Topical Treatments
Reviews
3.6
1119 Reviews
Topical Treatments
Good or Excellent Response
13%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Moderate Response
49%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Treatments
Side Effects
Low
Topical Treatments
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find a dermatologist or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a plastic surgeon. Topical Treatments are also available over-the-counter.
Read All About Topical Treatments
Compare To Other Treatments
5
36%
4
27.1%
3
14.7%
2
9.7%
1
12.6%

Used Topical Treatments? Rate It:

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Order:
June 10, 2009
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

Smooth skin
Reduced acne scars
Even out skin tone

Cons:

None

I have been suffering with acne since my late 20's. I read the reviews on here about MaMa Lotion and decided to try it out. I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the results. For anyone that has tried everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - try MaMa Lotion. It has worked wonders on my overly sensitive skin. I followed the twice/wk directions then continue to use it every night before going to bed. I was very amazed at how smooth my skin appeared in the morning (and how my picky skin tolerated the product). I apply my moisturizer immediately after. Any skeptics will be pleasantly surprised.
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April 2, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

Fades scars, blemishes, helps even out skin tone, and reduces keloids

Cons:

Smells a little weird but it's nothing serious and you have to get use to squeezing it out the tube. A little goes a long way.

I originally bought this for two minor keloids scars I had, but then I decided to rub it on my face. It works really well. It's better to apply it at night if you're afraid of smelling.. I paid $20 bucks for a 1.76 oz. (50g)
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March 15, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

It really does fade acne scars! It also makes my skin more even toned.

Cons:

It is a little pricy, but well worth it.
Applying it 3-4 times a day is very tedious.

I started using mederma on my acne scars over 2 weeks ago. I dont really get acne anymore and I have 3 years worth of acne scars left. And even if i dont have any active acne on my face, the scars make it look like i have alot of acne on my face. This gel doesnt make my acne worse, so thats good. I have noticed that my acne scars are much less red and i only apply mederma once a day. I cant really apply it 3 times, so i just apply it once before i go to bed. The price is well worth it, I much rather spend $30 once in a while for a tube of mederma that to have ugly acne scars. I have very light skin, so mederma doesnt make my surrounding skin lighter. Give this a try~
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January 25, 2009
Product used: Elicina (Original Crema de Caracol Snail Cream)

Pros:

Works really well. My skin tone looks much better! And it does heal/fade away minor cuts, blackheads, scars and razor burns.

Cons:

You have to be patient with this product. Give it about 2-3 months before you really start seeing results. Your skin will most likely breakout at first. The older you are, the longer it will take to notice a difference.

I love Elicina. I use it every day. It has made my skin look healthier and feel smoother. It greatly reduced a scar of mine. And after just a few weeks, my razor burn was nearly gone. I had really oily skin around my chin, nose and forehead and it is no longer oily. Elicina has also reduced the size of my blackheads. I will definetly continue to use Elicina as a daily face wash.. Because I have used Elicina before but stopped using it for awhile. And I know that if I stop using it again, my oily skin, blackheads and here and there zits will come back.
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August 26, 2008
Product used: Clear Skincare (Copper Peptides)

Pros:

Totally works! Reduced fine lines around my eyes & smile lines, healed my acne weeks! faster,leaving none of the red spots I used to get for weeks.Is reducing old scars I have from cystic acne & no new breakouts! Blackheads from TEENS almst all gone!

Cons:

The copper does stain the acne a lil as it heals, will have dry spot over blemish which may turn brownish as it heals underneath,once dry skin falls off, the blemish is almst totally healed & barely discolored.Can lift sum blemishes,heal fast tho

I did a few peels before getting to the CP's. Used Retin-A for abt 6 wks, then 18% TCA, didn't seem do much, dried acne some, peeled a little (less than Retin A), didn't work better than 10% BP(tho I suspect I got a low quality product). 25% TCA on my back & chest took care of cystic acne tho, now I wash body with PanOxyl bar & spot treat if needed w/10% BP. 4 wks ltr did Jessner's Cross w/15% TCA(same session one after the other no rinsing til the end), 1 layer of each left on min. time.Helped a little more, peeled & cleared more spots. Never had gross "stay in the house" skin. Started using CP Serum & LacSal serum from Skin Biology, got samples of Tri-Reduction, loved it! Bought the Tri-Reduction, got samples of Emu Oil,loved that more! Few weeks after 1st one did Jessner's cross again, 3 layers,then 15% TCA(same session) 3 layers, left max time til I frosted some. Rinsed and used Emu oil to heal. Skin was raw and peeled some,still not as bad as Retin A. 10 of 10!I'm 30 w/17 yo skin!
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February 5, 2008
Product used: AcneFree (Clear Skin Treatments Complete Scar Fade & Erase)

Pros:

It tingled a little bit when I put it on-It gave me a "refreshing feeling"

Cons:

Didn't really do much for severe ice-pick scars, but it helped flatten the red scar marks from healing blemishes.

Overall it's a decent product, but not useful for someone (like me) with severe acne scarring.
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November 15, 2007
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

its like a drug, after i put my mederema on after my shower , its such a relief and feels so good, i love it!!!

Cons:

yes it itches but who cares!!!! deal with it like a man!! as long as it took the ugly scare away from my beautiful body then mederma works for me!!!

this stuff works!!!
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June 28, 2013
Product used: Emu Oil
Great moisturizer for dried out acne product skin
I haven't noticed any anti blemish activity with this, I didn't use it very long. I was using retinol which was disasterous for my skin, red, peely, flakey and extremely dry. This emu oil was the only reason I could use retinol. My acne got sooo bad. I'm fairly positive it was the retinol because it was happening before the use of emu oil. I've ditched the retinol forever. I'm using salicylic acid 30% peels. I keep it on my face for about and hour once a week, and apply my 10% glycolic acid lotion afterwords. In addition to that I use BP everyday. I've had to go to 5% because of the dryness of the acids. But my face is still dry!, I put half emu oil half green tea moisturizer iny hands and apply it to my face at night. It is SSOOO silky, and the tight stretched feeling going away ASAP. I wouldn't say it's greasy as much as I'd say it is an extraordinary moisturizer. If I were to use during the day under makeup I'd use only 2 or so drops. My skin feels like silk right now.... I love it!
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May 31, 2011
Product used: Origins (Brighter By Nature)

Pros:

Smells wonderful (for people who don't mind fragranced cosmetics)
It doesn't actually work to get rid of my scars but keeps cysts at bay(?)

Cons:

EXPENSIVE!!!!!
The amount of product is miniscule for the price you're paying!

I have NO idea how this keeps my cysts at bay. And if anyone knows (explain a scientific process in lay man's terms), PLEASE DO SHARE! I wash with a gentle cleanser, apple Benzaclin and then this serum as my moisturizer at night... and I don't want to jinx anything but it really does the job of keeping the cysts at bay. Before this routine, I used to use salycic acid as a toner and then Benzaclin (5% BP) as my moisturizer (YIKES!)... As soon as I stopped with my SA toner and went straight to BP + this serum, the cysts on my cheeks stopped (knock on wood). I have no idea why. However, although I do think it's a great product to have, the price is ridiculous. It costs me $55 CAD!!!!!! I wish I could find a cheaper substitute. I also have a nagging feeling that there are far more superior night creams out there. I haven't used moisturizer in 3 years, so I still find it mind-boggling that this step could help with breakouts. Give it a go! But I must warn you, it is HELLA expensive... especially for all broke students out there (HOLLA!)
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January 25, 2010
Product used: Sudden Change (Scar Zone Acne Treatment & Scar Diminishing Cream)

Pros:

none.

Cons:

made me break out and didn't do anything for my scars.

don't use it.
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Relevant Forum(s):

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website