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Whether its your first time around or you're a seasoned pro, delivering via C-section can take its toll on your body. Resting up is a must and while you give yourself time to heal, it's likely you'll be on the hunt for a scar-friendly beauty buy or two.
Speaking frankly on social media about her C-section experience, Millie Mackintosh detailed her journey. From PICO dressings to support bands and Belly Bandit recovery pants, £39.95, Millie discussed it all. She even let Grazia in on the £25 scar cream she used after giving birth to Sienna, too.
'I love Nessa Organics, and they do a scar cream too, Nessa's Scar Saviour, £25,' sheshared with Grazia. 'I had a C section so wanted to find something that I could use to help reduce the appearance of my scar.' And this anti-inflammatory balm is formulated with turmeric, marshmallow root, and vitamin E to boost collagen, accelerate healing time, and can even be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks if that's your M.O.
Shop: Millie Mackintosh's Favourite £25 Scar Cream
The C-Section Scar Cream Millie Macintosh Wouldn't Be Without
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Whether your C-section incision was closed with staples, stitches, or surgical glue, the resultant scars fall into one of two categories: hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Hypertrophic Scars - These are raised and ridged, and can be pink or red. They follow the line of the original incision.
Keloid Scars - These are more visible and can be raised and lumpy due to overproduction of collagen - skin's natural response to trauma. These scars can extend beyond the line of the wound.
What Is The Best Way To Care For A C-Section Scar At Home?
Gentle massages can help to reduce C-section scar tissue formation, and keep scars smooth, flat, and pain-free, but you must consult a doctor or midwife first, before taking any action. Once healed (usually around six weeks after surgery) massaging the scar, with a cream or balm helps to keep the scar pliable and soft, and stimulates blood flow to the area, which aids skin's recovery. It is important to listen to your body and try not to rush the process.
In the market for a new C-section scar cream? Shop our pick of the best below. They are all safe to use while breastfeeding. Reach for these creams only when your scar has healed - ie. do not use on broken skin, and consult your doctor or midwife before applying for the first time.
Main image credit: Instagram @milliemackintosh
Shop: 10 Of The Best C-Section Scar Creams
It might not be the prettiest packaging, but these XL scar reducing patches come highly recommended by users for good reason. Designed especially for longer scars like C-sections, the polyurethane patch builds a semi-occlusive barrier to keep the scar tissue hydrated, and stimulate circulation.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Suitable for new and old scars
- Easy to use, can be cut to size
Cons
- Packaging isn't aesthetically pleasing
For those who prefer an organic remedy, Earth Mama's skin and scar balm was created by a nurse and herbalist for a gentle treatment using traditional herbs and oils.
Pros
- 73% 5 star reviews on Amazon
- Can also be used on minor rashes
Cons
- It often sells out
www.boots.com
This silicone gel is designed to help treat hypertrophic and keloid scars resulting from general surgical procedures like C-sections. The cool, gel texture smooths and softens scars, and reduces the redness, while drying down to a clear, breathable and waterproof layer that keeps the wound protected
Pros
- 'Help flatten scar with in six weeks of using twice daily,' said one reviewer
Cons
- The texture errs on the stickier side,
www.scienceofskin.com
If you're already familiar with Science of Skin's award-winning skincare, this is one to add to your list. The naturally active green tea phytochemicals in this cream work at a cellular level to support the skin and improve the appearance of scars by reducing the thickness, redness and soothing your skin
Pros
- Vegan
- Multi-award winning
- Contains soothing vitamin E
Cons
- It mightn't be suitable for those with particularly sensitive skin
www.lookfantastic.com
Pregnancy experts Mama Mio have developed the Tummy Rub Oil, packed full of naturally-derived, plant-based active ingredients as recommended by doctors to reduce the visibility of fully healed scars. Avocado, Rosehip, Inchi and Argan Oils are rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 to encourage elasticity, while Vitamin E, Coconut, Sweet Almond and Olive Oils deliver soothing, replenishing properties that keep skin looking firm.
Pros
- 100% natural fragrance
- Lightweight texture
- Cruelty free
- Vegan
Cons
- One reviewer said the pump can be temperamental
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Raw coconut oil is packed full of fatty acids, vitamin E and proteins that help keep skin hydrated, nourished and can reduce the appearance of scarring if that's your M.O. Kopari's virgin coconut oil is cold pressed to lock in the essential vitamins and nutrients, and is sulfate, paraben, and scent free, keeping unnecessary ingredients and irritants to a minimum
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Non-greasy
- Suitable for babies
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Cheaper coconut oil alternatives out there
www.skinceuticals.com
As you might expect from renowned skincare brand Skinceuticals, reviews for this gel sing its praises. The dermatologist-approved formula is enriched with allantoin, silicones and omega fatty acids.
Pros
- Dermatologist approved
- Invisible texture
- Non-flakey
- Alcohol-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- A more expensive option
www.dermacaredirect.co.uk
A travel friendly, mini stick that glides on a breathable, silicone gel barrier, to keep your wound covered and clean. Perfect for hypertrophic, keloid, flat and burn scars.
Pros
- Great for scars on any part of the body
- Leaves no oily residue on your Skin
- Easy to carry and apply any time of the day
Cons
- Is often sold-out
