A scar is the final outcome of the wound healing process, replacing normal skin tissue with fibrous connective tissue. Scars often leave a visible, raised, or discolored mark. Scar gels are a popular category of topical treatments aimed at improving the appearance and texture of both new and established scars. These gels offer an easy-to-use, non-invasive solution for managing scars.
Defining Scar Gels and Key Ingredients
Scar gels are topical formulations designed to facilitate scar maturation and reduction. The primary ingredient in most recommended scar gels is medical-grade silicone. Silicone is considered the first-line, non-invasive standard for scar management, working by forming a protective, semi-occlusive layer over the affected area once it dries.
Many gels include secondary ingredients to enhance the formulation or provide additional benefits. Common additives include Onion bulb extract (Cepalin), which may help reduce inflammation, and Vitamin E, valued for its moisturizing properties. Other components are peptides, which modulate collagen production, and Allantoin, incorporated for its skin-soothing and hydrating qualities. However, the core efficacy of the gel remains rooted in the physical properties provided by the silicone base.
The Science of Scar Reduction
The fundamental mechanism behind scar gel efficacy is the physical barrier it forms on the skin’s uppermost layer, the stratum corneum. This barrier creates an occlusive effect that significantly reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). By trapping moisture, the gel increases the hydration level of the stratum corneum, which is the key stimulus for scar improvement.
Increased hydration signals keratinocytes, which regulate fibroblasts in the underlying dermis. In abnormal scars, fibroblasts are overactive, causing excessive and disorganized collagen production. Hydrating the scar tissue normalizes this signaling pathway, reducing collagen overproduction.
This maturation process helps to flatten and soften raised scars, improving texture. By reducing the inflammatory response, the gel also helps diminish the redness and discoloration associated with problematic scars.
Application Guidance and Suitable Scar Types
Users must wait until the wound is completely closed and re-epithelialized before beginning scar gel application. Treatment typically starts a few days to two weeks after the wound has closed or sutures have been removed. The gel should be applied in a very thin layer, extending slightly beyond the scar margins, and allowed to dry completely to form the occlusive film. Consistent application is necessary, with most products recommending use twice daily.
Treatment duration is an extended commitment, often requiring continuous application for two to six months. Scar gels are most effective for preventing and treating problematic scar types, specifically hypertrophic scars and keloids. Hypertrophic scars are raised and red but remain within the boundaries of the original wound, while keloids grow beyond the initial injury site. The gel’s moisturizing and regulating effects help to flatten, soften, and reduce the redness of these elevated scars.