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How Do Mederma® Scar Treatments Work?

5 min read
Home Advice How Do Mederma® Scar Treatments Work?

Mederma® scar creams contain unique triple action formulas that penetrate beneath the skin surface to lock in moisture and to help stimulate collagen production and cell renewal in order to reduce the appearance of scars.

How do scar creams generally work?

Scar creams typically have properties that reduce tension on the scar by:

  • providing moisture to soften the upper layer of the skin,
  • providing a protective barrier to retain moisture,
  • helping cells to regenerate and remodel the connective tissue below the scar.

Some treatments additionally protect against photo damage to the sensitive skin on the scar.
To find out what’s in your scar cream of choice, have a look at the typical ingredients that provide these functions.

Ingredients providing skin moisture and elasticity

Above all, topical skin treatments contain skin protectant ingredients as the most effective way to prevent scarring is to keep freshly healed skin moist.[1,2]

While certain ingredients, such as glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol draw in water molecules, others lock in the moisture by forming an oily layer on the skin.[3] Typically silicones, petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil are used to lock in the moisture. Silicone additionally also reduces collagen overgrowth, which makes it one of the most effective ingredients for reducing scarring and the appearance of scars. Dimethicone is a type of silicone with occlusive and moisturizing properties that is used to promote faster healing and protect the skin during the night and is frequently used in moisturizers.[4]

Panthenol, a vitamin B-5 derivative, locks moisture into the skin, providing elasticity while stimulating fibroblast growth, which helps new tissue formation and has anti-inflammatory properties.[5] It has been shown to improve scar appearance.[6]

Ingredients which soften the skin

These ingredients soften the horny substance (keratin), which holds the outer layer of our skin together, thereby sloughing off dead skin cells, breaking down inflamed scar tissue and encouraging healthy cell growth. This helps the skin retain more water and leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer, which reduces the tension and appearance of scars. Typical skin softening ingredients are urea, alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic, citric, or glycolic acid, and allantoin.[7]

Ingredients to protect against sun damage and to improve skin tone

Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E (sometimes as tocopherol), protect the skin against photo damage,[8,9] while skin brightening agents, such as vitamin C, directly improve the skin tone.[10] Rosehip oil combines both properties as it is rich in vitamins A and C and, therefore, helps protect the sensitive skin of fresh scars and improves their appearance.

In addition to these, a sunscreen may be advisable as the skin on scars is particularly sensitive to the sun.[1,2] Indeed, it is highly recommended to protect young scars from the sun for around 18 months.[2,11,12]

Ingredients to help skin remodeling and improve the appearance of scars

Hyaluronic acid has a unique ability to retain water, has anti-oxidative properties, and is a stimulant for collagen production.[13,14] As a result, it acts as a filler and helps to even out the skin. It naturally occurs in the body where it is involved in many processes, including wound healing and tissue repair.[13,15]

Tripeptides, such as copper peptide, possess anti-inflammatory properties and are known to promote skin remodeling.[16,17]

Onion extract contains the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, which regulate fibroblast activity, and has anti-inflammatory properties.[18,19] It has been clinically shown to improve the look and feel of scars.[20]

The Mederma® scar treatment range offers 4 skin protectant products containing Cepalin®, a proprietary ingredient derived from onion extract that has been shown to have positive effects on scars.[21,22] All 4 products contain unique triple action formulas, which penetrate beneath the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and to stimulate collagen production and cell renewal.

Mederma is the #1 recommended brand of scar treatments by doctors, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, pediatricians, and pharmacists. *. Products from this range regularly rank among the top 10 in 2020 reviews for scar creams.[23–25] And each product is formulated to specifically target your needs:

  • Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel: This gel contains allantoin and its triple action formula includes a combination of onion extract, lecithin, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid, to help lock in moisture to improve scar appearance.
  • Mederma® Scar Cream plus SPF 30: This cream contains SPF 30 sun screen to provide protection from harmful UVA/B for exposed scars. Its triple action formula contains a combination of onion extract, lecithin, panthenol, shea butter and hyaluronic acid.
  • Mederma® PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream: This overnight treatment contains dimethicone and its unique triple action formula including combines onion extract, panthenol, tocopherol, copper tripeptide and hydrolyzed collagen together with aloe vera extract and amino acids to support your skin’s natural regenerative activity while you sleep.
  • Mederma® for Kids: This scar cream is fun for kids! Its triple action formula combines allantoin and a blend of onion extract, with a bit of fun – a cool scent and a color-changing surprise.
Scar Care 101: How to Treat Your Scars

Scar Treatment

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Reviewed by
Cécile Artus-Arduise
Head of Medical Affairs at HRA Pharma
Cécile has worked with HRA for over 3 years, and has been working in pharmaceuticals since 2011. She studied at the Paris-Sud University attaining a Doctorate in Biology/Biological Sciences.
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