While scar removal creams alone are not enough to make deep tissue scars go away, they can be incredibly beneficial for reducing the appearance of smaller scars on the surface of the skin. However, there are several things to take note of when caring for superficial scars. First of all, consistency is key when it comes to applying your scar removal creams. Secondly, incorporating active ingredients such as acids and topical Vitamin A can be instrumental in accelerating the cell turnover process. And thirdly, sun protection is important to prevent your scar from darkening when exposed to the sun’s harsh UV rays.

The skin scarring process

Now, let’s take a look at how scarring occurs in 3 stages:

  1. Inflammation: When an area of the skin is damaged, receptors send signals to the blood vessels to tighten and restrict blood flow to the skin injury. In addition to inflammation, this process triggers melanin production which causes the area to darken.
  2. The formation of scar tissues: Next, the skin begins the healing process by replacing the damaged tissue with new ones and creating new blood vessels. 3 to 5 days after the skin injury, the skin begins to create new collagen. Also, scarred skin contains 80% of type I collagen as compared to healthy skin which has only 20%.
  3. The remodeling stage: During the wound healing process, there may be an imbalance in skin proteins in the epidermis. Hence, this imbalance can cause excess tissue to form and result in raised scars which dermatologists call hypertrophic scars.

Although scars only require a short amount of time to form, it will take a much longer amount of time to reduce their appearance with topical treatments. Moreover, the scar removal process is also much longer as we get older as our skin cells won’t turn over as quickly as they used to.

Scar removal ingredients that help reduce the appearance of scars

Before we get into some of our favourite scar removal creams and at-home treatments, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that can help to effectively reduce the appearance of scars.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an amazing skincare remedy for a variety of skin concerns. Besides soothing sunburns and cuts, aloe vera is also particularly useful for treating acne scars. Past research in the International Journal of Natural Therapy shows that aloe vera fortifies the body’s immune system response to inflammation, thus reducing the appearance of acne scars. On top of that, aloe vera contains aloesin – a compound that regulates the production of melanin to reduce the darkening of scars and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, aloe vera is also capable of stimulating collagen production to aid the overall wound healing process.

Vitamin E

Although more evidence is needed regarding Vitamin E’s benefits in reducing the appearance of acne scars, research shows Vitamin E is beneficial in improving the way that wounds heal. In fact, a study concerning children with surgical scars revealed that topical Vitamin E application prevented scar tissue from growing over a wound and developing keloids (raised scars).

Retinol

Also known as topical Vitamin A, retinol is now fast gaining popularity as an anti-ageing superhero ingredient. In addition to accelerating cell turnover, retinol also helps to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles as well as scars. Furthermore, retinol is particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone and acne-scarred skin. This active ingredient targets both the surface and middle layers of the epidermis to improve the skin’s overall texture and tone.

Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Alternating the use of alpha hydroxy acid with retinol can visibly improve the appearance of acne scars. While retinol encourages cell turnover, alpha hydroxy acid functions to slough away dead skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath. Examples of alpha hydroxy acids include fruit acids such as malic acid from apples and glycolic acid from sugar cane. Unlike harsh physical exfoliants, low level alpha hydroxy acids serve to gently exfoliate the skin without causing microtears to the skin.

Top 10 scar removal creams and serums in Singapore to reduce the appearance of old wounds and acne scars

Here are some scar removal treatments that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine!

1. essano Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

First up, we have a nourishing skincare oil by New Zealand’s #1 natural skincare brand essano! In addition to their signature organic rosehip oil, the essano Rosehip Oil is also enriched with acai berries and Vitamin E to effectively minimize the appearance of scars, UV damage and even stretch marks. Besides accelerating the skin’s cell turnover, this decadent oil works as a healing overnight treatment for improving the skin’s elasticity while you sleep.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan and 100% natural ingredients
  • Repairs and renews the skin
  • Absorbs quickly into the skin with no greasy residue

Price: $29.95. Available at Insider Mall!
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New to Insider Mall? Then use the code INSIDERFIRST to enjoy 10% OFF your first purchase!

2. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Ah, who hasn’t heard about Bio-Oil’s iconic skincare oil? Although it is more effective for hydrating the skin and reducing the appearance of stretchmarks, it also works as a management treatment to prevent existing scars from deepening in tone. On top of Vitamin A and E, it contains an enriching blend of PurCellin oil as well as calming chamomile, rosemary and lavender oils.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin
  • Calms redness and soothes inflammation
  • Reduces the appearance of scars and stretchmarks

Price: $35.90. Available at Insider Mall!
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3. Skin1004 Centella Scar Oinment (Lavender)

Next up, we have an ointment that is made from pure Madagascar centella extract. Well known for its spectacular wound healing and skin-soothing properties, the Centellascar Ointment by Skin1004 is specifically formulated to reduce the appearance of acne scars and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Besides using it as a primer under your makeup, you can even apply it on top of your makeup to calm inflammation throughout the day.

Why we love it:

  • Soft and hydrating texture
  • Relaxing lavender scent
  • Accelerates wound healing and encourages new cell growth

Price: $28.90. Available at Insider Mall!
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4. Dermedics MESO ECM Skin Re-Volumizer Deep Line Corrective Serum

Looking for a power-packed serum to target and treat scars and damaged skin? Then look no farther than these MESO ECM ampoules by Dermedics! Because of their portable capsule size, they’re easy to carry around in your everyday bag for the on-the-go treatment. Each ampoule contains a potent blend of active ingredients like peptides to stimulate cell regeneration and soothe skin inflammation. After an acne breakout, you can apply the ampoule immediately as a spot treatment to prevent the spot from scarring once it heals.

Why we love it:

  • Free of alcohol, parabens, dyes and fragrances
  • Suitable for daily use on the face and body
  • Improves the appearance of scars and fine lines

Price: $299. Available at Insider Mall!
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5. The Moisturizers Co. Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel

The award-winning Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel by The Moisturizers Co. is a favourite for a reason! Besides being ultra gentle on the skin, it has a highly absorbent and lightweight texture that is great for everyday use. It contains a soothing combination of English marigold, calendula, cucumber and chamomile to calm redness and inflammation. Besides helping to reduce the appearance of scars, it also works as a soothing treatment for sunburns and dehydrated skin.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Cruelty-free and non-comedogenic
  • Free of coal tar and synthetic fragrances

Price: $44. Available at Insider Mall!
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6. Gernetics Synchro Regulating Face Care Cream

If you prefer a more rich and decadent cream for evening use, then we recommend that you try the Gernetics Synchro Regulating Face Care moisturiser. This multifunctional anti-ageing cream doubles up as a powerful treatment for scars and burns. Additionally, it also contains skin-calming essentials like calendula, sweet almond, wheat germ and allantoin to encourage cell regeneration and soothe inflammation.

Why we love it:

  • Rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals
  • Multifunctional cream that heals, hydrates and nourishes the skin
  • Can even double up as a scalp treatment

Price: $199. Available at Insider Mall!
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7. Juliette Armand AHA Smoothing Cream

Juliette Armand’s Elements AHA Smoothing Cream is one of our staples for brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. In addition to a rejuvenating mix of alpha hydroxy acids, it also contains hyaluronic acid, panthenol, centella and aloe vera extract to accelerate cell turnover and the overall wound healing process. Thanks to its nourishing blend of active ingredients, this cream effectively improves the texture and tone of the skin while keeping the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Why we love it:

  • Gentle and hydrating formula
  • A good balance of AHAs and wound-healing ingredients
  • Gives the skin a healthy and radiant glow

Price: $108. Available at Insider Mall!
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8. Juliette Armand Retinoid 3% Serum

Another favourite from Juliette Armand, this Retinoid 3% Serum contains an effective dose of retinol to accelerate cell turnover without causing irritation to the epidermis. Besides its anti-ageing benefits, this serum also works as a spot treatment for acne scars and reducing the appearance of sun spots. Additionally, it also contains Vitamin A, C and E to further brighten the skin and protect the skin from oxidative stress.

Why we love it:

  • Anti-ageing benefits
  • Absorbs easily into the skin
  • Improves the skin’s texture and tone

Price: $178. Available at Insider Mall!
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9. Mederma Proactive Gel

If you’re looking for a proactive treatment that reduces the appearance of existing scars and prevents the formation of new ones, then you might want to check out this Proactive Gel by Mederma. Because of how portable it is, you can easily pop it into your everyday bag for skincare emergencies. Clinically tested by pharmacists and physicians in Germany, this leading scar removal gel effectively reduces redness and inflammation to support the skin’s wound healing process.

Why we love it:

  • Contains soothing aloe vera and allantoin
  • Prevents new scars from forming
  • Reduces redness and inflammation

Price: $29.80. Available at Watsons.

10. Hiruscar Post Acne Gel

Finally, we have yet another drugstore favourite and this one is by Hiruscar. This 3-in-1 Post-Acne scar removal gel is specifically formulated to target and reduce the appearance of acne scars. It is also 100% antibacterial to effectively eliminate the presence of acne-causing bacteria. For visible results, it is recommended to apply this gel 2 to 3 times a day between 2 weeks to 2 months. Additionally, it also contains allantoin to stimulate cell regeneration and Vitamin E to prevent new scar tissues from developing.

Why we love it:

  • Free of alcohol
  • Prevents acne breakouts from developing into deep scars
  • Functions as an anti-acne treatment and prevents new breakouts from occuring

Price: $22.90. Available at Watsons.

Image Credit: Pexels, Unsplash and respective brands.