C-Section Scar - Which Scar Therapy?

Whatever anyone says, it is unlikely that any scar therapy will fade a C-section scar completely. Having said that, there are things you can do and use that will make a big difference.

First off, massage, massage, massage. Wait until the sutures (or staples) are out. Start massaging once your C-section scar has healed over and any scabs have fallen off. Massage as firmly as you can (but obviously don't open up the wound!) Older, well-healed scars can be massaged more firmly. This helps soften up the scar.

Some women find it easier to massage with a lotion or cream. Pick a scar therapy cream to help massage but also to improve scar appearance at the same time. As for what cream to pick... there are very few scar creams that are actually backed by scientific studies.

Let's start off with what to avoid. Vitamin E is often recommended. It is a great anti-oxidant and so it's good for preventing sun-damage. Using vitamin E for scars is not such a good idea though, despite the fact that so many people recommend it. It does nothing for scar healing whatsoever. Even worse news is that it causes contact dermatitis (skin allergy) in up to 33% of users!

Multiple studies also show that Mederma (onion extract) does not improve scar appearance either. It's better than nothing because it provides moisture to the healing scar but it's actually no better than plain Vaseline jelly or cocoa butter.

Scientific studies have shown that the following DO improve scar healing and appearance:

1) Stable vitamin C

2) Silicone

3) Some natural plant extracts like aloe vera and licorice

Both vitamin C and silicone help healthy collagen production that is essential for optimal scar healing. Vitamin C also works very well for decreasing the red or brown discoloration seen with a lot of C-section scars. Silicone (gel and sheeting) also decreases the production of abnormal collagen that can cause thick, raised scars (which can lead to hypertrophic and keloid scars). Silicone softens scars by normalizing the alignment of new collagen fibers.

If you choose a product with vitamin C ensure that it contains a "stable" form of vitamin C. Most forms of vitamin C used in skin care products are unstable and quickly turn brown after the container is opened. This is a sign that the vitamin C has become oxidized and therefore no longer works. Products that are brown to begin with should probably be avoided as many manufacturers color the cream brown so that people cannot tell when the cream becomes oxidized. Use vitamin C scar products that specifically address this stability issue (or are not brown to begin with).

In terms of natural options, aloe vera accelerates wound healing, decreases inflammation, stimulates new skin growth through amino acids, and promotes healing in the deepest skin layers. Licorice extract is also a strong anti-inflammatory, accelerates skin renewal, and lightens the hyper-pigmentation seen with some scars. Interestingly, licorice also boosts the scar-lightening effects of vitamin C so the 2 should be used together whenever possible.

It is also important to keep your scar out of the sun. If you simply must use the tanning booth just cover up your scar. Repetitive sun exposure will turn your scar permanently red and undo all the hard work you've put in in trying to make it look better.

Last, but by no means least... be patient. New C-section scars take many months to mature and look their very best. Keep massaging and using your scar therapy religiously and it will pay off.