Here are some details about scar creams, including their positive and negative aspects, as well as common ingredients or materials:
- Scar creams are used for the prevention, treatment, repair, and removal of old and new scars from various sources such as surgery, burns, bug bites, acne, and other skin injuries.
- They often contain ingredients that help soften the skin, hydrate it, and reduce the appearance of scar texture and redness.
- Some creams also contain ingredients that reduce collagen production, which further helps to flatten and fade the scars.
- Silicone is regarded as one of the most effective ingredients in scar creams, as it creates a barrier on the skin, promotes a hydrated environment for healing, and works well for scars that penetrate several skin layers, such as ice pick scars.
- Allantoin, a nitrogen-rich waste molecule excreted in mammalian urine, is another common ingredient in scar creams. It softens keratin, the fibrous protein that makes the skin tough and waterproof, and encourages dead skin cells to slough off.
- Allium cepa bulb extract, also known as onion, is often added to scar treatments. It may improve scars by regulating fibroblasts, the cells that help build scaffolding for new tissue.
- Panthenol, a functionally identical alcohol to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), is sometimes included in scar creams for extra oomph.
- Centella Asiatica, an herbal ingredient with exceptional wound-healing properties, has been used in Asian cultures for a long time and is also found in some scar creams.
- Some scar creams may work better when used in conjunction with silicone scar sheets or silicone gel.
- Deep scars may respond better to alternative therapies such as laser, dermabrasion, and chemical peels, while silicone gels are the best scar cream option for punctures that penetrate several skin layers.
- Skinuva® Scar is a scar cream that has been backed by 5 clinical studies and shown to be nearly 2x more effective in improving the appearance of scars compared to silicone cream alone.
