The Best Scar Removal Products

When searching online for an answer on the question: what are the best scar removal products one has to become confused by all the different opinions on scar treatment. Many mixed reviews and contradictory experiences make it very difficult which product is the best solution.

There are many different types of over the counter scar removal products available. Commonly used products are the topical use of vitamin E, scar creams based on vitamin E or onion extract like Mederma, cocoa butter, cucumber butter, lime juice, Aloe Vera, lotions such as Bio Oil, skin remodeling copper peptides and so on. The truth however is that, in contradiction to the abundant positive reviews, most of these natural home remedies are not effective at all.

Various studies on onion extract gels show they did not improve scar appearance when compared with a petrolatum-based ointment. A leading dermatology website advices doctors to tell their patients that using these products will likely not cause any harm but will not lead to an improvement either.

This applies to the other aforementioned home remedy scar treatment products as well.

For example the topical application of vitamin E on scars.

Clinical trials illustrate that vitamin E provides no more effect than other emollient-type ointments, and hydration appears to be its only beneficial effect. Furthermore, topical vitamin E may actually cause more harm than good, possibly worsening a scar's appearance and causing contact dermatitis (red rash), and other skin irritations in a large percentage of patients.

The conclusion of examining all these studies and clinical trials is that, either there are no significant improvements or there has not been done any research to determine the efficacy of the product. (On Lime, cucumber and lemon juice and cocoa butter are no studies done)

Flagrant exception is silicone scar treatment. Several randomized clinical trials have shown that treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars with silicone gel sheets significantly and clinically improved the appearance of scars. It will not surprise that silicone sheets, recommended by many plastic surgeons, burn centers and dermatologists, are called 'the golden standard in scar treatment'. However early treatment is ideal, silicone gel sheets may also be beneficial for older scars

When asked what the best advice concerning this matter is, one must not only think in terms of products (except silicone sheets and maybe honey) but more in terms of what you can do to improve the appearance of a scar.

For instance, scar massage can help a lot. Then there are recent trials that show an increased temperature will significantly increase collagenolysis (the process that decreases scar tissue) So heat application e.g. by paraffin wax can be a potent improving measure. Furthermore, hydration is essential. Keeping the scar tissue and surrounding skin moisturized adds to effective scar management.

I have tried many products myself and have done a lot of research on this subject. With my recently finished Squidoo page on the best scar removal product I try to clear some things up.

Apart from the best products that really work I also provide information on 4 factors that are beneficial in treating scars. These 4 factors are: moist, warmth, silicones and oxygen.