How Does Scar Cream Work: Complete Guide To Understand Scars
June 20, 2021
There can be many different causes of scarring of our skin -- whether from burns, acne, cuts, surgery, scrapes, or accidents -- but the frustration that comes from a scar's stubbornness to go away is universal. With countless products and treatment options claiming to reduce scarring, we tried to find a scar cream that really worked.
Because we couldn’t find such a product, we ended up formulating our OWN scar product, to soothe and comfort the scar and the skin around the scar. This is the origin of Aprisa ERASE® Gel.
So if you’re wondering “how does scar cream work,” read on to learn from an industry expert.
What Is A Scar?
In general, scars are the result of collagen fiber regrowth after a skin injury. Most minor or superficial injuries can result in temporary changes in the color of the skin (red or white depending on your skin type), whereas deeper injuries can lead to depressed scars (as in acne), raised scars or flat, shiny scars (as in deeper burn scars).” The majority of scars, regardless of their origin, will eventually change color and naturally fade over time, but specific treatments and products can be helpful to significantly reduce their appearance.
How Do Scar Creams Work?
Dermatologist research in scar reduction has shown that silicone is the most effective ingredient in helping to reduce the appearance of scars. This is because silicone can reduce collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring. Silicone also works to flatten and fade scars by hydrating the tissue. Other ingredients to look for are vitamin E oil and allantoin, which also help soften the skin. To help reduce the appearance of scars, products such as Aprisa ERASE® Gel are formulated to hydrate and smooth the area around the scar, thus reducing redness and evening out the skin tone and texture.
Although most scars cannot be completely removed, there is a level of scar minimization, both physically and mentally, that contributes to us feeling more confident and not as self-conscious that everyone can see our scar(s)!
How Can I Help Minimize The Appearance Of A Scar?
Always remember that ANY scarred area should be protected from the sun with sunscreen, a protective garment, and even a hat! Let’s not exacerbate the scars we want to get rid of by incurring sun damage that can impair the healing process as well as result in prolonged scar discoloration!
Scars Are A Part Of Most Of Us
What an amazing feature of our bodies that our skin itself is literally a seamless organ, wrapped tightly around us for protection. But just one small burn, injury, or other trauma can make a huge difference in how it looks. Now a scar isn't necessarily that bad if it's small or in a location that's easy to conceal. But when it's not, you may wonder if there's a way to treat it, other than hiding it under your clothes, that will make it go away or at least change how it looks to both you and the outside world.
The truth is that the scar will never completely go away. HOWEVER, some methods can help reduce its size and change its appearance and the condition of the surrounding skin.
What Are Possible Treatments for Scars?
Scar treatments may include:
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Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or gels. These products can be used to treat scars that are caused by cuts or other injuries or wounds. If you are under the care of a plastic surgeon and your scarring is from cosmetic or plastic surgery, ask your surgeon if over-the-counter treatment is an option. If not, some prescriptions may help.
Often, treatments can include steroids or certain oral antihistamines for scars that cause itching and are very sensitive. Likewise, if you have scarring from severe acne, ask your dermatologist for advice. Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatment or silicone gel sheeting to help treat scars or as preventive care.
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Surgical removal or treatment. There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery. In a skin graft, the surgeon uses skin from another area of your body. This is often used with people who've had burns.
If you've got scarring that impairs function, surgery can help address the functional problems. If you've recently had surgery that has caused scars, it is best to wait at least one year before deciding on scar treatment. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.
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Injections. You may get steroid injections to treat scars that stick out, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars. Your doctor may use this on its own or with other treatments.
Other types of injections, such as collagen or other "fillers," may be useful for some types of pitted scarring, although these are not usually permanent solutions.
- While not a treatment, cosmetic products such as Aprisa Erase® Gel, can help to improve the look and feel of scars to help you feel more comfortable.
Does Insurance Coverage Apply to Scar Treatments?
If your scar physically impairs you in any way, there is a possibility you might be under coverage from your health insurer. Be sure to ask your doctor to write a letter detailing your particular case. Your doctor can also take photos to support your case. In some cases, like work injuries, treating the scars might be part of your getting back to work, and to life.
If you are undergoing scar treatment for cosmetic purposes, you will most likely have to pay for it all by yourself. If you have scars that result from cosmetic surgery, make sure you know what your insurer will cover. Health insurers usually will not pay for any cosmetic surgery that isn't medically necessary.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Scar Product?
- Of course, you can always ask your doctor. But sometimes it’s best to talk to a dermatologist about the best type of treatment for your particular scar. This can save you time and money in the long run. In addition, your team of healthcare providers can also offer suggestions, tips on use, and answer your questions.
- Look for effective ingredients that have been shown to be effective at reducing the appearance of scars. These include:
- silicone
- aloe vera
- green tea
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- In addition, Aprisa ERASE® Gel incorporates Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil. This oil comes from a plant found in the Amazon which natives have used medicinally and cosmetically for many years, and they believe to have healing properties. Important for scar products however is that it contains high levels of essential fatty acids to help nourish and restore your skin's natural fat layer, resulting in softer, smoother skin.
- Read the full ingredients list. Double-check the full list of ingredients, including inactive ingredients, to make sure the scar cream doesn’t contain anything you’re sensitive or allergic to. We highly recommend our Aprisa ERASE® Gel because it is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested!
- Know the manufacturer and always buy from a trusted manufacturer, like Aprisa. This is one of the main reasons that Aprisa® will begin incorporating a chain of custody for all of our products by partnering with Stella Guard. In the age of increasing counterfeit skincare products and cosmetics, Aprisa® is blazing the trail by introducing state-of-the-art technology to lead the fight against counterfeit cosmetics! Also keep in mind if a product makes claims that seem too good to be true or if it is difficult to find information about a company, these are red flags
How Do I Most Effectively Use a Scar Cream Product?
- Skincare 101: Follow the package instructions! Some products are meant to be used once a day. If so, using them more often won’t make your scar heal any faster. Some products, like Aprisa ERASE® Gel, should be gently massaged into the scar and the skin surrounding the scar two to three times a day.
- Start with a clean area. Always wash and dry your skin where they’ll be applied.
- Use in combination. Talk to your doctor about ancillary treatments, which may make the use of scar products more effective. These include skin massage and wearing compression garments.
- Don’t use it too soon. Remember that wounds don’t heal overnight and scars, whether old or new, don’t change overnight. Trying to reduce a scar before your skin has fully healed can make it worse.
- Have patience and be persistent. Use the product as directed for the amount of time indicated. Take photos to track the results and see how the appearance, texture, and softness of the skin become, as changes happen incrementally.
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Aprisa ERASE® Gel has statistically significant clinical results which show that it helped improve the appearance and feel of the sensitive skin around hypertrophic and keloid scars, both old and new, for a more even skin tone and balanced feeling. Proven to absorb well into the scar and surrounding skin, you will see clinically tested improvement after each week of use!!!
