If there is an all-natural, herbal scar reducing cream that may actually work I guess it must be Quantum Derma’s cream. Reason? Because it does contain some promising ingredients. This cream is said to reduce the appearance of both new and old scars and contains a wide range of natural, healing ingredients.

Let’s review this product by examining its components.

Quantum Derma Scar Reducing Cream contains various herbal ingredients. Some are commonly thought to improve scars but are not backed by science (onion extract). A few of them are interesting and promising though.

Ingredients:

• Onion Extract,
• Lysine,
• Vitamin E,
• Tamanu Oil,
• Allantoin

Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum) for example. This aromatic oil is also referred to as “green gold” or “sacred oil of Tamanu”. It is said to be able to penetrate all skin layers.

Tamanu oil heals damaged skin, alleviates various medical conditions, and is known for its skin smoothing and softening properties. Revered by ancient Polynesians, the oil was historically used for its medicinal and wound healing properties. More on wisegeek.com .

Lysine is an amino acid that plays a role in building healthy tissue.

Allantoin has a positive effect on the skin’s moisture levels. Also has a keratolytic (deflaking) effect and stimulates the production of new epidermis cells, stimulates skin regeneration, rendering it smoother and softer. Clinical studies indicate it helped prevent and reduce scarring during tattoo removals.

Vitamin A (Retinyl palmitate is the safest form of the various types of vitamin A with the best tolerance, fewest side effects, and no prescription needed More on the role of vitamin A in scar treatment.

Bee propolis extract is reported to help scars heal. Especially acne sufferers seem to benefit from this substance according to some testimonials. Indirectly related to this subject is this post about scar treatment with bee venom .

Additional ingredients include:
Olive Oil, Beeswax, Aloe Vera Gel, Purified Water, Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), Chamomile extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Gum Benzoin extract, Calendula extract, Bee Propolis extract, Golden Seal Root extract, Onion extract, Echinacea extract, Bisabalol (a chamomile extract), Cajeput Oil, Tea Tree oil, Vitamin E, Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) , Vitamins A & D

A few of the ingredients of this cream appear to be promising because of their separate properties. They may provide a synergistic effect but studies should be done to proof this. When it comes to an all-natural scar cream I personally would like to see a scar cream containing Centella asiatica and liquorice. This because these substances appear to have some scar improving evidence behind them.

According to one reviewer on Amazon “this product works but has funny smell maybe because it is natural product and it is pricey for small tube.”

The manufacturer states that Quantum Derma Scar Reducing Cream:

• Significantly improves the appearance and reduces visibility of existing scars resulting from surgery, burns, injury and acne,
• helps prevent the formation of scars on newly healed wounds,
• makes scar tissue, calluses, and other skin hardenings softer and smoother,
• is also advertised to be effective on stretch marks.

Suggested Use: Massage into scar 3 5 times daily to smooth, soften and diminish appearance of scars.

Quantum Scar Reducing Cream is available on Amazon.

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How I Got My Scars

After being attacked and stabbed a few years ago I ended up on the intensive care in a local hospital. A coronary artery had to be closed surgically to save my life. In order to stop the accumulation of blood within my chest (hemothorax) the surgeons had to open up my chest just like they do with open heart surgery.

Apart from the large vertical (thoractomy) scar on my chest due to the surgery I also had cut scars on my face, neck and lower back as a result of the attack. Once back at home and recovering I was determined to do anything in my power to fade the scars as much as possible. Since my scars were new I didn’t want to get surgery or other invasive treatments. So I asked myself, ‘how to get rid of these scars at home?’ And thus I started my search for an over-the-counter scar product that actually works.

Finding Out Which Over-The-Counter Scar Product Actually Works

Following the advice of my general practitioner as well as a surgeon I started using all kinds of products. After a while I had learned by trial and error that most scar creams like Mederma, Bio Oil or Calendulan are not effective. At least they were not for me. Apart from that I now knew that there are as much different opinions on scar treatment as there are different products. I was disappointed that the level of education concerning scar treatment among medical personnel was this low. I thought that there must be something that works. If only a little bit.

That’s why I started reading articles on scar treatment and contacted several cosmetic clinics to ask for advice. The cosmetic surgeon of one of the clinics told me that the best scar cream available was Zeraderm. (If I’m correct it’s not available in the US.) This is a silicone cream that lays a thin film over the scar. This led me also on the discovery of so called silicone sheets. These are made of the same material as the silicone gel but seemed to work even better.

“silicone sheeting has certainly come out as one of the best ways to deal with fresh and chronic scars” (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 1994; 18: 307-13).

Using Silicone Sheets

After ordering the silicone sheets and the gel I started using them immediately.This took some dedication because the sheets have to be worn at least 16 hours a day, every day. When a particular sheet (or patch as they are called also) has been worn for a few days it gets less adhesive.

I used silk tape to make sure the sheets sticked to my skin. Sometimes, e.g. when sweating or during physical exercise the sheets and silk tape let loose despite the tape. So I had to reattach them. I mainly used the sheets and the gel only when I was not able to use the sheets. I found the gel especially suitable for areas not covered by clothes when I was out in public. This because the gel seems to be less effective.

But the good thing was that I noticed a very slight improvement already after a few days. The scars became softer. This motivated me to go on with this treatment. Already after several weeks I could see my scars fade to a less red, less thick and softer state.

Conclusion

So concluding, the ultimate scar treatment requires a fair amount of time and dedication. This is the reality, the stories about creams that will fade scars almost completely only by applying them twice a day are just not true.

But the good thing is that when you are dedicated and disciplined to use the products day in day out and have the patience to maintain during a few months you will eventually get an optimal result. My scars faded to a huge extent. Not only did they become almost skin color instead of the red color they were. They also are flat and soft and do not itch anymore.

Silicone Sheeting Brands

There are differences between silicone scar product brands. The so called medical grade products contain higher quality concentrations of silicones and have better adhesive qualities. An example of such a medical grade brand is ScarAway.

ScarAway silicone sheets are the only scar sheets with the patented Silon technology. This is the same technology recommended by plastic surgeons and used in hospitals and burn centers. This Silon technology was made available for the consumer market in 2002 by Pfizer Inc. under the name Neosporin Scar Solution

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There’s a huge, worldwide demand for a post-surgery scar reducing drug. Scar revision surgery is the third most common reconstructive procedure performed in the USA according to the American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons. Will the new, soon to be launched Juvista fill this gap in the market?

Juvista is a drug that would be injected intradermally into the margins of wounds created by cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons during scar revision surgery.
The manufacturer of Juvista, pharmaceutical company Renovo said that the phase III trial for scar revision drug Juvista is nearly complete.

As scars to be revised occur at all sites within the body (head, neck, limbs, chest, abdomen, back), in all races, sexes and in a wide age range, Renovo will seek to generate safety and efficacy data for Juvista across a wide range of body sites and patients.

Juvista has currently been tested on more than 1,500 patients. As for now the clinical trials have brought to light two failures of Juvista – in mole removal and breast augmentation. Juvista is the commercial name for the drug Avotermin – an injectable solution of human active recombinant transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3).

Apart from scar revision there are all sorts of other potential uses, from varicose vein treatment to cosmetic surgery.

“Juvista has the potential to become standard of care to reduce scaring after surgery work the high sales potential validated by Shire’s interest in the North American rights.”

Its main focus is to continue developing its scar-reduction treatments Juvista and Prevascar, with the results of clinical trials expected in the first half of this year.

Update: Failure Juvista Clinical Trial

Too bad but the clinical trial for anti-scarring drug Juvista did not meet primary or secondary endpoints. The Renovo companay is completing trials of two other treatments, Prevascar and Adaprev.

More info on the Renovo website.

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What the best treatment for an old scar is depends on its physiology (how it looks). When that scar on your knee from falling off your bike years ago is still raised and/or discolored it can benefit from silicone gel treatment. Red, purple, or dark colored scars can be toned down. Bumpy, thick scars can be flattened.

The younger the scar the faster this type of over the counter treatment will catch on. But also older scars have shown to improve. If silicones don’t work ask your dermatologist or doctor about steroid injections. These are known to flatten scars as well but side effects may occur. Therefore it is recommended to indulge in non-invasive silicone treatment first.

Best Scar Treatments For Old Thick and/or Discolored Scars:

1. silicone gel sheets and creams
2. steroid injections
3. cryosurgery (freezing of the upper skin layers which causes blistering of the skin to remove excess scar tissue
4. interferon is a chemical that is injected into the scar and may help improve the hardness and cosmetic appearance of the scar.
5. dermabrasion removes the top layers of the scar tissue which reduce its appearance.

Silicone sheeting is the only effective over-the-counter scar treatment without side effects. “silicone sheeting has certainly come out as one of the best ways to deal with fresh and chronic scars” (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 1994; 18: 307-13). One of the best brands available is ScarAway

Old White and Flat Scars
Silicone gel treatment isn’t particularly suitable for old scars that are already flat and white. For these scars exfoliation, laser and chemical resurfacing (to even out the tone), and other measures are more appropriate. One of these is a product (V-Tar) that’s also used for vitiligo treatment. Here’s more about white scar treatments.

1. exfoliation
2. laser and chemical resurfacing
3. V-Tar

Old Indented Scars
Also depressed scars (commonly as a result of acne and often called ice pick scars) require another approach. You could indulge in home remedies but it is recommended to have a medical professional examine your scar in order to get personal advice. For home remedy user experiences and other useful info check out the acne.org forum.

If your scar requires an intrusive treatment such as; collagen fillers, grafts, dermabrasion, or surgical revision it is best to consult a dermatologist or possibly a cosmetic surgeon.

1. collagen fillers
2. grafts
3. grafts
4. dermabrasion
5. chemical peels
6. z plasty
7. and more

Exfoliating, and/ or peeling are common home remedies. These treatments do involve side effects. Scar exfoliating is generally done with products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. This substance helps remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. It is strongly recommended to use the lowest concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids available on scar tissue.

In Conclusion
It really depends on what kind of old scar you are dealing with. Is it red and raised, white and flat, just discolored, or maybe depressed. Each scar type needs it’s own treatment. I will get back on these specific scars and the best way to treat them in future posts.

Something About Invasive Scar Treatments
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, even when these procedures are performed correctly by a qualified professional, complications are possible.

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Neaclear Scar Advantage is a product I hadn’t heard of before (although it has been around for a while). Just yesterday I stumbled upon it when reading articles written by cosmetic and plastic surgeons. One of these health care practitioners recommended this cream for facial scars.

To me this doesn’t necessarily mean it is a good product because even among medical experts such as plastic surgeons and dermatologists ignorance occurs. I always like to dig for scientific reports and other indications products may actually work. Let’s have a closer look at Neaclear. Is it really as innovative and revolutionary as they say?

It is said to promote optimal scar healing with ingredients such as;

• cortisone,
• vitamin E,
• silicones,
• vitamins A & D,
• liquid oxygen,
• and vitamin C.

Let’s take a look at the respective actions of these components:

• topical cortisones reduce irritation (used in anti-itch creams) This study concludes there’s no benefit to the scar’s appearance. As there is none for vitamin E
• silicones are proven effective to decrease collagen formation and increase the scar’s maturation process.
• vitamins A (retinoids) has shown to have both benefits as side effects. No sufficient research data available for firm conclusions
• vitamin C seems to have scar healing benefits but stability is needed. It’s difficult to control whether or not Scar Advantage contains such a stable form of vitamin C.
• liquid oxygen



About the addition of liquid oxygen (whatever that may be) has been some rumor. New Scientist notes that “We have certainly never heard of a skin cream that contains liquid oxygen, the temperature of which is normally somewhere below -183 °C.” There has been a discussion on museumofhoaxes.com. Neaclear’s reaction:

the oxygenation is a special 4 step process that enables us to place oxygen into a stable liquid form. liquid oxygen normally exists only at the extremely low temperature of -183 degrees Celsius under normal atmospheric pressure. liquid oxygen in it’s purest form is highly combustible and basically “rocket fuel”.

NO, we do not have rocket fuel (pure liquid oxygen) in our products. please realize the oxygen concentration in our skin care products is not a large amount, definitely less than 5%. again, we always recommend not placing these products close to any sources of fire or anything flammable (a good piece of advice with any skin care products).



One more thing. I know this sounds rather cocky but I’m not convinced the action behind the product is pressure like stated on the Neaclear website. Yes, indeed, pressure (compression) has a beneficial effect on scar healing. Therefore it has been used since the 1960 in the treatment of burn and other scars. But how much pressure does a thin film apply? I have read lots of clinical reports and study abstracts and I am convinced to belief it is occlusion what makes that such products work.



Occlusion by silicone gels and sheets is thought to restore the water balance in the scar tissue thus preventing dehydration and excessive scar tissue. More on this in my post titled; how do silicones for scars work.



Neaclear Scar Advantage can be used on scars of all types – new or existing, traumatic or surgical. Whether or not it really works remains unclear. To me it seems comparable with other scar creams with roughly the same ingredients. The only difference is the addition of the mysterious liquid oxygen.



Have you used Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Scar Advantage? I would love to hear about your experiences. You can drop a comment below or contact me via the contact page.

Note: in order to avoid confusion, there are two Neaclear scar products on Amazon. Both with the same name but with other ingredients. The other product has chamomile and some other components in it.














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Most facelift scars, located in front of the ears, are hardly noticeable or not visible at all. The location of the facial incisions ensures such scars are only visible during the first weeks after surgery. The incisions are commonly lined up within the natural curves of the ear.

As with all new scars redness may occur. This is a normal, temporarily, sign of scar healing and can be covered up with makeup. In case the scar turns raised, elevated, bumpy, or otherwise problematic a silicone gel cream may offer the best solution. Such creams dry without residue to a flexible film and are clinically proven effective.

Facelift procedures performed by a qualified, reputable, board certified (facial) plastic surgeon should generally not lead to scar complications. Another reason why there’s no real treatment required for facelift scars is because of the fact that the blood supply in the face is very well developed.

Those who are prone to keloid scars, or otherwise problematic scars, could best use a silicone creame to avoid excessive scar tissue (keloidal scars tend to occur especially on the face). In these cases it could be wise to closely monitor the development of the scar. When the tissue is slowly getting thicker, wider, or darker it may become a hypertrophic or keloid scar.

Caring for the surgical wounds and fresh scar tissue is essential. During the wound healing phase an antibiotic ointment may be recommended. Care should also be taken during scar the scar healing phase (scars take approximately 6-18 months to fully mature). The most essential measure is to prevent exposure from the sun or other UV radiation (e.g. from solar beds) since this will very likely make the appearance of the scar more prominent.

Other means of facelift aftercare are facial bands, neck wraps, and specialized post facelift compression garments. See the carousel below for more facelift aftercare products (by clicking the facelift tab).

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After a liposuction procedure it is commonly recommended to wear compression garments. There are two types; stage one* or medical garments and stage two or aesthetic garments.

They can be used following various procedures such as abdomen, breast, back, and flank liposuction.

Stage two liposuction garments are designed to provide continued healing compression and support during the second stage of recovery. This phase typically lasts 2-8 weeks after surgery. They are worn like long underwear underneath clothing.

Generally stage two compression garments are tighter than stage one garments which makes them provide more compression. This is appropriate because there’s less less swelling at this second stage of liposuction recovery. In the critical immediate postoperative period this amount of tension would be inappropriate.

Benefits
The benefits of such garments are that they minimize any swelling that remains, accelerate the healing process, help improve blood circulation, and allow the patient to return to daily routines sooner. Designed for skin retracting and body shaping these medical devices also help the skin fit better to its new contours.

Liposuction compression garments provide support to the surgical areas for better scar healing, and more comfort. They reduce the tension on fresh surgical scars and prevent them from stretching. It’s this tension and stretching which are a cause for hypertrophic, keloid, and widened scars. Compression has been used for decades to keep scar tissue pliable.

Materials
Many high quality garments are made of comforable, yet durable materials. Common is the use of lightweight powernet fabrics, breathable cotton, and lycra. Garments made of 100% latex and formaldehyde should be avoided.

There are several types of garments and they come in different quality ranges and prices. Some have built-in seamless cotton knit bras. Also flat seams to avoid showing through clothing is a useful feature.

(* Stage one garments provide moderate compression immediately after surgery and are typically worn for up to 2 weeks.)

Brands
Some of the more popular, high quality brands are; Marena, Rainy, Isavela, Bella-Jane, and Design Veronique.

For more info on how to measure your right size, instructions on how to use the garment, reviews, purchasing and more visit Makemeheal.

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I was recently informed about a new scar product called Revitol Scar Removal Cream and I was wondering if it really works.


I have no personal experience with it nor could I find any trustworthy user reviews online. So if anyone has used this product, I would love to hear your experiences.

According to the Revitol Scar Cream website this product removes the appearance of acne scars, burns, cuts, gashes and surgical scars.

It is also mentioned that this product exclusively contains natural ingredients. If I’m understanding correctly it contains mostly proteins and vitamins.

This new product is said to enhance the skin’s regenerative abilities in a safe and effective way. The formula helps combat the causes of scarring and heals and fortifies skin.

I’m usually an advocate of silicone based products because these have scientific evidence behind them. But since medical science evolves, and not all components and products have been fully examined and researched there could always be products that work, although not (yet) confirmed by science.

What does makes me frown upon is the fact that the active ingredients aren’t mentioned. On the other hand, they do have a money back guarantee. If you are considering to purchase this product make sure to read the policy details on the bottom right side of the page.

We believe in offering the very best value, quality and selection to our customers. You may return any unused and unopened item purchased from us for any reason within Ninety (90) days of your purchase

Did you try Revitol Scar Cream? And did it work for you? Or maybe not? Please let me know so others can benefit from your experiences. Your feedback will be highly appreciated.

More information on their website.

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Laser Fade scar gel is actually roughly the same product as ScarFade. The difference is that Laserfade gel contains additional ingredients such as Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and Co-Enzyme Q-10.

These additional ingredients, some of which antioxidants, are thought to reduce damage to freshly lasered skin caused by ultraviolet sun damage, air pollution and other environmental factors. Laserfade also contains micronized zinc oxide for protection from the sun. It protects against both UVA / UVB rays and has SPF15.

Laserfade is advertised as being especially suitable for the treatment of post laser surgery redness (erythema) and scars. It is said to create a soothing micro-membrane which calms inflamed capillaries (tiny blood vessels). It is formulated to be used after freshly lasered skin is completely healed.

Ingredients:
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Other Ingredients: Dimethypolysiloxane, Cyclomethicone, Phytoniadone (Vitamin K-1), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Co-Enzyme Q10.

Some reviewers stated that:

It does not absorb quickly, but you can wear it at night or under makeup.

The product name says gel but it is more like a lotion. It is very greasy. You would expect a gel to be lightweight and absorb easily but this does not.

Made my 4 inches scar on my neck less obvious. After using this product for 3 months it reduced the redness and fade the scar to my skin color.

More reviews here on SkinStore.com

Laserfade gel is available at Makemeheal for $25 and for $26 on Amazon.

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It can be hard for African Americans to find a good scar cream. People with black skin are more prone to keloid scar creation.

Not only people with black skin but also other ethnic groups such as Hispanics, and Asians are more prone to this type of unsightly scars. Unfortunately these scars can not be avoided but the risk on development can be decreased.

First of all it is recommended to use an antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin ) when the wound heals.

Another measure to boost wound healing and avoid complications such as infections (which indirectly increase the risk on scar tissue creation) are Medihoney wound dressings. Keeping a wound covered, clean, and protected will result in less scar tissue.

The best scar cream for black skin would be a silicone cream. This because silicones have shown to reduce the risk on disgraceful keloids. Especially when they are used on fresh scars. Apart from that they have also shown to remove keloids (only in some cases since keloids are hard to get rid of). Silicone gel creams also soften and flatten red, purple, raised, scars.

Here’s a list of commercially available silicone scar creams. I commonly recommend ScarAway or Kelo-cote because these are made of 100% silicones and do not contain less effective ingredients. According to studies silicone gel sheets are more effective than creams but the downside is that their use may be less convenient.



Something About Topical steroids.
Some people use a cortisone ointment (commonly prescription) but there are risks on using this kind of treatment. Reported side effects are discolorization and thinning of the skin.

Cortisone (steroid) creams are also used to help alleviate vitiligo, a skin disorder that causes depigmentation of patches of skin affecting black people. But steroids are not recommended for the treatment of vitiligo because steroids may help initially for a short time but may lead to a relapse of this condition.

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