Scars and How to Care for Them Properly

How Does a Scar Form?

The formation of a scar is the final visible step in the skin’s natural healing process. This process occurs in three distinct phases: the inflammatory phase, the repair phase, and the remodeling phase. Each phase plays a crucial role in sealing the wound and regenerating tissue.

1. Inflammatory phase: the beginning of healing
   Within the first few hours to days after an injury, the body initiates an inflammatory response. Blood clotting helps close the wound, while immune cells remove bacteria and debris. Redness, swelling, and tenderness are common at this stage.
2. Repair phase: new tissue forms
   Between the third and seventh day, fibroblasts begin producing collagen to rebuild the damaged area. This collagen acts as a scaffold but is still disorganized and lacks the elasticity of healthy skin.
3. Remodeling phase: the scar takes shape
   Over the following weeks to months, collagen is gradually reorganized and compacted. A visible scar typically forms when deeper skin layers (the dermis) are affected. Superficial injuries to the epidermis often heal without scarring, as new skin cells regenerate from the basal layer.

The final appearance of a scar depends on factors such as the depth of the wound, individual genetic disposition, and the skincare routine during healing. Using hydrating formulas and daily sun protection can significantly improve a scar’s texture and appearance over time.

What Types of Scars Are There?

Before you know what helps against scars, it is important to understand the different types of scars. Depending on the type of scar, different treatment methods may be required. Here are the most common types of scars:

• Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars occur when the skin produces too much tissue during healing. These scars are often raised, red, and remain within the original wound area. Hypertrophic scars can especially occur after surgeries or severe injuries. They are usually perceived as bothersome and require special care to improve their appearance.

• Keloid scars

Keloids are an excessive form of hypertrophic scars. Here, the scar tissue grows far beyond the original wound. Keloids are more common in individuals with dark skin and can be itchy or even painful. Due to their size and stubborn nature, keloids are particularly difficult to treat, but there are special methods to reduce the excess tissue.

• Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They occur when too little tissue is formed during healing. These scars often appear as indentations or “holes” in the skin and are typical of acne scars or chickenpox scars. Treatments for atrophic scars are needed to fill the skin tissue and improve the skin structure.

• Acne scars

Acne scars are among the most common atrophic scars and are caused by severe forms of acne. Particularly problematic are deep scars caused by inflamed pimples. Acne scars can be both hypertrophic and atrophic, requiring different treatment approaches depending on the severity.

Each type of scar requires tailored treatment. By understanding what type of scar you have, you can specifically choose the best methods to visibly reduce the scars and help your skin regenerate optimally.

Active Ingredients That Visibly Reduce Scars

Choosing the right active ingredients is crucial when it comes to improving the appearance of scars. Scientifically backed ingredients can help regenerate the skin, smooth scars, and visibly refine skin texture. These three ingredients are key:

1. Vitamin C – the collagen booster

Vitamin C is a true multitasker in skincare. As a powerful antioxidant, it stimulates collagen production, which is vital for the regeneration of scar tissue. It also brightens discoloration often seen in scars and protects the skin from free radicals.

How it helps:
• Stimulates the formation of healthy skin tissue.
• Reduces dark spots and pigmentation.
• Strengthens the natural skin barrier.

Application:
Apply a vitamin C serum directly to the scar, ideally in the morning before your moisturizer.

DOC.BERGER | EFFECT recommendation:
Vitamin C + Biobotox Serum – High-concentration vitamin C promotes collagen production, brightens the skin, and creates a more radiant complexion.

2. Retinol – the miracle weapon for skin renewal

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, accelerates cell turnover and promotes collagen and elastin production. It is especially effective for atrophic and acne scars, as it rebuilds tissue and smooths the skin’s surface.

How it helps:
• Refines rough skin and reduces unevenness.
• Stimulates cell regeneration and minimizes scar depth.
• Softens fine lines and improves skin texture.

Application:
Retinol should be applied in the evening after cleansing. Start with a low concentration to gradually allow the skin to adjust.

DOC.BERGER | EFFECT recommendation:
Retinol Serum – Helps visibly reduce scars and improve skin texture in a targeted way.

3. Sunscreen – the invisible hero of scar care

UV rays can darken and accentuate scars by increasing melanin production. Effective sun protection is essential to prevent pigmentation changes and promote healing.

How it helps:
• Prevents fresh scars from becoming discolored.
• Protects delicate tissue from UV damage and environmental stressors.
• Supports skin regeneration.

Application:
Apply daily to cleansed skin, even on cloudy days.

DOC.BERGER | EFFECT recommendation:
Anti-Pollution Day Cream – With SPF 30+, it shields the skin from UV rays and free radicals while maintaining moisture balance.

The combination of vitamin C, retinol, and sunscreen provides holistic support for your skin. While vitamin C boosts collagen production and brightens discoloration, retinol smooths the skin structure. Sunscreen complements this routine by protecting sensitive scar tissue from environmental damage and supporting the healing process.

Professional Treatments for Stubborn Scars

Sometimes, even the most effective skincare routine isn't enough to significantly reduce deep or particularly noticeable scars. In such cases, professional treatments can offer meaningful improvements. Dermatologists and skincare experts provide various targeted methods that can significantly reduce scar visibility.

1. Microneedling – collagen stimulation through micro-injuries

Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering collagen production and tissue renewal. This method is especially effective for atrophic scars, such as those caused by acne.

Benefits:
• Reduces scar depth.
• Improves skin texture and elasticity.
• Enhances the absorption of skincare products post-treatment.

2. Laser treatments – precise skin regeneration

Laser therapies are among the most effective methods for targeting scar tissue. Depending on the type of scar, either the outer skin layer is removed or deeper layers are stimulated to produce collagen.

Types of lasers:
• Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, smoothing hypertrophic or raised scars.
• Non-ablative lasers penetrate deeper skin layers to stimulate regeneration without damaging the surface.

Benefits:
• Highly effective for hypertrophic and atrophic scars.
• Can be combined with other treatments, such as microneedling.

3. Chemical peels – gentle resurfacing

Chemical peels use acids such as glycolic or salicylic acid to remove the outer layers of skin. This treatment is ideal for reducing pigmentation and superficial scarring.

Benefits:
• Encourages cell renewal and reveals fresh, healthy skin.
• Refines skin texture and evens out skin tone.

4. Cortisone injections – flattening raised scars

For hypertrophic scars and keloids, cortisone injections can be a powerful option. The active ingredient reduces excess tissue and makes the scar flatter and less noticeable.

Benefits:
• Particularly effective for raised scars.
• Visible improvements often after just a few sessions.

5. Fillers – volumizing atrophic scars

Sunken scars, such as atrophic or acne scars, can be lifted with hyaluronic acid-based fillers. They even out the skin’s surface by adding volume.

Benefits:
• Instant visible results.
• Especially suitable for smaller depressions.

Combining Treatments and Skincare

While professional treatments can dramatically reduce scars, proper skincare remains essential to maintain results and strengthen the skin long-term. A combination of both – consistent home care with products like the Vitamin C + Biobotox Serum and targeted use of retinol – gives your skin the support it needs to regenerate over time.

When Is the Right Time for a Professional Treatment?

Professional treatments are most effective when the scar is no longer fresh but still in the active healing phase. For older or more persistent scars, consulting a dermatologist can help you find the most suitable and effective method.