Scars occur when the skin is injured, burned or stretched beyond its limits and new fibers, containing a large volume of the material collagen, form in its stead. These fibers tend to be harder and different in color than the surrounding skin, making scarring a cosmetic concern to those who have experienced skin damage. While it may be difficult to completely eradicate a scar, many products available over the counter can help to soften a scar, which helps to reduce its appearance.
Silicone Gel Sheeting
Silicone gel sheets, which resemble bandages, can be placed over a scar to encourage healing. Their effects have been linked with reducing scar thickness, size and discoloration while softening the hardened scar tissue, according to PRWeb.com. You can buy these sheets at most pharmacies. They should be applied only to wounds that have had sufficient time to heal in order to reduce possible infection risks. When applied, the silicone sheeting can maintain moisture balance, which is linked with reduced itching.
According to Columbia Health Services, some researchers contend that the silicone gel sheeting helps to boost static electricity and help to rearrange collagen fibers into a more orderly pattern, reducing a scar's appearance.
Mederma
Mederma, a scar treatment cream or gel, can be applied to the skin as a means to soften and reduce a scar's appearance, according to PRLog.com. The active ingredient in Mederma is onion extract, which is known as allium cepa. This product reduces inflammation that can increase scar tissue growth. The cream also has been linked with rearranging collagen fibers, which frequently develop in a haphazard manner, into a more orderly position, reducing the scar's appearance.
Mederma must be applied several times a day for several months in order to produce benefits. The cream is indicated for both old and new scars.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
According to Columbia Health Services, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help to remove dead skin cells that are part of a scar, thus reducing its appearance. These types of treatments are chiefly indicated for the treatment of acne scars. A dermatologist may suggest a certain strength of the AHA product; higher concentrations may be used to treat larger scars. The strength also may depend upon your skin type; sensitive skin types may not be able to withstand high-concentration AHA applications.
Member Comments
MclainTrain June 8
From experience, Dr. Blaine's complete scar care treatment is the BEST on flattening and fading scars- keloids, hypertrophic, acne and surgical scars. The treatment has a silicon gel-pad that you wear for 12 hours and then a liquid gel that you apply for the rest of the day. You can buy it at Longs Drug/CVS for around $20- and IT WORKS!