Scars are the result of a complex and dynamic wound healing process that follows various stages. When a person first attains a scar, they may notice that it’s red or purple in color and painful to the touch. Over time, scars will begin to fade to white or skin color. Some scars, on the other hand, can become abnormally large and discolored due to excess collagen production. The source of the wound, its severity, and genetics all play a crucial role in determining the size and color of a scar. If you aren’t happy with the color or size of your scar, there are clinically-proven ways to reduce its appearance and improve its texture.

Scars are a natural part of the healing process, but not all scars heal the same way. Factors like wound depth, skin type, and proper care can determine whether a scar is flat, raised, or discolored.

Continue reading to learn more about scar sizes, colors, and effective strategies for reducing their visibility.

What Determines Scar Size?

Scar size can be influenced by several factors that occur as the wound is formed and during the healing process. The source of the wound plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the scar. A wound sustained from a burn, road rash, or extensive surgery will often result in greater scarring than a small cut from a sharp object. This is because deeper wounds require more collagen to repair, which can lead to raised scar tissue.

Clinically-proven scar therapy

However, no two people will undergo the wound healing process in exactly the same way. Even if two people sustain the same-sized wound from the same event, vastly different scars can form. But why does this happen?

Wound Care and Genetics

The answer often lies in two key elements: wound care and genetics.

• Wound Care: Proper care involves cleaning, protecting, and using an antibacterial ointment to promote healing. These steps ensure the wound doesn’t become infected or dry out, both of which can prolong healing and increase scarring.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in how a person’s body responds to injuries. For example, people with darker skin tones are at greater risk for developing hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are raised and firm scars that can grow beyond the original wound.

Raised Scars: Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Raised scars like hypertrophic scars and keloids are the result of excess collagen production during the healing process. Hypertrophic scars are confined to the original wound site and may improve with time, while keloids extend beyond the wound’s boundaries and require targeted treatments.

What Determines Scar Color?

Scars can appear in a wide range of colors, including red, purple, white, or brown. The color of a scar is often a good indicator of its age and healing progress.

Red and Purple Scars

A red or purple scar is typically a newer scar that is still undergoing the healing process. During wound healing, the body directs increased blood flow to the injured area to supply it with oxygen and nutrients. This influx of blood, combined with inflammation, gives scars their characteristic red or purple appearance. These scars may also be swollen, painful, or itchy during the early stages of healing.

Most red or purple scars fade over time, sometimes taking up to a year. However, individuals prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars may find that discoloration persists longer without treatment.

White or Hypopigmented Scars

Older scars tend to fade to white or skin color as the body reduces blood flow to the area. This type of scarring, known as hypopigmented scarring, often occurs after surgical procedures or injuries that disrupt melanin production. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, may fail to regenerate fully in the affected area, resulting in pale or white scars.

Discolored scars, whether red, purple, or white, are often more noticeable on darker skin tones, making targeted scar treatments especially important.

Managing Raised and Discolored Scars

Raised scars like keloids and hypertrophic scars can be difficult to manage, but effective treatments are available to reduce their size, soften their texture, and improve their color. Silicone gel therapy is one of the most effective and clinically-proven treatments for raised scars.

Clinically-Proven Scar Therapy

Silicone gel technology has been the gold standard in scar management for over 30 years. This therapy works through two primary mechanisms:

1. Hydrating Scar Tissue: Silicone sheets or gel maintain optimal moisture levels at the scar site, preventing dehydration that can lead to excessive collagen buildup.
2. Regulating Collagen Production: By controlling collagen overgrowth, silicone therapy flattens raised scars and reduces discoloration.

A treatment regimen of 8–12 weeks with daily silicone application has been shown to significantly improve scar texture, elasticity, and color. For the best results, it’s important to start silicone therapy as soon as the wound has closed.

Additional Treatments

In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary to address persistent scars:

• Steroid Injections: Help flatten and soften raised scar tissue.
• Laser Therapy: Targets blood vessels in red or purple scars to improve color and texture.
• Cryotherapy: Freezes and shrinks small keloids.

Recommended Products for Scar Management

At Biodermis, we believe that effective scar management should be simple, clinically proven, and tailored to your needs. If you’re looking for the most advanced solutions to improve the appearance of scars—whether raised, discolored, or large—we offer two exceptional products designed to meet your goals: Pro-Sil Silicone Scar Treatment Stick and Episof Silicone Skin Repair Gel. Both products are formulated with medical-grade silicone, the gold standard in scar therapy, to help you achieve smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Pro-Sil Silicone Scar Treatment Stick

Price: $36.95
Size: 4.25g Stick

The Pro-Sil stick is the world’s first and only patented silicone scar treatment stick, offering unmatched convenience and effectiveness. Perfect for treating scars from surgery, burns, or injuries, the glide-on applicator ensures mess-free application, making it easier than ever to give your scars the care they need.

Why Choose Pro-Sil?

• Patented Technology: Scientifically tested and proven to reduce scar size, discoloration, and discomfort.
• Portable and Easy to Use: The compact design fits in your pocket or purse, so you can treat your scars wherever you go.
• Mess-Free Application: No drips, no leaks—just smooth, even coverage.

How to Use Pro-Sil:

1. Clean and dry the scar site before each application.
2. Apply Pro-Sil liberally over the entire scar several times daily.
3. Continue use for 8-12 weeks for optimal results.

Episof Silicone Skin Repair Gel

Price: $79.95
Size: 30ml Pump

Episof is a luxurious, fast-drying medical-grade silicone gel that delivers superior scar management results. Designed for scars, stretch marks, and fine lines, Episof creates a moisture and oxygen-rich environment that amplifies the body’s natural healing response. Its lightweight formula leaves no oily residue, making it ideal for daily use.

Why Choose Episof?

• Versatile Application: Perfect for post-op scars, stretch marks, and even wrinkles.
• Silky Soft Texture: Dries to the touch, so it won’t stain clothing or feel greasy on your skin.
• Hydration and Protection: Enhances skin repair while protecting against dehydration.

How to Use Episof:

1. Apply a thin layer of gel to clean, dry skin.
2. Use daily for 8–12 weeks or as directed by your physician.

Why Medical-Grade Silicone?

Both Pro-Sil and Episof are powered by medical-grade silicone, which is scientifically proven to:

• Hydrate the Skin: Prevents dehydration that can worsen scar formation.
• Regulate Collagen Production: Reduces raised scars by controlling excess collagen buildup.
• Improve Elasticity and Appearance: Flattens scars, softens texture, and diminishes discoloration over time.

Prevention and Proper Wound Care

Preventing scars starts with proper wound care:

• Clean the Wound: Use soap and water to gently clean the area. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which can damage healing tissue.
• Keep the Wound Moist: Apply petroleum jelly or a similar ointment to maintain hydration.
• Protect the Wound: Cover it with a non-adhesive dressing and change it daily.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent discoloration.

For individuals prone to raised scars, it’s important to follow medical advice and consider using silicone sheets or gel as a preventive measure.

What Does It Mean if a Scar Is Purple?

A purple scar typically indicates that the scar is in its early stages of healing. During this phase, known as the inflammatory phase, your body directs increased blood flow to the area to promote repair and deliver essential nutrients and oxygen. The presence of blood vessels near the surface of the skin causes the purple or red appearance. Over time, as the healing progresses, these blood vessels recede, and the scar typically fades to a lighter shade or skin color.

How to Get Rid of Purple Scars?

While you cannot completely "get rid" of scars, you can take steps to reduce their discoloration and improve their appearance:

1. Silicone Gel Therapy: Using products like Pro-Sil Silicone Scar Treatment Stick or Episof Silicone Gel can help regulate collagen production, hydrate the scar tissue, and promote fading.
2. Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent UV rays from darkening the scar.
3. Moisturizing: Keeping the area hydrated with products like petroleum jelly or specialized scar creams can aid the healing process.
4. Laser Therapy: If discoloration persists, laser treatments can target blood vessels to lighten the purple hue.

What Are the Color Stages of a Scar?

Scars typically go through several color stages as they heal:

1. Red or Purple (Inflammatory Phase): Newly formed scars are red or purple due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
2. Pink (Proliferative Phase): As blood vessels recede and new tissue forms, the scar lightens to a pinkish color.
3. White or Skin-Toned (Maturation Phase): Over several months to years, scars lose their pigmentation and blend with the surrounding skin. In cases of hypopigmentation, scars may appear lighter than the surrounding skin.

What Causes Scars to Turn Dark?

Dark scars, or hyperpigmentation, can occur due to:

1. Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, darkening the scar tissue.
2. Inflammation: Prolonged inflammation during the healing process can lead to increased melanin production, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
3. Trauma or Irritation: Scratching, picking, or rubbing the scar can worsen discoloration.
4. Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to develop dark scars or hyperpigmentation.

To minimize darkening, protect scars from sunlight, avoid irritating the area, and consider using silicone-based treatments to regulate pigmentation and support healing.

Conclusion

Scars are a natural outcome of the healing process, but their size, color, and texture can vary widely depending on wound care, genetics, and skin type. While some scars may fade on their own, others—like hypertrophic scars and keloids—require targeted treatments to improve their appearance. Silicone gel therapy, along with proper wound care, offers a proven solution for managing scars and achieving smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Biodermis is a leader in advanced scar management solutions. Our range of silicone gel products is designed to help you regain confidence and comfort. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore our innovative scar care options and take the first step toward healing beautifully.

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keloid-scar/symptoms-causes/syc-20520901?
2. https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC5297838_ijms-18-00208-g003&req=4
3. https://www.niams.nih.gov/newsroom/spotlight-on-research/researchers-uncover-clues-why-some-wounds-dont-heal
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/scars-8674043?

Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
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