Which scar creams are available?
The spectrum of scar creams is extremely broad and difficult to survey. The difference between gels, creams, ointments and oils, for example, lies in the ratio of the fatty and aqueous components to each other and the viscosity of the wound care product. Nevertheless, the term cream is often used as a generic term for all wound dressings that can be applied to the skin.
In any case, the decisive factor in the selection of a wound dressing is its content. Creams with onion extract are tried and tested and are intended to prevent the formation of bulging scar tissue (see also “Home remedies”). In addition, as with flu-like infections, it acts as a “natural antibiotic” (similar to coconut oil, see below) and thus prevents inflammation of the scar.
An example of a wound treatment with onion extract is Contractubex®, which also contains allantoin (is said to accelerate the healing process and reduce itching) and heparin, which is said to promote blood circulation and thus also help accelerate healing. Heparin also contains Kelofibrase®, in which urea takes over the function of allantoin. Silicone-containing agents form a large group among scar creams.
These are usually gels which are applied to the scar and with the help of the silicone they contain, they create a waterproof protective layer on the scar. This not only makes it more difficult for dirt or pathogens to penetrate the wound, but also prevents the scar tissue from drying out. Examples of such wound dressings are the Kelo-Cote® preparations or the Bepanthen® series.
Recently, most scar cream series also include variants with integrated UV protection, which is said to have a positive influence on the healing process. One of the most popular natural scar care products is coconut oil. Like onion extract (see above), it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
However, it also supplies the skin with vitamin E and vitamins from the B group, thus helping to accelerate the healing process and achieve more elastic scar tissue. For this reason, coconut oil is a useful supplement to other wound care products – for smaller, cosmetically less stressful scars, even a single experiment with coconut oil can be promising. The scar gel of Bepanthen represents to a certain extent the classic par excellence among wound care products.
It contains silicone, which puts a fine film over the scar and protects it from the penetration of dirt or bacteria as well as from drying out. It also contains dexpanthenol, which additionally binds water in the skin and thus maintains the moisture balance in the scar tissue. The integrated massage roller is particularly clever, which contributes to better blood circulation and a more elastic scar structure.
Among the most popular classics of home remedies for scar care are onion extract and coconut oil. Both have an antibacterial effect and thus reduce the risk of inflammation of the wound. Coconut oil also contains various vitamins that accelerate the healing process.
Accordingly, special vitamin E oils can of course be applied to the scar.Other, less frequently used household remedies are aloe vera (has a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect), lavender oil or rose hips, with which the scar can be rubbed several times a day. Lemon juice can lighten the scar tissue and thus reduce color differences to the surrounding skin. Massage in honey or cocoa butter provides the scar tissue with urgently needed moisture and thus influences the healing process in a positive way. Olive oil on the other hand is said to have a positive influence on the elasticity of the scar tissue.