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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August 27, 2009
Product used: Emu Oil

Pros:

May help reduce scarring.

Cons:

Gave me acne, Has a weird smell, strange texture, Blocks Pores.

So I have heard that Emu Oil works wonders with scarring. I think it does. But it also blocks pores and gave me acne. The best way to use this product is with accutane or roaccutane. I am going to be put on roaccutane soon, so I will return and give a review while im on the medication. Until then : )
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August 27, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

The creme can be applied on effected area and just forget about it, I use this specially at night time so that it works better

Cons:

My pillow has a bleached color now...:(

This is good so far Acne marks are concerned....
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August 6, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

it kinda work.

Cons:

it itch! and it has a strong onion smell!

I have use it about a week and i think is working but the only bad thing about it is the itch.... but im getting use to it hehehe.
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June 23, 2009
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

available anywhere.

Cons:

didn't work for me

Used it for months, just plain didn't work for me
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June 9, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

it was easy to use. works ok. it just lightend the scar a little.

Cons:

it was itchy, and when it dried it would peel if the skin was moved in some way.

its ok. doesnt work like magic but it does help a little. ive been using it for a little while so i havent seen dramatic results. the best thing for you to do is...DONT POP THE PIMPLES . buy neutragena rapid clear acne eleminating spot gel microclear. its really powertful.so be careful. it works great. u dont have to pop the pimple so that means no scars. also scars dont like the sun so stay out of it for a little while.
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June 8, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

clear gel, not heavy

Cons:

leaves skin slightly dry and flakey

I have been getting nasty pimples for years and against better judgement, I had popped several to relieve the pain that they caused. Unfortunatly, I have acne scars left behind. I got mederma just to try it out and see if it helped any. So far I haven't seen dramatic improvement, but I have noticed that my skin is smoother and that the scars have lost some redness. I am happy with these results because the directions clearly state to apply 3-4 times a day for many months. Since I wear makeup, I cant apply very often, so I expect this process to take longer.
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June 6, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

Recommended by my derm.

Cons:

Pricey. Itches a lot, dry skin.

Question for those who were able to successfully use this product to reduce scars: After I rub it in, my skin becomes really dry and itchy. So would applying lotion after using mederma reduce its effectiveness? If you experienced this problem in the beginning, how did you deal with it/ does the itching/ dryness subside after some use?
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April 24, 2009
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

Moisturize
No breakouts

Cons:

uneven skin tone

I was using bio oil for the past 8 months. Although it kept my face moisturized and didnt cause any acne, my face got darker and had to use foundation all the time. I didnt see any noticeable differences and I stopped using this product a couple of weeks ago. Once I stopped using it, I started regaining my natural complexion.
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April 23, 2009
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

works well on non-face scarring, easy to dry and fall off

Cons:

made scars on face redder, have to apply right on spot or it will peal other areas of skin

wasn't satisfied with use on face. tended to make areas redder than what it originally looked like.
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March 31, 2009
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

Gives a really nice glow to your face
Does actually work acne scars are heavily reduced

Cons:

Takes YEARS to rub in, dont go out without rubbing it all in
Face looks slightly greasy but disolves after a while

Only use after your acne has gone (red spots) its ONLY for scars not to reduce acne, If you got scars it going to make it worse and worse As for stretch marks it didnt really work with me, well after 3months i saw very little difference but for scars it works a charm
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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