How to choose a scar cream
Doctors say there are a few ingredients to look for in scar creams:
- Silicone. This “can be used as a treatment for an active or symptomatic scar—thick, red, itchy, swollen—or as a preventative to minimize a scar from developing, particularly after surgery,” Dr. Massick says.
- Vitamin E. While vitamin E alone has not been proven to help reduce the appearance of scars, its moisturizing abilities can help support healing, Dr. Rodney says.
- Hyaluronic acid. This is proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring, per the Cleveland Clinic.
- Some plant extracts. “Certain plant extracts, like onion extract or licorice root, are also known to support scar healing and improve texture,” Dr. Rodney says.
“A good scar cream also has a nice texture that should be easy to apply and absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue,” Dr. Rodney says. “It should also be geared to your skin type—for example, hypoallergenic—so you can avoid potential skin irritation.”
When to use a scar cream
Doctors say it’s important to let your wound heal first, if you’re trying to prevent scarring. After that, go for it with scar cream. “The sooner, the better after a wound has healed, whether a surgical site with stitches or staples where the skin edges heal together or a traumatic injury where the wound bed fills in,” Dr. Massick says. “For best effect, try to use consistently over three months while the scar continues to evolve.”
Types of scars
Not all scars are created equal, Dr. Massick points out. These are the most common ones you may encounter:
- Fine line scar. This usually happens after you get a cut or minor wound, Dr. Rodney says. They tend to fade with time.
- Pitted scar. Pitted scars have a distinct look—they’re small and cause little indents in the skin, Dr. Rodney says. They usually happen after someone has acne or chickenpox.
- Keloid scar. This type of scar happens when there is too much collagen at the would site, causing the wound to grow even after it’s healed, Dr. Rodney explains. “Keloids tend to grow far beyond the original site of trauma,” she says.
- Hypertrophic scar. These scars happen from excess collagen at the wound site, like keloid scars, Dr. Rodney says. They can thicken for months.
How we chose the best scar creams
To choose the best scar creams, we consulted two dermatologists for their input on what to look for in these products. We then looked at the most popular scar creams on the market and analyzed each for ingredients and value. We also carefully evaluated reviews from users to ensure we had the best view on how these creams perform for a variety of people.
Why trust us
For more than 20 years, Scarmin has been a leading supplier dedicated to providing the best solution to all types of scars caused by body injury, burns, surgery ect..