Free shipping for Swiss orders over 100CHF + Free samples
The Dermatologist’s Guide to Scar Healing: Fastes…

The dermatologist's guide to scar healing

by Office Decacel in Skin Lab Blog

Causes, Care & Medical Options for Smoother-Looking Skin

Whether after surgery, cuts, acne, or burns, almost every skin carries the traces of past wounds. But how do scars actually form? And how can you improve their appearance over time?

Here’s a medically grounded overview, based on dermatological insights and complemented by the care expertise of DECALYS by Dr. Enderlin.

1. How do scars form?

Every scar is part of the body’s natural wound-healing process. As soon as the skin is injured, it immediately begins repair – in three phases:

  • Inflammatory phase: Cleansing & defense (1–3 days)
  • Proliferation phase: New skin cell and collagen production (4–21 days)
  • Remodeling phase: Scar formation & tissue strengthening (up to 1 year)

Whether a scar heals flat and discreetly or becomes raised and visible depends on several factors: genetics, skin type, wound care, and post-injury management.

2. What factors influence scar formation?

Scarring is affected by both internal and external factors, including:

  • Wound depth & type (e.g. surgical, burn, cut)
  • Scar location (e.g. mobile or tension-prone areas
  • Skin type & genetic predisposition
  • Wound care quality & infections
  • UV exposure during healing

The first few weeks of wound care are crucial. Consistent and protective treatment can significantly reduce long-term scarring.

 3. Medical Scar Care: What really works?

Modern dermatology recommends a combination of protection, hydration, and active ingredients, tailored to scar type and stage.

💡 Most effective care principles at a glance:

Treatment Goal

Recommended Approach

Protection from friction & moisture loss

✔ Silicone patches or gels (e.g. CICAFILM)

Reduce inflammation & promote healing

✔ Zinc, Centella Asiatica, Aloe Vera

Support regeneration & cell renewal

✔ Alpha‑3 Complex®, Vitamins A/E

Soothe itchiness & improve texture

✔ Medical scar creams like LA POMMADE or LE BAUME 
The Dermatologist’s Guide to Scar Healing: Fast…

Recommended DECALYS Products:

CICAFILM – breathable silicone patch for fresh scars and post-surgery.

LE BAUME – calming balm for irritation, redness, or after treatments.

LA POMMADE - regenerative scar cream for sensitive, mature or reddish scars. 

LE GEL – A light, non-sticky silicone gel for fresh scars on the face or neck. 

 

4. Medical options for more complex scars

For highly visible, painful or thickened scars, consulting a dermatologist is advisable. Medical treatments may include:

  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
  • Laser therapy (e.g. CO₂ or Fraxel)
  • Microneedling / medical needling
  • Surgical scar revision (e.g. Z-plasty)

Early intervention by a professional can help prevent the scar from becoming more fibrotic or hypertrophic.

Find your ideal scar care with the DECALYS Scar Test

Not sure which product suits your scar best?
 The free DECALYS Scar Test offers personalized product recommendations based on:

  • Type of scar (fresh or mature?)
  • Skin sensitivity & scar location
  • Treatment goal (e.g. soothe, protect, renew)

➡️ Take the scar test now
 Quick. Free. Personal.

👉 Start the DECALYS Scar Test

The Dermatologist’s Guide to Scar Healing: Fast…

 

5. Conclusion: Scar care is medically valuable & visibly effective

Scars don’t have to stay as they are. With patience, protection, and the right care, their appearance can improve significantly. What matters most:

  • Start care early, ideally after wound closure
  • Use high-quality ingredients with regenerative effects
  • Combine scar care with UV protection consistently over weeks or months

DECALYS by Dr. Enderlin offers you medically inspired skin solutions, developed with dermatological expertise and backed by Swiss Made quality.

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Kollagen: Was wirklich wirkt und was Sie weglassen können

Collagen: What really works and what you can skip

Collagen for the skin: What really works | DECALYS Drink, mask or cream: Dr. Enderlin explains which form of collagen reaches the skin and what you can omit. Dermatologically sound from Zurich.

Learn more
Narbengel im Vergleich — Worauf Dermatologen wirklich achten

Scar Gels Compared – What Dermatologists Really Look For

When searching for a scar gel after surgery or injury, you’ll find hundreds of products—but very few clear answers. This article explains what defines a high-quality scar treatment, which active ingredients actually work, and which product is right for your specific scar type. Which scar gel do dermatologists recommend? Silicone is considered one of the most effective care standards for fresh and slightly raised scars. Therefore, dermatologists recommend silicone-based products as the first choice for most scar types – either as a gel or as a patch. Silicone protects the scar through occlusion (moisture retention) and regulates collagen production. Treatment should begin as early as possible after wound closure and be carried out consistently for at least 8–12 weeks. How does silicone work on scars? Silicone does not act "chemically", its function is primarily physically: Creates a protective film on the skin Locks in moisture → creating an optimal healing environment for the scar Reduces tension in the skin Regulates collagen formation, so that less excess scar tissue is formed Result: Scars become flatter, softer and less visible. It is important to know that silicone works best on fresh scars after the wound has closed. Quick Facts: Gold standard: Medical silicone has been the most cited active ingredient in dermatological scar care for over 30 years. Timing: Start no earlier than 10–14 days after the injury – as soon as the wound is completely closed. Patience pays off: First visible improvements appear after 8–12 weeks; full results after 3–6 months. Table of Contents How does a scar form – and why does it need targeted care? Comparison of the most important active ingredients in scar care Gel, patch or ointment – which format is suitable for which situation? When to start scar care – and for how long? What really helps – and what doesn't: Common mistakes in scar care Conclusion & FAQs  How does a scar form – and why does it need targeted care? A scar is not a defect of the body – it is the result of a precise healing process. After every deeper skin injury, the body goes through three phases: Phase 1 – Inflammation (Days 1–3): The body cleans the wound, blood vessels are sealed, immune cells fight germs. Phase 2 – Proliferation (Days 4–21): New cells are formed, collagen fibers lay over the wound – initially disordered and dense. The scar is still red and raised at this stage. Phase 3 – Remodeling (up to 2 years): The collagen tissue is slowly rebuilt. This is where it is decided how inconspicuous a scar will be – and this is exactly where targeted scar care comes into play. Without care, there is a risk that the collagen will be distributed irregularly or even excessively formed: The scar remains raised, hard, or discolored. With the right care, this process can be actively supported. Comparison of the most important active ingredients in scar care Active Ingredient Mechanism of Action Suitable for Decalys Product Medical Silicone Occlusion: Traps moisture, regulates collagen production, flattens scar Hypertrophic scars, keloids, surgical scars, C-section LE GEL, CICAFILM Alpha-3 Complex® Supports cellular autophagy (cell cleansing), promotes active skin regeneration All scar types, especially sensitive and irritated skin LE BAUME, LA POMMADE Panthenol (B5) Moisture-binding, anti-inflammatory, promotes cell regeneration Fresh, irritated scars, red areas LE BAUME Zinc Antibacterial, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory Fresh scars, areas at risk of infection LE BAUME Vitamin C Regulates collagen synthesis, has antioxidant effect and reduces pigmentation Older, discolored or pigmented scars LE GEL Onion Extract Inhibits excessive collagen formation Hypertrophic scars (standard active ingredient) —   What distinguishes medical silicone from drugstore scar gels? The crucial difference lies in concentration and purity. Medical silicone in products like CICAFILM or LE GEL forms a uniform, breathable film that protects the scar for many hours. Drugstore products often contain lower concentrations or fragrances that can irritate sensitive scar skin.  Gel, patch or ointment – which format is suitable for which situation? Format Properties Ideal for Silicone Gel (LE GEL) Transparent, fast-drying, discreet Face, neck, eyelid lift, small scars Silicone Patch (CICAFILM) 24h protection, waterproof, suitable for sports Surgical scars, C-sections, back, large areas Care Balm (LE BAUME) Soothing, many active ingredients Reddened, irritated skin, e.g. after laser/peeling Regenerative Ointment (LA POMMADE) Intensively nourishing, ideal for massages Older, hardened scars, stretch marks   Expert tip on mechanics: While CICAFILM, with its patch structure, additionally protects the scar from mechanical stretching or friction from clothes (especially valuable on joints or the abdominal wall), LA POMMADE enables the pressure massage so important for healing. Through targeted pressure, adhesions in the tissue are mechanically released, which makes the scar softer and more pliable. When to start – and for how long? Day 0–7: Wound care only, no scar care product. Day 7–14 (wound closed, after suture removal): Start with silicone product: LE GEL on the face,  CICAFILM on the body Week 3–12: First visible improvements. Month 6–24: For older scars, use LA POMMADE + massage. For red, irritated or abraded skin, we recommend using LE BAUME. This is a nourishing balm that soothes the skin and supports skin regeneration. Apply at least twice a day for 1 week. What really helps – and what doesn't: Common mistakes Vitamin E oil: Can make the skin softer and more elastic, but has no proven effect on the visible appearance of scars Sun without protection: The skin of the scar is extremely UV-sensitive. Without SPF 50 or covering, permanent dark pigmentation is a risk. Premature termination of therapy: The minimum application period is 8–12 weeks. Application to open wounds: Only start after complete wound closure! Conclusion Scar care is a combination of active ingredient, format, and timing. Medical silicone is the gold standard, while Decalys' Alpha-3 Complex® complements this approach through active cell regeneration (autophagy). → Start the Decalys scar test now  

Learn more
Was bewirkt Salicylsäure (BHA) wirklich bei unreiner Haut?

What does salicylic acid (BHA) really do for blemish-prone skin?

Salicylic acid is considered a secret weapon against blemishes, but conflicting opinions circulate online: some celebrate it as an instant solution, while others warn of irritated skin. Both are wrong. Dr. Enderlin explains how salicylic acid really works, what you can realistically expect, and why Decalys Gel Pureté contains a combination of three acids that leave-on products cannot achieve.

Learn more

Q&A

1. When can I start scar care?

Scar care can begin as soon as the wound is fully closed, typically 10 to 14 days after the injury or suture removal. Applying products before this point can disrupt healing or increase the risk of infection. The earlier you start after wound closure, the greater your ability to influence the final appearance of the scar.

2. How long do I need to apply scar care products to see visible results?

First visible improvements typically appear after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. Since the skin can take up to two years to remodel a scar, continuing care well beyond this point is worthwhile. Stopping treatment too early is one of the most common mistakes in scar management.

3. What is the difference between a scar gel, a patch, and a scar ointment?

Silicone gels like LE GEL are ideal for visible areas such as the face or neck, as they are transparent and dry quickly. Silicone patches like CICAFILM provide 24-hour protection and shield the scar from mechanical friction, making them ideal for post-surgical scars on the body. Regenerating ointments like LA POMMADE allow for targeted pressure massage, which breaks down adhesions in the tissue and softens the scar.

4. Why are DECALYS products particularly suited for scar care?

DECALYS products were developed by Swiss dermatologist Dr. Enderlin and combine medical-grade silicone with the proprietary Alpha-3 Complex®. This complex supports cellular autophagy, the skin's natural cell-cleansing process, adding an active regenerative effect to the physical protection of silicone. This combination is not available in standard retail or drugstore products.

5. Can every scar be improved with topical care, or is medical treatment necessary?

Fresh, flat scars typically respond well to consistent topical treatment. For raised, painful, or hypertrophic scars and keloids, medical supervision is recommended, as additional treatments such as cortisone injections, laser therapy, or cryotherapy may be required. Early consultation with a dermatologist helps prevent scars from hardening unnecessarily.
Home Search Cart Products About