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What is the Best Silicone for Scars & How Does it Work?
Whether you’ve recently had surgery or the remnants of an old wound are making you self-conscious, we have the perfect solution. Silicone is widely used in the medical community to help heal new scars and improve the appearance of older ones. Discover the different options, including how they work, the benefits they offer and which is the best silicone for scars.
11 Minutes read
Posted on 7 Nov 2024
What is the Best Silicone for Scars & How Does it Work?
Whether you’ve recently had surgery or the remnants of an old wound are making you self-conscious, we have the perfect solution. Silicone is widely used in the medical community to help heal new scars and improve the appearance of older ones. Discover the different options, including how they work, the benefits they offer and which is the best silicone for scars below.
Why are silicone strips good for scars?
Silicone scar strips have been considered the gold standard option for over thirty years. And there are now even more silicone scar treatment products on the market!
Silicone sheets and gels can be applied over many kinds of scarring, including acne scars, burn marks, and keloid and hypertrophic scars. They are a non-invasive way to lock in moisture and prevent the skin thickening and hardening, thus reducing visible scarring.
The silicone layer also increases the skin’s temperature just enough to create the perfect environment for healing new scars. This helps to speed up the natural process, while bypassing the damaging effects of excess collagen production (more on this soon).
What’s more, the silicone creates a barrier against damage and bacteria, whilst allowing the skin to breathe. This is key when new scars are at their most delicate and works to minimise discomfort too. Similarly, as silicone sheets and gels are adhesive-free and made from medical grade silicone, irritation is rare. As such, they’re ideal for people with sensitive skin.
How do silicone sheets and gels for scars work?
As wounds close and the skin begins heals, it starts to dehydrate and produce collagen. This is needed during the early stages in order for the epidermis to regenerate. However, over time, this water loss can lead to excessive collagen production and raised, lumpy scarring. To avoid this, you should aim to start treating your scar with silicone at around the two week mark.
Both silicone sheets and gels are designed to form a bond with the stratum corneum (the skin’s outer layer). This promotes hydration and better regulates the production of collagen and fibroblasts. In turn, your scar won’t have chance to dry out and become hard or itchy. Instead, the skin will remain supple for flatter scarring and reduced redness. And with older scars, the silicone draws moisture to the skin’s surface to improve its appearance over time.
If that wasn’t enough, the silicone barrier also helps to keep new scars safe from knocks and scrapes until they heal fully. Plus, it lessens irritation under clothing and the risk of infection.
What is the best silicone for scars? Gel vs sheets
When choosing the best silicone for scars, it really comes down to personal preference and the area being treated. Silicone scar strips and silicone gels work in much the same way. They therefore offer equally positive results when used correctly for the advised period of time. With that said, each product has its strengths and downsides, so let’s take a closer look…
Silicone strips and sheets are best for larger, flatter areas of the body. We stock various sizes and shapes to suit your needs, including classic rectangular strips. These are perfect for c-section scars and those on the chest, back, arms and legs. Our range also includes more specific designs such as anchor-shaped sheets for mastopexy scars. As well as circular sheets for treating scars from areola reconstruction and breast augmentation surgery
You’ll also have a choice of discreet clear silicone sheets or fabric-backed sheets. These are great for wearing under clothing or pressure garments, and both are self-adhering so there’s no irritating glue involved. Silicone scar strips are also washable, reusable and conformable to the contours of your body. However, they don’t adhere as well to certain areas – namely those that experience lots of movement.
With that in mind, silicone gel is the best silicone for scars in more awkward areas like the face, joints and between skin folds. That way, you won’t have to worry about the silicone lifting at the edges as you move. Or having to cut it to the correct shape and size.
Instead, you can simply apply a discreet layer of gel which will dry to create a flexible and waterproof barrier. Some gels even offer SPF protection and you can also apply makeup over them to cover the scar if desired. Plus, they’re easier to apply on the go or while travelling.
Silicone Sheets
Tips for applying silicone to scars
Whichever option you choose, remember that you must only apply silicone to healed wounds. That means waiting until around two weeks after the injury or surgery, and until any sutures have been removed. At that point, silicone gel or sheets can be layered directly over the new scar. Just make sure the skin is clean and dry before you begin to encourage good adhesion.
How to apply silicone scar strips
For best results, silicone sheets should typically be worn for between 12-24 hours daily for 2-3 months. Each day, you should remove and clean them with warm water and gentle soap. Be sure to rinse the silicone well, then reapply to clean, dry skin. Each strip can be reused several times, but the adhesion will lessen with wear. One BAP SCAR CARE T Sheet, for example, will usually last 5-7 days. Just remember to check the guidance on each individual product.
US$69.00
- A self-adhering, thin, transparent silicone sheet for the treatment of old and new scars
- Silicone therapy that ensures quicker and improved healing of the skin
- Excellent skin adherence and molding on the contour of the skin
How to use silicone gel for scars
If you prefer the idea of silicone gel, then you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s extremely easy to apply. You only need a small amount as a little goes a long way. And all you need to do is smooth a thin layer over the scar twice a day for up to 90 days. Most gels take around five minutes to dry, after which time they will be virtually invisible. And if you find you’ve applied too much product, you can easily wipe away the excess before it sets. Just be gentle!
In either case, being consistent is crucial to successful scar healing and reduction. With that in mind, if you find that one product is more straightforward to use than the other, stick with that one. That way, you’re more likely to finish the full course of treatment over several months.
Shop silicone scar treatments at Dermacare Direct
Our full range of silicone for scars is available online, with each product supplied by science-backed brands only. And if you’re still not sure which option to go with, we offer a free advice service. Just email your query to: advice@dermacaredirect.co.uk. With 25 years-experience in the skincare sector, our experts can help you select the best silicone product for your needs.
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