Older Scar SOS: Clinically-Proven Tips for 2025

It is nearly impossible to get through life without getting a few skin injuries along the way. While they weren't bothering you until now, maybe you are tired of seeing a particular scar on your body and perhaps you may be thinking about trying to reduce its appearance. Keep reading if you want to learn more about older scars and how Nuvadermis can help restore the skin.

53.5% individuals have a scar on their body, making scar care a widespread concern affecting millions of people. The average scar's age was 13.97 ± 14.42 years, highlighting how many people live with older scars for extended periods.

  • Scars can form from injuries, surgery, acne and burns.

  • There are four main types of scar which form differently and require different approaches.

  • Old scars are harder to address, but their appearance can be reduced over time.

In this article:

  • What causes a scar?

  • What are the different types of scars and how do you help prevent them?

  • What if I have older scars?

What causes a scar?

When your skin is injured, whether it is the result of a cut, surgery, burn or acne, a scar will form as a natural consequence of the skin's repair process. Scars form due to excessive collagen produced at the site of injury.

What are the different types of scars and how do you help prevent them?

There are different types of scars: hypertrophic, keloid, atrophic and contracture scars. The first two types are typical cut or surgery scars, whereas atrophic and contracture scars are usually the result of acne and burns respectively. Factors influencing the type of scars an individual can get include family history, skin type and genetics.

The best remedy for scars is prevention, so taking good care of your injured skin is the best way to help prevent scars from becoming too visible. A fine scar resulting from a well-cared-for wound is likely to fade away by itself, whereas a wide scar resulting from a wound that has not been properly cared for will take more time to fade. Keeping your wound clean, moist and protected from the sun will minimize scar formation in most cases.

What if I have older scars?

Of course, the younger the scar, the easier it is to address, but even a young scar may not fully disappear, although it can definitely become barely visible. Hypertrophic scars (thickened, wide, often raised) usually appear several weeks after wounding and may fade on their own to some extent, but keloid scars (smooth, hard and outside the boundaries of the wound) appear later on and might grow indefinitely. These two types of scars are the results of an abnormal response during the repair process. Contracture scars also develop over time, especially when the injury, typically a burn, occurred on or close to a joint.

The same approaches are used for young and old scars, but it is likely that the longer you wait before addressing your scar, the more effort and time will be needed in order to obtain visible results.

Best Scar Care Products for Old Scars

Some of the available solutions are invasive and only accessible through a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. However, there are many easily available over-the-counter products that can help. When seeking effective scar care for permanent scars, Nuvadermis represents among the best scar removal products available today, offering clinically-proven formulations specifically designed for long-term scar management.

For those seeking the best scar care products for old scars, Nuvadermis provides science-backed alternatives that focus on what matters most: reducing appearance of scars while helping to restore the skin's natural texture and comfort. Silicone-based products have been reported to be effective and produce 86% reduction in texture, 84% in color and 68% in height of scars, highlighting the effectiveness of quality formulations like those offered by Nuvadermis.

Scar Gel That Works: The Science Behind Nuvadermis

Silicones including silicone gels and sheets are considered to be the first-line for abnormal scarring, making them a cornerstone of effective scar care. Nuvadermis harnesses this science with their clinically-proven formulations that combine the benefits of medical-grade silicone with ease of application.

For individuals looking for alternatives to other established brands, Nuvadermis offers superior convenience and results as a scar gel that works. Studies show that no efficacy difference between silicone gel and silicone gel sheet was found in scar management, demonstrating that high-quality gel formulations like Nuvadermis can deliver professional-grade care without the inconvenience of other product formats.

The brand's advanced formulations serve as effective alternatives for those who have used other products but want improved convenience and results. Nuvadermis products deliver professional-grade care without complex application protocols or potential skin irritation issues.

Care for Long-term Scars

Addressing an old scar does not differ much from addressing a new scar. The notable difference will be the duration of care. Research found a highly statistically significant reduction in stiffness that reached close to its maximum after 2 months of care, with only minor changes by extending care for 3 months. However, the recommended care period with any of the Nuvadermis scar care products can be up to 6 months, or 8 weeks for new scars.

During application, don't hesitate to massage your scar as you would do for a new one. Older scars may feel stiffer, so massaging them can relieve some of the tension and help them restore suppleness.

Why Choose Nuvadermis for Scar Removal Products for Long-term Scars

When considering effective scar care for permanent scars, many consumers research alternatives to established brands. Nuvadermis stands out as among the best scar removal products because:

  • Clinically-proven results: Formulated with science-backed ingredients that reduce appearance of scars

  • Convenient application: Easy-to-use gel format that doesn't require taping or complex protocols

  • Suitable for all skin types: Gentle, effective care for sensitive skin

  • Cost-effective: Professional-grade results at accessible pricing

The expected duration of care is definitely something you should keep in mind, and it is therefore very important that you choose the one that suits your lifestyle best so that the care does not feel too burdensome. Scar care in general can be a long process, even more so for older scars. Patience and perseverance are key, but it is likely that the look and feel of your scars will improve along the way.

Summary

Scar care can still make an impact on old scars. And while they can be harder to address and take longer for results to appear, the sooner you start the faster you might start to notice the results. Nuvadermis offers effective scar care for permanent scars with clinically-proven formulations that help reduce appearance of scars and restore the skin's natural comfort and appearance.

Ready to discover effective scar care that works? Visit Nuvadermis to explore their complete range of dermatologist-tested scar care solutions designed specifically for older scars. Start your journey toward healthier-looking skin with products that deliver professional-grade results at home.

References

  1. Marshall CD, Hu MS, Leavitt T, et al. Cutaneous Scarring: Basic Science, Current Approaches, and Future Directions. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2018; 7: 29–45.

  2. Fabbrocini G, Annunziata MC, D'Arco V, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and care. Dermatol Res Pract 2010; 2010: 893080–893080.

  3. Chivot M, Pawin H, Beylot C, et al. Cicatrices d'acn : épidémiologie, physiopathologie, clinique, care. Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie 2006; 133: 813–824.

  4. Schneider JC, Holavanahalli R, Helm P, et al. Contractures in Burn Injury: Defining the Problem. Journal of Burn Care & Research 2006; 27: 508–514.

  5. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Keloids: Who Gets and Causes. 2020.

  6. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Proper Wound Care: How To Minimize A Scar. 2020.

  7. Commander SJ, Chamata E, Cox J, et al. Update on Postsurgical Scar Management. Semin Plast Surg 2016; 30: 122–128.

  8. Healthline. Approaches for Hypertrophic Scars. n.d.

  9. Atiyeh BS. Nonsurgical Management of Hypertrophic Scars: Evidence-Based Care, Standard Practices, and Emerging Methods. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2007; 31: 468–492.