Mederma is a well-known scar treatment gel that is oil-free and water-based. Useful in the treatment of acne scars, its ingredients can help rid skin of dead skin cells and promote the growth of new skin. But studies show that Mederma's effectiveness can vary from person to person and is also dependent on the age of the scars.
How Mederma Works
Several ingredients in Mederma purportedly work to fade the appearance of acne scars. Allium cepa bulb extract and panthenol can help promote the growth of new tissue to replace scar tissue. Allantoin makes skin softer and help get rid of dead skin cells. Sodium hyaluronate and lecithin both act as moisturizers to promote healthy skin.
Efficacy of Mederma
According to Dr. Sarah L. Taylor, dermatology clinical research fellow at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, writing for The Dermatologist, using Mederma on scars will produce the same results as using petroleum jelly, which is a cheaper alternative. Therefore, Taylor concludes that, while there is "no harm" in using products such as Mederma, there is no real benefit over some other topical treatments either.
On the other hand, Brown University's Health Center states Mederma has shown "some proficiency" in treating mild acne scars, though it also notes that for severe acne scars, Accutane has been "proven effective."
While there are mixed reviews on the efficacy of Mederma for acne scars in online acne forums, the popular consensus seems to be that the gel treatment fades the appearance of mild acne scars in some patients.
Applying Mederma
Talk to your dermatologist about whether an over-the-counter treatment is right for your acne scarring. Deeper or older scars may require professional treatment for optimal results.
Should you decide that Mederma is right for your scars, use it only after you stop breaking out completely. To apply, squeeze the gel on your fingertip and rub it directly on top of your scars so its evenly applied. Repeat up to three times a day for a period of four to eight weeks. For older acne scars, you may not see results for at least three to six months of everyday use, if at all.
Warnings
Do not apply Mederma on open wounds. Wait for a pimple to heal and scar completely before application.
You may experience skin irritations like itching, swelling and scar discoloration when using Mederma. If this happens, stop using it immediately.
References
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Anna Lei writes mostly about fashion, style, music, and travel. She majored in English and Creative Writing at the University of Notre Dame. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Conde Nast, British Vogue, TOOVIA, and CollegeFashionista.