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.
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.
Scar creams typically have properties that reduce tension on the scar by:
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.
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]
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]
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]
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:
*IQVIA ProVoice Survey, February 2020