If you want to choose the best over-the-counter scar treatment, you will most likely need to initially search for a treatment that is appropriate for the type of scarring you have. Some types of scar treatments work only on raised scars, while others work on depressed scars. Various types of treatments work on all types of scars. After you have determined that the type of scar treatment you are considering is appropriate for the scars you have, you should examine the ingredients. Some ingredients that may be effective for scar removal are cocoa butter, silicone, and vitamin E.
Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient in many products for scar removal because it is a moisturizer that is thought to be able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Over-the-counter scar treatments containing cocoa butter might also be useful for stretch marks. Many scar treatments also contain vitamin E oil. Some plastic surgeons believe that vitamin E works to correct scars because it can help to increase the levels of collagen found in the skin. This collagen boost might be especially helpful for depressed scars, which often suffer from a lack of collagen.
Silicone is another ingredient you might want to look for when you search for a scar treatment. Treatments containing silicone are available in both ointment and sheet form. You may find that scar treatments containing silicone are slightly more expensive than other types of remedies, but many people claim silicone treatments are more effective. There are many plastic surgeons who recommend the use of silicone treatments for diminishing the appearance of scars. With consistent, daily use of silicone on your scars, you may begin to notice the scars fading over time.
There is no guarantee that any treatment will completely remove scarring. In many cases, people who suffer from all types of scars end up having to see plastic surgeons to drastically improve the appearance of their scars. Sometimes even the work of a plastic surgeon cannot completely eliminate any type of scarring, although they can usually greatly improve the appearance of scars. Even if the over-the-counter scar treatment you decide to purchase doesn't get rid of your scarring, you may find that it causes it to fade faster than it would if you didn't use the treatment. Over-the-counter treatments tend to work best on minor scarring, while major scarring often requires more advanced forms of treatment.
