Best Overall The scar removal gel by TEREZ & HONOR delivers 100% medical grade silicone to your skin, working its magic on both old and new scars. This product can be used on C-section scars, stretch marks, acne scars, and surgical scars.
BioCorneum® Scar Gel is the first and only quick drying silicone gel scar cream with SPF30 sunscreen that is approved by the FDA. This scar cream is an important part of our post-surgery scar care regimen, and we recommend it for most patients who have surgery or injuries in exposed areas such as the face.
Silicone can work well combined with treatments such as pressure, scar massage and other therapeutic methods in reducing the appearance of problematic scars. Silicone may hydrate the scar tissue and reduce the production of collagen fibres (see scar massage information sheet).
Researchers have concluded that Vitamin E added to the silicone gel scored better than the simple silicone gel at the end of both periods. They have reported the successful combined action of vitamin E and silicone gel in scar treatment, especially in the short-term prophylaxis of hypertrophic scars or keloids.
Bio-oil is popular with many patients and may improve the appearance of a scar by keeping the skin hydrated however I am unaware of any scientific evidence that it reduces scarring. The only products that do seem to reduce scarring are silicone gels such, as Kelo-coat or Dermatix.
In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars. Of the patients studied, 33% developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Therefore we conclude that use of topical vitamin E on surgical wounds should be discouraged.
UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE
The main difference between conventional silicone and medical grade silicone is the curing system used. The conventional silicone uses the peroxide cure system, which is often referred to as a free radical cure system or a high temperature vulcanizing (HTV) system.
Is medical grade silicone toxic? No, medical grade silicone is not toxic. In fact, the exact opposite is the case. The material is biocompatible, which means non-toxic and hypoallergenic to the human body that does not respond immunologically to it.
Medical grade: More technically referred to as medical-healthcare grade, class VI silicone tested for biocompatibility, this type is our material of choice for a wide range of products, including menstrual cups, baby bottle nipples, scuba mouthpieces, water pipes, and food and skin contact products.
About Mederma
The #1 doctor- and pharmacist-recommended brand for scars, Mederma helps reduce the appearance of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, and acne, making them softer, smoother, and less noticeable.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Use silicone products
Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.
Alternatively, silicone gel may be used instead and applied twice daily for 3-4 months. However, silicone may be recommended for longer periods of time if the scar remains red and elevated.
Dermatologist research in scar reduction has shown that silicone is the most effective ingredient in helping to reduce the appearance of scars. This is because silicone can reduce collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring. Silicone also works to flatten and fade scars by hydrating the tissue.
Strataderm is used to soften and flatten scars, relieve the itching and discomfort of scars as well as reduce redness and discoloration associated with scars.
Its as easy as it sounds – pinch or twist the silicone – if it changes to a whiteish color, then it most likely has plastic fillers in it and is not 100% pure silicone. Pure 100% silicone does not change color when you twist or pinch it.
However, medical grade silicone also has some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is its cost, which can be higher than other materials used in medical applications. This is due to the higher purity standards and additional testing required to ensure biocompatibility and safety.
Though silicone is biocompatible and biostable, it is not immune to bacterial colonization.
The primary cause is the high cost of production, notably the high energy cost. Because the silicone is created by converting sand into high purity silica. Prior to the polymerization of the silica to produce silicones, the generated silica goes through a refining step.
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.
Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly. Vitamin E oil didn't fare any better. “If it helps,” says Kenneth Arndt, a dermatologist in Newton, Mass., “it's not the E but the oil.” He notes that it often causes skin irritation.
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible.