ScarAway, the creator of high quality silicone scar sheets has recently launched a new product.

It’s a Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum Massaging Applicator. Since both silicones, and in lesser extent, massage are proven effective scar treatments this product combines two effective modalities.

The gentle massaging rollers will probably add to fading the scars but I suspect, for that to happen they need to be used regularly for a certain period of time.

Let’s hope the sensation of the rollers is pleasant so that it may actually be a useful addition to the relatively small pool of effective OTC scar products.

The new product is available on Amazon

Product Description

ScarAway 100% silicone gel serum with gentle massaging applicator is ideal for easy and convenient use on scars on any part of the body, even on scars on exposed or hard-to-treat areas such as: Face, Ears Neck, Scalp, Arms, Hands and Joint Areas. ScarAway is a concentrated 100% Silicone Gel Formulation for optimal results, and does not contain any inferior ingredients or fillers.

Topical Silicone is clinically proven to help reduce and prevent scars. ScarAway works on newly healed woulds and visible older scars. Even scars that are years old and appear raised and discolored can become flatter, smoother, and less visible, closer to your skin’s natural texture and color. Our new massaging applicator harnesses the power of not 1 but 2 Scar fighters, silicone AND massage, in one easy to use product.

How I Got My Scars

After being attacked and stabbed a few years ago I ended up on the intensive care in a local hospital. A coronary artery had to be closed surgically to save my life. In order to stop the accumulation of blood within my chest (hemothorax) the surgeons had to open up my chest just like they do with open heart surgery.

Apart from the large vertical (thoractomy) scar on my chest due to the surgery I also had cut scars on my face, neck and lower back as a result of the attack. Once back at home and recovering I was determined to do anything in my power to fade the scars as much as possible. Since my scars were new I didn’t want to get surgery or other invasive treatments. So I asked myself, ‘how to get rid of these scars at home?’ And thus I started my search for an over-the-counter scar product that actually works.

Finding Out Which Over-The-Counter Scar Product Actually Works

Following the advice of my general practitioner as well as a surgeon I started using all kinds of products. After a while I had learned by trial and error that most scar creams like Mederma, Bio Oil or Calendulan are not effective. At least they were not for me. Apart from that I now knew that there are as much different opinions on scar treatment as there are different products. I was disappointed that the level of education concerning scar treatment among medical personnel was this low. I thought that there must be something that works. If only a little bit.

That’s why I started reading articles on scar treatment and contacted several cosmetic clinics to ask for advice. The cosmetic surgeon of one of the clinics told me that the best scar cream available was Zeraderm. (If I’m correct it’s not available in the US.) This is a silicone cream that lays a thin film over the scar. This led me also on the discovery of so called silicone sheets. These are made of the same material as the silicone gel but seemed to work even better.

“silicone sheeting has certainly come out as one of the best ways to deal with fresh and chronic scars” (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 1994; 18: 307-13).

Using Silicone Sheets

After ordering the silicone sheets and the gel I started using them immediately.This took some dedication because the sheets have to be worn at least 16 hours a day, every day. When a particular sheet (or patch as they are called also) has been worn for a few days it gets less adhesive.

I used silk tape to make sure the sheets sticked to my skin. Sometimes, e.g. when sweating or during physical exercise the sheets and silk tape let loose despite the tape. So I had to reattach them. I mainly used the sheets and the gel only when I was not able to use the sheets. I found the gel especially suitable for areas not covered by clothes when I was out in public. This because the gel seems to be less effective.

But the good thing was that I noticed a very slight improvement already after a few days. The scars became softer. This motivated me to go on with this treatment. Already after several weeks I could see my scars fade to a less red, less thick and softer state.

Conclusion

So concluding, the ultimate scar treatment requires a fair amount of time and dedication. This is the reality, the stories about creams that will fade scars almost completely only by applying them twice a day are just not true.

But the good thing is that when you are dedicated and disciplined to use the products day in day out and have the patience to maintain during a few months you will eventually get an optimal result. My scars faded to a huge extent. Not only did they become almost skin color instead of the red color they were. They also are flat and soft and do not itch anymore.

Silicone Sheeting Brands

There are differences between silicone scar product brands. The so called medical grade products contain higher quality concentrations of silicones and have better adhesive qualities. An example of such a medical grade brand is ScarAway.

ScarAway silicone sheets are the only scar sheets with the patented Silon technology. This is the same technology recommended by plastic surgeons and used in hospitals and burn centers. This Silon technology was made available for the consumer market in 2002 by Pfizer Inc. under the name Neosporin Scar Solution

It can be hard for African Americans to find a good scar cream. People with black skin are more prone to keloid scar creation.

Not only people with black skin but also other ethnic groups such as Hispanics, and Asians are more prone to this type of unsightly scars. Unfortunately these scars can not be avoided but the risk on development can be decreased.

First of all it is recommended to use an antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin ) when the wound heals.

Another measure to boost wound healing and avoid complications such as infections (which indirectly increase the risk on scar tissue creation) are Medihoney wound dressings. Keeping a wound covered, clean, and protected will result in less scar tissue.

The best scar cream for black skin would be a silicone cream. This because silicones have shown to reduce the risk on disgraceful keloids. Especially when they are used on fresh scars. Apart from that they have also shown to remove keloids (only in some cases since keloids are hard to get rid of). Silicone gel creams also soften and flatten red, purple, raised, scars.

Here’s a list of commercially available silicone scar creams. I commonly recommend ScarAway or Kelo-cote because these are made of 100% silicones and do not contain less effective ingredients. According to studies silicone gel sheets are more effective than creams but the downside is that their use may be less convenient.



Something About Topical steroids.
Some people use a cortisone ointment (commonly prescription) but there are risks on using this kind of treatment. Reported side effects are discolorization and thinning of the skin.

Cortisone (steroid) creams are also used to help alleviate vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes depigmentation of patches of skin affecting black people. But steroids are not recommended for the treatment of vitiligo because steroids may help initially for a short time but may lead to a relapse of this condition.

Here’s a list of all the available silicone gel scar creams (or at least the ones I am aware of).

There are many brands to choose from. Some contain 100% silicones while others are made of a mix of ingredients. This post is not about which cream is the best. It’s only an overview of what’s available on the consumer market.

I will review some of these products later on. Some have links to my review behind them.

Creams in this list that are not available on Amazon (see below) are linked to online stores that do sell them.

• ScarAway 100% Silicone Gel Serum
• Kelo-cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel
• Scar Esthetique Healing & Reduction Cream (w/Silicone, Arnica, Antioxidants, Copper Peptides, Co-Q10,
• ScarGuard MD ScarGuard Scar Care (read my review)
• Rejuvasil (read my review )
• Pro-Sil Roll-On Scar Reduction Stick (by Biodermis)
• Scarsil Scars
• Cimeosil Scar Gel
• Sudden Change Scar Zone Topical Scar Diminishing Cream
• Xeragel 100% silicone ointment (by Biodermis)
• Dermatix Ultra (May be a few bucks cheaper here than on Amazon.)
• Spectragel (polysiloxane)
• Scarprin
• Zeraderm (not available in the U.S)

Various silicone scar sheets brands are available. There are some distinct differences in the type of silicones, fabrics, thickness, and adhesiveness among these brands. So which are the best buy? In my opinion the best silicone scar sheets are ScarAway and Oleeva. This because these are the only two brands that use the patented Silon technology. (ScarAway is the former Neosporin Scar Solution)

In short, Silon is a blend of Teflon and a certain type of silicones “which has unusual physical and chemical properties – particularly when formed into thin membranes. Research suggests that Silon acts to hydrate scar tissue, which in turn works to soften scar tissue, reducing its development and causing it to fade away faster.” Wikipedia

But there are more reasons why these two brands offer the best silicone sheets:

Breathability
Apart from silicones another material is commonly used to create a layer on the outside of the sheets. It is very important that this fabric is breathable. Oxygen should be allowed to transfer because if it doesn’t it can cause skin maceration. Maceration of the skin occurs when it is consistently wet. The skin softens, turns white, and can easily get infected with bacteria or fungi. Source: About.com: Dermatology. A visitor of one of my Squidoo lenses described this wrinkled white skin effect during the use of Dr. Blaine’s Scar Care sheets.

Stickyness
Those who have used silicone sheets know that keeping them attached can be somewhat of a burden. Especially on some (moving) parts of the body such as the face or neck. It should however be noted that the stickier the better does not apply here. If silicone sheets are too sticky they could create too much tension on the freshly formed, still delicate scar tissue which is not desired because it might worsen the scar. The ideal sheet would be sticky enough to help you position it on the scar, and use a medical tape (i.e. cotton or silk) to secure further if necessary.

Thin sheets versus thick pads
Thinner sheets with a compact layer of silicone are more comfortable and more “durable” which means they do not break down and you get more use out of them. The thicker “gel” type pads get dirt, etc embedded in them which is not sanitary when sealing to your skin for hours each day. The thinner sheets can be washed.

The only silicone scar sheets that have the breathable fabric and the thin, washable, medical grade, Silon technology silicones are the ScarAway and Oleeva sheets. Both doctor-level products are manufactured by BioMed Sciences inc. Oleeva Scar Shapes are pre-cut pieces of Oleeva Fabric for targeted scar management following surgery.

Hydration
It is theorized that hydrating properties play a major role in the mechanism of silicone sheeting. After serious skin injury trans-epidermal water loss is increased. [1] This water loss is more significant in hypertrophic and keloid scars and may be responsible for increased collagen production (abnormal scar tissue). The semi-occlusive nature of silicone scar sheeting improves scars by providing adequate but not excessive hydration. Dressings that are too permeable to water may be ineffective on scars because they fail to block water loss and related skin healing processes, whereas dressings that are too occlusive may cause skin maceration.

ScarAway is available online at Amazon and Drugstore.com. Oleeva can be ordered online at Makemeheal.com.

Note: also Scar Fx and Biodermis Epi-derm silicone sheets are medical grade products. This means they have a higher percentage, better quality silicones than some of the brands available in the drugstore.

[1] Suetake T, Sasai S, Zhen YX, Ohi T, Tagami H (1996) Functional analyses of the stratum corneum in scars: Sequential studies after injury and comparison among keloids, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars. Arch Dermatol 132:1453–1458

ScarAway silicone gel for scars

I have used medical grade, doctor-approved silicone scar sheets myself. (Silicones are the only over the counter treatment proven with over 20 years of studies to work to flatten and fade old scars and help prevent thickened scars.)

The sheets I used were of an European brand of which the quality can be compared with that of ScarAway sheets. I created a write-up on my experiences with silicone scar treatment where I recommend ScarAway.

A visitor of this review page informed me about how she tried various silicone sheet brands which made her aware of the many differences between them.

She notes: “there are very distinct differences in the types, thicknesses and material that cause each one to be a whole different experience. Some are thick, some are thin, some are clear and some are opaque. Some are fabric, some have a plastic or polyurethane outer layer on the silicone, and some have a fabric backing.”

Because there are so many different brands to choose from choosing the right one be very confusing. That’s why she had an in-depth conversation with her plastic surgeon. Here’s what she informed me about the conversation with her surgeon:

Make sure to use breathable silicones “It is important that the material baking on the silicone is breathable. Silicone fabric types with a baking that does not allow the transfer of oxygen should be avoided. Do not use the cheaper “tape” types that don’t breath which can cause skin maceration.

Definition: The softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture. The skin softens, turns white, and can easily get infected with bacteria or fungi. This type of problem can cause more scarring or widening of the scar.”

Avoid the use of sheets that are too sticky. “I was baffled by this as I see a complaint of users of silicone sheet products is that they don’t stick real well by themselves and roll off after a period of time, etc. Some sheets are not made to be self adhering at all ..more like a piece of rubber, but those buckle even under medical tape.

My surgeon explained that a proper silicone sheet should never produce a severe pulling on your scar. If it is too sticky, there is the potential to further damage the new skin, or even open a delicate healing area. in general, he said the ideal sheet would be sticky enough to help you position it on the scar, and use a medical tape..cotton or silk, to secure further if necessary…but stickier does not equate to more effective.”

Thin silicone sheets vs thick silicone gel pads “Thinner sheets with a compact layer of silicone are more comfortable and more “durable” which means they do not break down and you get more use out of them. The thicker “gel” type pads get dirt, etc embedded in them which is not sanitary when sealing to your skin for hours each day. He advised against a thick gel type pad. The thinner “sheet type” can be washed cleanly. So which ones are which out there on the market?

ScarAway Review
The only silicone scar treatment product that has the breathable fabric AND the thin washable medical grade silicone in one is the expensive sheets through your surgeon and the new ScarAway sheets. He gave me a coupon for $2.00 off ScarAway at Walgreens.

I have also found them online at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. So, I will journey on using ScarAway sheets. Like you do, my surgeon recommended using the sheets at night and the ScarAway 100% Silicone Serum during the day. I know this is long..it took my doctor 45 minutes to explain it all to me. I hope this is helpful to all and answers the many question out there about silicone scar treatments.”

If you have any questions regarding silicone scar sheets, ScarAway, or scar treatment in general don’t hesitate to ask me by leaving a comment. There are also many questions and answers on the silicone scar treatment page I was talking about. Thanks again for sharing this in-depth information Laura!

Stretch marks are scars that have been formed in the deeper layers of the skin. In fact stretch marks (striae) consist of damaged skin collagen. Collagen fibers have been frayed under the influence of hormonal changes, repeated stress, stretch and strain. After a while this tension results in the breaking of the collagen fibers which causes an abnormal, crinkled surface texture. These less elastic and crinkled marks are called stretch marks.

As with all scars complete removal is impossible because once the skin is damaged it can hardly be repaired fully. But there are certain procedures that can significantly fade stretch marks to make them less noticeable.

A fairly new over the counter stretch marks product is the in 2009 released ScarAway Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy. This particular product might be promising because of the fact that it comes from the manufacturer of the high quality ScarAway brand. But does this new product live up to its expectations?

First lets take a look at its active ingredients. According to the manufacturer’s website; a synthetic peptide, a vitamin, and organic Marrubium extract. Marrubium vulgare is a gray-leaved bushy herb with white flowers which looks a bit like mint. It is also known as White Horehound or Common Horehound. This member of the Labiatae family is, according to Wikipedia, particularly rich in biodiversity and has been used since ancient times by humans for many purposes. Water extract of Marrubium vulgare is widely used as anti-hypertensive treatment in folk medicine. Some other members of the Labiatae family are Hyssopus, Lavandula, Majorana, Melissa, and Mentha.

Then there is the statement that the anti stretch marks effect of this new product has been measured in a 3 months clinical study.

The skin-protecting properties against stretch marks have been shown by a new cell culture assay simulating skin stretching in a glass/acryl box by stretching a monolayer of fibroblasts’ cultures. ScarAway’s innovative Stretch Mark Therapy is proven in vivo and vitro studies to protect stretched skin structure as well as diminish stretch marks.

Summary of efficacy (evaluation questionnaire) * Decreasing in stretch marks’ length 92% * Decreasing in stretch marks’ width 92% * Decreasing in stretch marks’ color 92% * Skin on stretch marks more supple 69% * Disappearance of stretch marks on the treated zone 31%.

(In vivo means: “experimentation using a whole, living organism as opposed to a partial  or dead organism, or an in vitro controlled environment.” source Wikipedia)

I remain skeptical. We don’t know how the studies have been conducted nor if they are done on human test persons. The mentioning of a evaluation questionnaire at best suggests this. I could not find any trials showing Marrubium vulgare to be beneficial to skin problems or the skin in general. Which peptide is in the ingredients and what it does also remains unclear.

But maybe there is a synergistic effect. And of course my theorizing here does not proof at all this product should not be able to diminish stretch marks. Medical scientists still do not agree on the exact action of silicone sheets. But they do work and because this product is so new only time will tell if it actually does work. The only review I found online is a positive one. I would love to hear your experiences with this product.

“I used ScarAway Intensive Stretch Mark Therapy during my pregnancy for months 5 through 9 when my skin started to get tight on my abdomen. I have stretch marks on my thighs and breasts from growing and puberty so I was quite resigned to getting them during pregnancy as well. I am happy to report that I had my daughter on December 23rd…healthy and beautiful and… I have NOT ONE STRETCH MARK! I never imagined I would come through with none at all. I used ScarAway Stretch mark cream every day at least morning and night…sometimes I massaged it on 1 or 2 more times during the day if I thought of it. During the last 2 months I applied it when I felt the tight, itchy feel, and it soothed that feeling right away. I am so happy for so many reasons. Thanks ScarAway!

(source)

Small study on Tretinoin

Many doctors and dermatologists state that there is no over the counter product that is able to improve stretch marks. Especially not older, white striae. But there are some studies showing vitamin A derivates such as tretinoin to be effective. Here’s a short study abstract I found.

In this small study, topical application of tretinoin 0.1% significantly improved the clinical appearance of pregnancy-related stretch marks. (Rangel, Arias, Garcia, & Lopez-Padilla, 2001). I will get back to on vitamin A and stretch marks later.

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Silicone scar sheeting is used by hospitals, cosmetic surgeons, burn centers, and dermatologists to treat especially surgical and burn scars and prevent the formation of new scars. The sheets are thought to provide a protective barrier which mimics the natural barrier function of normal, healthy skin.

Neosporin scar solution is a silicone scar treatment brand for the consumer market that does not exist anymore. The Pfizer company held the license to manufacture Neosporin Scar Solution using patented Silon® technology since 2002. In 2006 Johnson & Johnson purchased Pfizer Inc. and took it out of production. Because the demand kept growing the product was continued under the new brand name ScarAway in 2008.  These ScarAway silicone sheets, produced by Mitchell-Vance Laboratories, are largely the same as the Neosporin sheets. They are improved by making them bigger, thinner, and more adhesive.

A common heard complaint is the (lack of) adhesion. I have used them myself and I know from experience the sheets can be, especially on difficult parts of the body such as the face, hard to keep attached. Especially when the sheets have been worn for a few days and are cleaned and dried (which is recommended after a while) they get less sticky. I solved this by using silk tape to keep them attached. For my face I used a silicone gel (liquid version) during daytime. Although less effective than sheets according to studies the gel was a welcome addition.

So if you are searching for Neosporin scar solution, keep in mind they are called ScarAway nowadays. And keep in mind that it will take some dedication to keep them attached but it’s worth the effort because there is no better over the counter scar treatment available. The sheets are available online at Drugstore.com and Amazon

The relatively new use of silicone gel sheetings to prevent and treat hypertrophic scars started in 1981 with the treatment of burn scars. Since then many burn centers but also cosmetic surgeons have adopted this type of treatment and it has been used widely to reduce the size, hardening (induration), redness (erythema), itch (pruritus), and growth (extensibility) of pre-existing hypertrophic scars and to prevent the formation of new ones.

Dermatologists refer to it as the golden standard in scar treatment.

“In reviews of scar management, silicone sheeting has certainly come out as one of the best ways to deal with fresh and chronic scars.” Source: (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 1994; 18: 307-13)

Another report highlights a primary role for silicone gel sheeting (and the more invasive steroid injections) in the management of a wide variety of abnormal scars. The authors concluded that these are the only treatments for which sufficient evidence exists to make evidence-based recommendations. Source: International clinical recommendations on scar management.

How this type of treatment exactly works is not sure yet. Studies done by Sawada and Sone have lead to the suggestion that occlusion and hydration are the principal modes of action of the silicone gel sheet. Source: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Japan.

More important is the fact that the silicone strips provide a non invasive, low risk and easy to use alternative for invasive treatments like corticosteroids (steroid injections, laser treatment and cryotherapy (freeze the scar tissue using liquid nitrogen) Where these invasive methods inhibit risks of e.g. new scar tissue development, silicone sheets have shown little to no side effects. Only an exceptional and mild skin irritation has been reported.

“Silicone is the clinical gold standard for scar treatment and scar prevention having demonstrated clinical efficacy over all other forms of topical treatments and is recommended by the “International Advisory Panel on Scar Management” as the first line therapy for as the first line therapy for these types of scars:”

• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• Burn scars
• Acne scars
• Stretch mark scars
• Plastic surgery scars
• Breast augmentation scars
• Breast reduction scars
• Breast implant scars
• Post laser peel redness
• Pregnancy scars
• Tummy tuck scars
• Caesarian section scars
• Mastectomy scars
• Mohs surgery scars
• Hysterectomy scars
• Body contouring scars
• Body piercing scars
• Tattoo removal scars
• Cleft lip scars

In the past silicone gel sheets were thick and uncomfortable. But new technologies have improved performance, adhesiveness and overall comfort. Patience and determination are required though. The sheets need to be worn at least 12 hours each day for a period of several weeks at least. But the knowledge that these are the products that provide optimal results might be a motivator to use them religiously.

Read more about personal experiences with silicone scar treatment.