Silicon is a trace element that resembles carbon and can form silicon-carbon as well as silicon-oxygen, silicon-hydrogen and silicon-nitrogen bonds. It may have a role in a number of areas of human physiology and metabolism, especially bone and connective tissue formation, but possibly also gene expression and cardiovascular health. The exact biological role(s) of silicon in bone health is still not clear, although a number of possible mechanisms have been suggested, including the synthesis of collagen and/or its stabilization, and matrix mineralization. Silicone-based products are widely used in the management of hypertrophic scarring and keloids. The mechanism of action of silicone therapy has not been completely determined but is likely to involve occlusion and hydration of the stratum corneum with subsequent cytokine-mediated signaling from keratinocytes to dermal fibroblasts.