production which in turns improves the final scar.
Vitamin C can cause some mild stinging as it penetrates the top skin layer. This is normal and eases off quickly.
Many skin care products that contain vitamin C in the ascorbic acid form are colored brown. This is to disguise the fact that the ascorbic acid has oxidized and become ineffective (oxidized ascorbic acid is brown too). For this reason, vitamin C skin care products that are brown to begin with should be avoided.
Natural Plant Extracts (Botanicals): some plant extracts can be used as excellent natural scar treatments because they decrease inflammation, improve wound healing and are hypo-allergenic. Examples of these are Aloe Vera, Licorice extract, and Sunflower and Safflower seed oils.
Aloe decreases inflammation and stimulates new skin growth through amino acids. This speeds up wound healing.
Licorice extract is a strong anti-inflammatory, accelerates skin renewal and has anti-acne effects, both in terms of prevention and treatment. Licorice also lightens dark scars and brown spots including melasma, especially when combined with a stable form of vitamin C.
Both sunflower and safflower seed oils contain very high amounts of oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids. These acids are needed to maintain the skin’s top layer which maintains moisture. Moisture is vital for normal skin health and improved scar healing. Both these acids have also been shown to help get rid of scars by improving skin and scar elasticity.
Dr Chrysopoulo is a board certified plastic surgeon with a special interest in effective scar healing therapies that help in getting rid of scars safely. He is also Chief Science Officer for InviCible Scars Advanced Scar Therapy, a hypoallergenic, effective scar treatment free of skin irritants. Get the Trial Offer of InviCible Scars at www.inviciblescars.com