What is Scar Removal Cream?
Scar creams work in different ways to heal the tissue and reduce the appearance of scars. Some skin creams contain mild exfoliants that rub away the top layer of skin cells and any dead skin in the area.
Other ingredients hydrate the cells, giving them a fuller look, which may reduce the appearance of scars.
Best Scar Removal Cream In South Africa
Best overall: Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
Best for surgical scars: Scaraway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets
Best natural treatment: Derma E Scar Gel
Best for stretch marks: Honeydew Concealing Cream
Best for acne scarring: Differin Adapalene Gel
Best for redness and discoloration: LIFE-FLO Pure Rosehip Seed Oil
Best for kids: Mederma Scar Gel for Kids
Best for the face: Cicatricure Face and Body Scar Gel
How to choose scar cream
There are a few important things to consider when shopping for scar creams:
- Active ingredients: Paying attention to the active ingredients in the cream and their strength can help a person identify what works for their skin type.
- Other ingredients: Other ingredients may also affect how well a treatment works. If an ingredient irritates a person’s skin, they will likely stop using the treatment. In some cases, it may even make symptoms worse.
- Be aware of bold claims: While many active ingredients may reduce the appearance of scars over time, they are not miracle cures. Stick with reputable companies and be wary of any bold claims.
- Patience is key: While a few different active ingredients work to reduce scarring, they do so over time. Many treatments may take weeks before a person sees any visible results, and the effects may wear off if the person stops using the treatment.
- One at a time: A person may have to try a few different products before finding one that works. However, it is a good idea to stick to one product at a time, as this can help identify what works and what does not.
How to use scar creams
The following are some tips on how to use scar cream:
- Follow all instructions: Before using a scar cream, a person should carefully read all the manufacturer’s instructions. Some companies may recommend using the product once or twice a day, whereas others may recommend leaving a product on for several hours.
- Use on clean, dry skin: Always apply any scar cream on a freshly washed and dried area.
- Use a combination of products: A healthcare professional may recommend using two or more products in combination. Always follow the healthcare professional’s advice on when and how to apply these products.
- Remember results take time: People may not see a significant difference for several months when using scar cream.
Do scar creams work?
A scar is a part of the skin’s natural repair cycle after a wound. The body works quickly to cover a wound with skin cells and protect it from the outside elements.
As a result, it sometimes creates imperfect cells that contain more collagen than healthy skin cells. Collagen is a protein in your body that helps provide structure to the skin. This is why scars differ in appearance from undamaged skin.
The look of a scar will typically fade with time, though some changes may last longer or be permanent.
Scar creams work in different ways to heal the tissue and reduce the appearance of scars. Some skin creams contain mild exfoliants that rub away the top layer of skin cells and any dead skin in the area.
Other ingredients hydrate the cells, giving them a fuller look, which may reduce the appearance of scars.
Scar creams are only one part of treating a scar. People looking to reduce the appearance of scars should also take other precautions, such as keeping the damaged area out of direct sunlight or wearing sunscreen whenever possible.
How long does it take for scar cream to work?
It can take several months of using scar cream before a person notices a significant difference.
If a person is not happy with the results of the scar cream, they may wish to contact a dermatologist or other healthcare professional for further advice and recommendations to reduce the appearance of scarring.