Yes, Bio-Oil can help improve the appearance of hypertrophic scars by keeping the skin moisturized, softening the tissue, and reducing redness/discoloration, though it's often recommended alongside stronger treatments like silicone gels for best results, as evidence for oils alone is mixed, but moisturizing is key for scar management. It works best on fully healed skin, applied twice daily, but results vary.
Some people use certain essential oils — such as Helichrysum, lavender, or tea tree oils — on the skin to promote wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars. While there has been little research into the effects of essential oils on scars, these oils may be helpful complements to traditional treatments.
Intralesional injection appears to be the best option for hypertrophic scar treatment. Future studies should focus on a possible optimization of infiltrative therapies, consistent end‐point evaluations, adequate follow‐up periods, and possibly intraindividual treatments.
Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and break down scar tissue. This safe method helps flatten and soften hypertrophic scars. Studies show a significant reduction in scar size after just one session.
Bio-oil is a fantastic moisturizer and the safest alternative for pregnant women. If you have acne scars and stretch marks, the ultimate answer is Bio-oil. Pregnancy Tip: Bio-oil will hydrate your skin and make it soft, so start using it from day one of your pregnancy.
Bio-Oil should not be used on broken skin, so please wait until your skin is fully healed before applying the product. Bio-Oil is not suitable for use on babies until they are over two years of age.
Retinyl palmitate, the ingredient in Bio-Oil, is a vitamin A derivative considered weaker than over-the-counter retinol and far less potent than a prescription topical retinoid.
Keloid vs. Normal Scar. While hypertrophic scars and keloids both result from excessive collagen production, they behave quite differently. A hypertrophic scar remains within the original wound boundaries and often improves spontaneously over 1–2 years, though it rarely returns to completely normal skin.
It is recommended to perform scar massage on a daily basis to have the greatest affect on scar development, pain reduction, and scar mobility.
In-vitro studies have demonstrated that retinoids can modulate collagen production and the proliferation of normal and keloidal fibroblasts. In-vivo application of topical retinoic acid 0.05% can lead to reduction of hypertrophic scars in 50-100% of patients and reduction of keloids in fewer than 20% of patients.
Smoking and Nicotine Use Severely Impair Wound Healing
Smokers are up to 10 times more likely to develop problematic scars, including thick, raised keloids and hypertrophic scars. Even secondhand smoke, nicotine patches, and e-cigarettes can interfere with the healing process.
In general, keeping a hypertrophic or keloid scar moist will help to alleviate symptoms. Any topical moisturizer (Eucerin®, aloe vera, Vaseline®, mineral oil, etc.) applied several times each day is recommended.
Local injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) following facial trauma and surgery is effective for treating and preventing hypertrophic scars (HS), according to results of a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
The most common treatment options for hypertrophic scars include:
In addition, Castor Oil is highly moisturising and has been seen to repair damaged skin cells, nourish healing tissue and help purge dead skin cell build-up. It's also known to soothe the skin, even its complexion and break down scar tissue. Castor Oil is great to use as a skin serum.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Cryotherapy involves freezing the hypertrophic scar with liquid nitrogen to destroy the excess collagen in the scar tissue. This technique helps flatten raised scars and is often used for more minor hypertrophic scarring that has not responded to other treatments.
It's never too late to do a scar massage, but you'll have better results if you start it two to three weeks after surgery. Scar massage may still be helpful if you're experiencing prolonged sensitivity or discomfort.
Frictions are often used to break down scar tissue. Frictions involve applying pressure along muscle fibres using the fingertips or thumbs. Frictions are used on dry skin and help to break down built up bundles of collagen fibres. A build-up of collagen fibres are formed as a result of scar tissue.
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel, Helps Improve Size, Color & Texture of Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars from Injury, Burns & Surgery, Water Resistant, 20g (0.7 Oz)
Hypertrophic scars can be firm or soft to the touch, and also bumpy or smooth. They can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the chest, shoulders, back, and earlobes. Hypertrophic scars can be itchy or painful, but unlike the keloids, this is not always the case.
The reported prevalence of hypertrophic scarring ranges from 32 to 72% [6,7].
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
Bio-Oil's disadvantages include potential skin irritation, breakouts (especially for oily/acne-prone skin), and allergic reactions from its fragrance and botanical ingredients like linalool, making patch tests crucial; it also doesn't penetrate deep enough to reverse severe scarring or stretch marks, merely hydrating the surface, and isn't recommended for broken skin or potentially high-risk pregnancies without doctor consultation.
The ingredient that works up to 11 times faster than retinol is Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde), a potent Vitamin A derivative that's just one conversion step away from retinoic acid, allowing for quicker skin cell renewal, wrinkle reduction, and improved texture, though it's generally recommended for experienced users due to its strength.