Bepanthen® scar roller
introduction
The manufacturer of the well-known Bepanthen® range (Bayer) sells a special scar gel that allows both fresh and older scars to heal and thus make them less noticeable.
It is available over-the-counter in pharmacies and comes in combination with a massage roller, which should be used for an optimal result during the course.
As in all Bepanthen® products, the active ingredient in the scar gel is provitamin B5, also called Dexpanthenolthat helps repair the skin.
Read more about the various Bepanthen® products here: Bepanthen®
When should the Bepanthen® scar roller be used?
The Bepanthen® scar roller is intended to treat scars so that they heal or fade. These can be fresh scars as well as older scars. However, the Bepanthen® scar gel is not suitable for open wounds.
Old scars
While good results can be achieved with fresh scars, it is practically impossible to make them disappear completely with older scars. However, with constant regular use, it is possible, in particular, to fade dark, hard scars and make them softer.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks are closely related to scars in that they are caused by overstretching the skin when the tissue underneath increases in volume too quickly. Bepanthen® scar gel can also improve the condition of stretch marks, especially protruding and hardened ones.
acne
Bepanthen® scar gel is not suitable for the treatment of acne per se. If there is severe acne, a dermatologist should be consulted for treatment. Bepanthen® scar gel can, however, be used to treat acne scars that occur frequently.Since it does not contain any skin-irritating ingredients, it can also be used on the face without any problems. User reports speak of very good results.
application
In the first month after the scar has formed, Bepanthen® scar gel should be used twice a day, but only AFTER the wound has closed. The scar gel is sold with a special massage roller, which should be used to treat the same from the second month after the scar appears.
Bayer recommends massaging the scar twice a day in order to increase blood circulation, as this allows excess skin material to be broken down more easily and then applying Bepanthen® scar gel.
Treatment should last for at least two months in order to be successful. With old scars, you can start using the massage roller as described above.
Also read: Bepanthen® scar gel
How often do I have to use the scar roller?
The manufacturer of Bepanthen® scar gel recommends using the scar roller twice a day and then applying the scar gel.
But there is practically nothing against massaging the skin with it more than twice a day. Manual massage is also suitable for this. However, care should be taken not to overexcite the skin. Depending on how you feel, three to four times a day shouldn't be a problem.
But still only use the gel twice a day!
effect
Like all Bepanthen® products, the scar gel contains dexpanthenol, which promotes scar / wound healing according to the active principle described below, as well as silicone, which forms a film on the surface of the skin and is therefore intended to prevent the newly formed skin from drying out.
The active ingredient dexpanthenol is provitamin B5, i.e. a precursor of vitamin B5. The external supply of the provitamin is supposed to simplify the production of fat and sebum in the skin as well as the production of substances that are required for scar healing. Furthermore, Dexpanthenol promotes the formation of new skin cells.
Antipruritic and anti-inflammatory properties have also been observed from dexpanthenol.
The additional stimulation of the blood circulation through the massage roller stimulates the cell metabolism and there is a breakdown of superfluous connective tissue, which narrows scars and parts of the scar are replaced by functional elastic tissue.
Side effects
An allergic reaction can occur with every cosmetic / medical product, including Bepanthen® scar gel, although this is a rather rare reaction. An allergic reaction can be recognized by reddening and swelling of the affected skin area and itching. If you are known to have allergies to silicone, the product should not be used.
Apart from that, Bepanthen® scar gel is well tolerated.
Counter-indications
Bepanthen® scar gel must not be used on open wounds. It is also not advisable to use it in the case of skin infections and irritations such as herpes or neurodermatitis.
As mentioned above, the scar roller should also not be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients (especially silicone). The list of ingredients can be found both on the scar gel itself and in the package insert.
Should there be any doubt about the application, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
costs
The scar gel is the most expensive product in the Bepanthen® range at € 15-20 per 20g. Therefore, it can become expensive to use on large scars where the gel is quickly depleted.
However, since the active ingredient is the same as in all Bepanthen® products, the same or at least a similar effect can also be achieved with manual massage and the Bepanthen® wound and healing ointment, which is many times cheaper.
