Some people proudly display their scars, while others seek to lighten and decrease their appearance as quickly as possible.
Not all scars respond well to at-home treatments, but for those that do, we scoured the market for the most effective at-home scar creams and treatments that don’t require a prescription.
These scar-reduction remedies are made by reputable companies and contain components that are recognized to minimize the appearance of scars.
Here are the Lists:
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is effective at reducing scar appearance, reducing redness, and improving skin texture. However, it is ineffective in diminishing the appearance of hypopigmentation.
Because sun exposure can exacerbate the look of scars, use Mederma +SPF 30 Scar Cream if you’ll be out in the sun with your scars exposed.
- Onion bulb extract: Anti-inflammatory chemicals and phenolic antioxidants are found in onion extract.
- Allantoin is an anti-itch, anti-irritant, and anti-drying agent.
Arbutin glycoside and kojic acid both help to lighten dark, pigmented scars. This ointment can help with acne scars and old scars.
- Hyaluronate: This hydrates and penetrates the skin.
- Thyme oil: Thymol is an anti-inflammatory compound found in thyme oil.
Medical-grade silicone is used in Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheets.
These sheets are designed to be cut to fit the size of the scar.
They have been reported to be beneficial in softening and smoothing scar tissue, as well as enhancing scar color and texture. The sheets are soft and comfortable to wear on most body parts, and they can be washed and reused multiple times.
On locations with a lot of movement, such as the side of the knee, they could not stay in place as effectively. Medical tape may be required to keep them in place.
Silicone gel is also available separately if you need to apply gel more precisely or without the need of a bandage.
Cimeosil Scar and Laser Gel is a medical-grade silicone gel that can be used to treat scars from burns, wounds, and scrapes. Because of its thickness, some people found it difficult to apply, and others claim it is quite sticky.
This product contains green tea leaf extract, which isn’t explicitly advertised for acne scars (Camellia sinensis). Green tea includes catechins, which are phenolic substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Green tea also includes an ingredient called epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC), which has been demonstrated to inhibit collagen formation in keloid scars in in vitro research.
6. MD Performance Ultimate Scar Formula
This gel is completely made of silicone.
It’s great for tiny burn scars that don’t need to be treated by a dermatologist. Other types of scarring, such as acne and surgical scars, respond well to it.
It’s best for scars that are actively healing, and it’s not suggested for wounds that are more than two years old.
7. Aroamas Advanced Silicone Scar Sheets
These silicone sheets are made entirely of silicone and can be used to treat both new and existing scars. They’re made to be re-used for up to two weeks.
There is no OTC product that can totally remove old scars. These, on the other hand, work well for flattening, softening, and diminishing the color of old and fresh scars.
How to Make a Decision
Consult a physician. It’s recommended to consult a dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for your scar. In the long term, this will save you time and money. Healthcare practitioners can also provide advice, tips, and answers to your inquiries.
Look for elements that are effective. Consider products that have chemicals that have been proven to reduce the look of scars. These are some of them:
- silicone
- onion extract
- aloe vera
- green tea
Read the complete list of components. Check the entire ingredient list, including inactive substances, to ensure the scar cream doesn’t contain anything to which you’re allergic or sensitive.
Find out who the manufacturer is. Look up the manufacturer’s details. It’s a red flag if you can’t locate information about the firm or the product anywhere other than third-party retail sites. Always buy from a reputable company. If a product makes claims that appear to be too good to be true, they almost certainly are.
Be cost-conscious. There are efficient scar creams available at different price points, so don’t assume that the most costly is always the best.
How to the Product
- Look for instructions. Follow the directions on the packaging while using scar cream. Some scar creams should only be applied once a day. If that’s the case, using them more frequently won’t help your scar heal faster.
- Begin with a spotless surface. Before applying scar creams, especially silicone sheets, make sure your skin is clean and dry.
- Use in conjunction with other items. Consult your doctor about additional treatments that may improve the efficacy of scar cream. Compression clothing and skin massage are two examples.
- Don’t use it right away. Remember that scars, whether old or new, do not heal or change in the same way as wounds do. Attempting to minimize a scar before it has fully healed will aggravate it.
- Patience and perseverance are the keys to success. Use the product as advised for the specified duration of time. It could take 2 to 6 months before you see noticeable improvements.
How effective are scar creams?
Scars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different degrees of severity. Mild scars tend to soften and dissolve with time, becoming nearly undetectable.
Scarring that is severe or deep may require medical treatment, such as cryosurgery, laser therapy, injections, or radiation.
At-home therapies, such as scar creams, may be beneficial for scars that are midway between mild and severe.
In some cases, your doctor may advise waiting up to a year for the scar to fully heal and mature before attempting any treatment. In other cases, emergency medical attention will be advised.
Conclusion:
For certain types of scars, scar creams can be a good option.
Silicone and onion extract are two chemicals included in over-the-counter scar reduction solutions that have been clinically proven to be the most effective.