Scar gels are a convenient and effective solution, especially in the case of newly healed wounds. Thanks to the use of specialized gels, it is possible to improve the appearance of fresh lesions. Old scars, on the other hand, are impossible or very difficult to remove. There are many preparations for the care of scars available on the pharmacy market. What ingredients should a scar gel contain? When to use scar gels? Find out what the difference between silicone gels and silicone scar patches is.

Silicone gels for scarsare extremely comfortable to use. These preparations are easy to spread and are completely transparent. One of the methods of scar treatment confirmed by many studies is the use of silicone gels.

The speed of scar healing and its appearance depend on the individual genetic characteristics of the patient, the nature of the injury and external factors disturbing the scarring process. Ugly looking changes can be an aesthetic problem.

Large, extensive scars can also be responsible for many he alth problems. Their presence is associated with pain, itching, sleep disturbances, anxiety and difficulties in performing daily activities. Unelasticated scars may limit your range of motion. Therefore, in order to reduce their visibility and accelerate healing, it is worth using various types of scar preparations, including gels.

Gels for scars - types

Gels for scars can be easily divided intopreparations based on siliconeand those that do not contain this substance.

In the case ofnon-silicone gelsthe properties of the product depend on the bioactive substances it contains.

Gels are distinguished by a high water content from ointments and creams for scars. All preparations from this group are easy to apply and dry quickly when applied to a scar.

What are silicone gels?

Silicone gels are preparations containing long-chainsilicone polymers , otherwisepolysiloxanes . They are spread in a very thin layer that remains for a very long time, even 24 hours on the surface of the scar. Silicone-based preparations even out the texture, lighten and smooth scars.

Besta scientifically proven method of self-treatment of scars at home is the use of specialized pharmaceutical preparations based on silicone.

In the last 20 years, scientists have conducted many clinical tests to check the properties of silicone patches and gels. The collected data clearly show that these preparations, when used over a longer period of time, gradually improve the appearance of the scar.

Scientific research is usually inconclusive when it comes to the effectiveness of other scar treatments.

Clinical tests show the effectiveness of silicone gels in the therapy and reduction of the visibility of keloids and hypertrophic scars. These preparations are available over the counter in pharmacies. The silicone they contain is a substance with a low risk of side effects. The use of silicone gels is easy and painless.

How do silicone gels work?

The use of silicone gels increases the hydration of the stratum corneum . Thanks to this, the preparation supports the multiplication of fibroblasts that build the skin and reduces the production of collagen.

This is important because the convex shape of hypertrophic scars is associated with overproduction of collagen. Eventually, by applying silicone gels, the scar becomes softer, more elastic and flat.

In order to heal properly, scars need adequate access to oxygen and moisture . This equilibrium state is known as homeostasis. If enough moisture is retained at the site of the scar by the silicone preparation, the skin cells will reduce the production of collagen.

This helps to flatten and reduce the intensity of the color of the scar tissue.Regular use of silicone gels reduces the visibility of the scarand helps it blend in better with the surrounding he althy skin.

The protective layer of silicone gel protects the scar tissue from bacterial invasion . The infection can cause the healing tissue to overproduce collagen. The silicone gel also reduces the itching and physical discomfort associated with a healing scar.

Advantages of silicone gels

A decisive advantage of silicone gels is very easy application. The preparations spread very well, are practically invisible on the skin and do not stain clothes.

Another advantage is their high safety of use. Most silicone gels can even be used on children's sensitive skin.

Preparations of this type work well for scars on the face and scars located on moving parts of the body, e.g. around the elbow or knee.

Are the silicone patchesmore effective than gels?

Scientific research shows that silicone plasters and gels are just as effective in treating scars. These two types of preparations improve the appearance of unsightly lesions to a similar extent.

The advantage of silicone gels is their convenience in application to areas of the body such as the face, elbows, groin or knees.

When to start using silicone gels for scars?

Applying the silicone gel on the scar should be started when the wound is healed.Never apply the preparation to an open wound .

At the time of applying the silicone gel, the injured site must not bleed, and all the scabs should fall off.

Usually the complete healing of a wound takes about 3 weeks from the moment the skin is broken. However, this period may differ due to the individual predisposition to healing injuries in patients.

Silicone gels can also be used on old scars . In this case, be aware that it will take more time and patience to improve their appearance.The best therapeutic effects are achieved by applying silicone gel to fresh scars .

How long should the silicone gel be used?

In the case of silicone gels, it is recommended to apply the preparation regularly for at least 2-3 months. This is the period after which the most pronounced effects of the therapy are usually noticeable.

The skin of different people is different from each other. For some patients, the beneficial results of using silicone gels may be seen more quickly, and for others, the regeneration process may be slower.

In all cases, however, to improve the appearance of the scar, it is important to use the medicinal preparation on a daily basis.

What other ingredients should a scar gel contain?

One of the recommended ingredients of scar gels is onion extract (Allium cepa). This ingredient is present in many popular preparations that improve the appearance of ugly lesions after surgical cuts. Gels containing onion extract reduce the color of the scar and smooth it, reducing its visibility.

The therapeutic properties of Allium cepa are due to the content of ingredients such as:

  • quercitin,
  • kemferol,
  • cepalina,
  • metalloproteinases
  • and thiosulphates.

In vitro data show that onion extract has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and bacteriostatic properties. It also inhibits the growth of keloids fibroblasts, reducing the production of matrix elementsextracellular tissue, which leads to a smoothing of the scar.

Another valuable ingredient of scar gels is allantoin. The substance accelerates skin regeneration, stimulates the renewal of the epidermis and increases the moisture of the tissue within the scar. In addition, it has keratolytic properties (dissolves the callous layer of the epidermis) and intensifies the penetration of other ingredients of the medicinal preparation into the tissue.

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