Topical Treatments
Reviews
3.6
1118 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
12.5%

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November 25, 2012
Product used: Emu Oil

Pros:

Gentle
Natural
Excellent substitute for eye cream

Cons:

Worsened acne!
Expensive
Hard to find

I bought emu oil on Amazon and it has not helped my acne whatsoever. I don't want this purchase to go to waste, so I've been using it as a nighttime eye moisturizer and the results have been beautiful (it lengthens and strengthens your eyelashes).
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October 24, 2012
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

-Smells nice
-Makes skin feel smooth
-Cheap

Cons:

-Paraffinum liquidum

Every product that I've used containing paraffinum liquidum (or other form of paraffin oil) has done the same; initially, it seems to lighten scars and makes skin almost glow. Within a week, the results weaken and as soon as you quit using the product, you're back to square one (if you're lucky.) If youre unlucky, you're going to be breaking out AND your skin will be drier than normally, since paraffin binds the moisture from your skin and hence dries it out whenever you wash away the paraffin oil.
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16 user(s) found this helpful

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October 24, 2012
Product used: La Roche-Posay (Cicaplast)

Pros:

-Cheap
-Protects skin rather than damages it

Cons:

-Doesn't do much

Surprised to even find this here. Hasn't affected my scars in any way, though I have been using this for an entirely different purpose. Don't bother with this.
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July 10, 2012
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Cons:

it claims to moisturize extremely dry skin . However, after 1 month of using it, there is no improvement. It doesn't get absorbed at all so it sticks to furniture, etc ...

I would not ever buy it again
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June 30, 2012
Product used: Mother of Pearl (Anti-Scar Cream)

Cons:

-terrible smell
-clogs pores
-difficult to wash off
-expensive when you live outside the U.S.

I got the cream a while ago. I tried it out immediately - and never again since. It smells so badly that I got a headache from it but "No pain, no gain" right? However, when I started washing it off after 30 min, I realized that the cream was stuck in my pores and it extremely hard to wash it off - i had to scrub my face with a wet towel... Since I haven't read a review like mine yet, I was wondering: Am I doing something wrong? I'd be happy about comments on that. Cheers!
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6 user(s) found this helpful

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June 4, 2012
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

great smell
keeps face moisturized

Cons:

too much money
barely worked
kept my face greasy

bottom line is that it barely faded any of my scars and the one that it did fade it took like 6 months to...too long.
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3 user(s) found this helpful

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May 14, 2012
Product used: Revitol (Scar Cream)

Pros:

I did notice a litle smoothing effect on my scars but no enough to back up what they promised

Cons:

I doesnt work......period.

As I said I noticed some smoohing and skin lighing but as soon as I sopped using he product he very small improvement dissapeared. Huge waste of money, ime and hope!
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April 23, 2012
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

nice aroma
fades body scars over time

Cons:

greasy
doesn't fade facial acne scars whatsoever

I find this works on body scars, but not face. At all. Save yo cash
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April 16, 2012
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Too greasy
Mineral Oil is first ingredient
Pore Clogging
Made me break out in tiny bumps

This crap made me break out in a group of tiny bumps on my chin, the sides of my nose, around my hairline and some on my forehead. I don't even get these little tiny bumps on the regular so I knew it was from this. They went away when I stopped using it. I don't recommend AT ALL.
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March 14, 2012
Product used: Olay (Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System)

Pros:

-smells good
-made skin smooth at first

Cons:

-had an allergic reaction and got a horrible rash
-made acne worse

i have used this product for less the a week because the first day i used it my skin looked great but the next i woke up i had a horrible rash on my face which took 3 weeks to get rid of, so i wouldn't recommend if you have sensitive skin
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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