C-section scar product guide
About your scar
Had a c-section and don ’t know how to help your scar heal? Despite c-sections accounting for almost 50% of UK births, there is very limited literature to help guide your scar healing and recovery. Caring for your scar and using topical products can significantly influence scar healing.
As your skin heals following a c-section it is initially very thin and this results in water loss. Maintaining sufficient moisture levels is an important factor in healthy scar formation and scar products can support the skin during the repair phase. Optimum healing requires moisture, a water-loss barrier and an emollient to keep skin supple. Most scar products do not provide all of these attributes but products can be combined. With such a variety of choice from silicone to creams, gels, oils, ointments and balms, it can be hard to know which products are best to use. This guide explores the different products that are available and the benefits that each provide.
Silicone
Silicone provides an occlusive barrier and is considered the gold standard product to prevent moisture loss during the repair phase of a new scar.
Silicone works by creating a barrier over the scar to ensure optimum moisture levels are maintained, this results in a lighter, more pliable and flatter scar.
By preventing moisture loss, the use of silicone will also help with regulation of collagen production. Overproduction of collagen will result in either a hypertrophic scar; where excess collagen production means the scar is darker than the skin tone and is raised, or a keloid scar; the scar is also darker, raised and also extends outside of the original border of the scar.
Silicone is available as a gel and strips. Silicone gels should be applied 3 times per day and need to fully dry before putting on clothing. Silicone strips should initially be applied for 2-4 hours per day and gradually increased up to 23 hours.
By applying a strip over your scar, a barrier is created to not only prevent moisture loss but this will reduce irritation of the scar from clothing. Silicone strips are considered the gold standard treatment as an occlusive barrier will be maintained for the duration of application and the addition of compression helps to regulate collagen production and prevent the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars.
There is evidence to show silicone strips are most effective if started early and used correctly over a sustained period of 6 months +.
When selecting a silicone product you should always choose medical grade silicone. Strips should surround the scar by at least 1.5cm on all sides. If your scar is very sensitive a strip would be more effective than gel as it will prevent irritation from clothing.
Silicone is best applied after other topical products have been fully absorbed into the skin. Applying a silicone strip alongside other topical products will prevent these being rubbed off by clothing and enhance the absorption into the skin.
Recommended products
Scarban recovery kit
BAP SCAR CARE Silicone gel
All products available on our online store.
Scar cream
Most scar creams have a higher water content and are used to provide hydration to the disrupted skin barrier, helping with scar formation. Creams are more easily absorbed into the skin compared to oils, ointments or balms. Some scar creams, such as Alhydran will also aid in moisture loss and help to make the skin more supple.
Creams should be applied 3 times per day and can help with symptoms such as itching and redness. If using alongside a silicone gel or strip, ensure the cream has been fully absorbed into the skin first. Combining a scar cream with silicone will help to provide moisture to the scar and create a barrier to keep the moisture locked in.
Recommended products
Alhydran scar cream
Product available on our online store.
Oil
Oils will replace the damaged skin barrier and prevent moisture loss when first applied, until they have been fully absorbed. Natural oils are recommended compared to mineral oils such as bio oil as they have a higher level of active ingredients to aid scar healing and can penetrate deeper into the skin. Oils help to lock in moisture by creating a barrier but they will not hydrate the skin as they do not contain any water. Oils can be used in combination with silicone strips, however, if they have not been fully absorbed they will reduce adhesion of the strips.
Balms and Ointments
Balms and ointments usually do not provide any hydration to the skin as they have very little water content, however they will help to soften the skin. Natural ointments are more effective to use on scars compared to mineral based ointments as they can be partially absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin and aid the skins barrier repair. These products can be used instead of a cream or at a different time of day and can be used before applying silicone strips, but may reduce their adherence.
Disclaimer
The information in this guide is intended for your general knowledge and should not replace any personalised professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. All products in this guide should be used as guided by the product manufacturer and where relevant under the guidance of a medical professional. Products should not be used until your scar has healed and free of stitches and scabs.