Think you know silicone? Think again! This fun little polymer has completely changed the way our industries function; from kitchens to the inside of your smartphone, silicone is everywhere. We’ve compiled a list of fun facts about silicone— a critical component in our Scar Heal Kits, ScarFX Silicone Sheeting, Scar Esthetique Scar Cream and Rejuvasil Silicone Scar Gel.
1 - Silicone and Silicon Are Different
Few people know that there is a significant difference between these two terms (aside from the obvious letter e at the end). Silicon (Si-14) itself is the element that you will find on the periodic table, directly below carbon (C-6). The fact that carbon and silicon are in the same column is far more important than it might seem, but we’ll get into that later.
Suffice it to say that silicon and silicone are, in fact, different entities. So what is silicone with an e, then? Silicone, the product that has revolutionized modern industry, is a polymer of silicon and other elements, usually oxygen and— not surprisingly— carbon. A polymer is simply a chain of connected atoms or molecules; you may be familiar with polymers (chains) of amino acids: proteins.
2 - Silicone Has Applications In Almost Every Field
It wasn’t until the 1930s that we discovered some of silicone’s unique features. Since then, we’ve applied silicone to nearly every industry; you can find silicone polymers in kitchen utensils, as a bonding agent for major construction projects, and even in your hair and skincare products.
3 - Aliens Might Be Made Of Silicon
Since silicon and carbon are in the same column of the periodic table, this means that they can both make the same number of bonds (connections) to other atoms. This has been the basis for quite a bit of science fiction fun; a quick search about silicon-based lifeforms will have you wondering what life might be like on another planet.
4 - Silicones Are (Part Of) The Reason We Have Smartphones
Perhaps one of the strangest things about the element silicon is that it is a metalloid, meaning it looks and acts much like a metal, but it also has some non-metallic properties. Silicone can be used as a semiconductor, which means that it can regulate the flow of electricity through a circuit. In this way, silicone acts both as a metallic substance and a non-metallic one. The discovery of silicone polymers has been one of the major drivers of advancing computer technology, allowing for reduction in both cost and size (ie, smartphones)!
5 - There’s More Than One Silicone
By definition, silicone is a polymer. This means that silicon atoms are combined with other atoms in the periodic table to form a sort of chain. By switching up the components in the chain, you can alter the structure and properties of the final product. These small changes can create everything from sealants to baby bottle nipples— you just have to know how to change the polymer.
6 - Silicone Scar Products Actually Work
That’s right! Studies have actually shown that silicone helps heal scars so that they have less visual impact. This process has a variety of components, one of which is silicone’s amazing use as a barrier for biological tissues; silicone products are great at maintaining moisture levels - one of the key factors in tissue healing properly.
Why We Love Silicone
We might be a little biased, but we love silicone. Here at Rejuvaskin, we’ve long adored this little polymer’s extraordinary abilities and implications in nearly every industry created by humanity. Above all, though, we respect silicone’s ability to minimize and reduce the visual impact of scars.
Not only is silicone a great scar product ingredient, but it is also non-toxic and safe for topical use; there are so many reasons that this polymer makes a great addition to many of our scar products. All that’s left is for you to try them out for yourself and see how silicone can help you manage and reduce your scars.