The market is full of products for scars, claiming to help minimise the visual scar…but why do we need to hydrate a scar? What should I check when buying a scar cream oil or gel? These questions are answered by scar tissue specialist Emma Holly.
With a clinical practice on Harley Street, London’s most prestigious medical address, Emma is well-placed to help with scar healing and recovery and promote optimal scarring.
Why Should I Moisturise My Scar?
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process—but how you care for them can make a big difference in how they look and feel over time. One simple yet powerful step in scar care is moisturising. Here’s why adding this to your routine is so important:
1. Promotes Better Healing
Moisturised skin heals more efficiently. When a scar is kept hydrated, the skin can repair itself more effectively, leading to a softer, smoother appearance. Dry, tight skin can crack or itch, which may disrupt healing and prolong recovery.
2. Reduces Itchiness and Discomfort
As scars heal, they often feel itchy or tight. Moisturising helps soothe irritation by keeping the skin supple. This not only makes you more comfortable but also helps you avoid scratching, which can worsen the scar or lead to infection.
3. Improves the Scar’s Appearance
Moisturised scars are generally less noticeable over time. Hydration helps prevent excessive dryness and flaking, which can make scars look more pronounced. Some moisturisers are also formulated with ingredients like vitamin E, silicone, or aloe vera that can help fade discoloration and improve texture.
4. Prevents Excessive Scar Formation
In some cases, especially with deeper wounds, scars can become raised or thick (like hypertrophic or keloid scars). Keeping the area moisturised—especially with silicone-based gels or sheets—can help flatten and soften raised scars, and reduce the risk of them becoming more prominent.
5. Supports Skin Barrier Function
Your skin’s natural barrier is compromised during the wound-healing process. Moisturising helps rebuild and protect that barrier, keeping out harmful bacteria and environmental stressors while locking in essential hydration.
How and When to Moisturise a Scar
- Wait for the wound to close. Moisturising too soon can interfere with healing. Only begin once the skin has sealed over (usually after scabbing).
- Use the right product. Choose a non-irritating, fragrance-free moisturiser. For surgical or more severe scars, silicone may be recommended in addition to a cream or oil.
- Be gentle. Apply the moisturiser with clean hands, using light circular motions. Don’t rub too hard.
- Be consistent. Apply moisturiser at least once or twice a day for several months for the best results.
Recommended scar creams from Restore Therapy
Alhydran scar cream has had good results in research, it is paraben free and has no nasties. Produced by BAP Medical this cream is available across the globe.
The Scar Wand are a small independent company that produce a lovely scar cream, based in UK. You can order online https://thescarwand.com/product/the-scar-cream/
Recommended scar oils
There are some natural essential oils that work well with scar tissue: Rosehip oil is well-known and evidenced to help with scars and Lavender oil is also effective. Make sure that you use a carrier oil, and ideally a high-quality, organic oil.
Avoid perfumed creams, oils and gels that might irritate the skin. We love Seidel scar oil duo. Start with two weeks intensive treatment with the 100% natural repair oil with just a small number of ingredients this replenishes essential fats deep into the skin layers. Treatment should then continue with daily use of the skin optimising oil. This can be complemented with their scar creams for best results use for 3+ months.
Recommended scar gels
https://www.esperehealth.co.uk/product-range/our-products/bapscarcare.html
