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 26, 2008
Product used: AcneFree (Clear Skin Treatments Complete Scar Fade & Erase)

Pros:

It is not expensive.

Cons:

It did not help me at all. It wasted my time.

Bad.
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July 2, 2008
Product used: Palmer's (Cocoa Butter Formula Advanced SPF 15 Scar Serum)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Feels awful
smells awful
Causes acne outbreaks

Probably a great product for treating scars from wounds or operations, just don't put it on your face.
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May 23, 2008
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

I don't really have scars from acne, just red marks. It's made them less purple and more to the color red.

Cons:

I can't apply it 4x a day. It makes my skin red wherever its been after i get out of the shower.

Hmm. I can use it when I don't have a breakout and I do see a difference in a week or so. I just absolutely hate that it leaves my skin SUPER itchy
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March 8, 2008
Product used: Sudden Change (Scar Zone Acne Treatment & Scar Diminishing Cream)

Pros:

Not really sure, it made it light for a day then it got darker then ended up darker

Cons:

It doesn't work, when it made my scar/bruise darker I stopped using it

maybe it works better on scars but I'm going to have to say no to face bruises
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February 22, 2008
Product used: AcneFree (Clear Skin Treatments Complete Scar Fade & Erase)

Pros:

Works well for minor scars
Hyperpigmentation works well

Cons:

Comes as a dual product with one of them being inefficient.

I needed one that would help me in removing my scars as well as take care of wrinkles and aging lines, but this wasn't that effective. I tries scars and hyperpigmentation kit from zenmed and found it to be quite an amazing formula for treating scars, wrinkles as well as aging lines.
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January 8, 2008
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

None

Cons:

Caused me to break out, worse left scars on my face!

I am of East Indian descent and have medium tan skin. I never had acne problems before starting on Mama Lotion - I am in my thirties and wanted it more for its supposed anti-aging properties. I bought the samples. The first couple of times, it worked great. Then ... aargh - acne! And not just pimples, but scars that remain on my skin to this day. I am so upset. I had great clear skin and thoughtlessly spoiled it. Stay away from this product!
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December 22, 2007
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

Fades red marks quickly, sometimes kills the pimple

Cons:

MADE MY CYSTIC ACNE COME BACK, DRY SKIN

i bought a sample of mama lotion thinking that it would work for me since i heard good reviews. Unfortunately, mama lotion made my break out cystic acne that i havent had since i finished accutane. It is good for scars but not for active acne.
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December 20, 2007
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

probably increases hydration

Cons:

Oil seems to sit on skin surface; not as easily absorbed as Vitamin E oil or grapeseed

I used this product for the life of the bottle (approx 2 months for once daily all-over facial application) and did not notice any change in skin texture, quality nor acne scar improvement. I have fair asian skin/irish skin.
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November 15, 2007
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

My Skin is Brighter

Cons:

My Cystic Acne, which had finally gone away with Dan's Clear Skin Regimen, returned hardcore with this product.

I know that this product causes purging...Does anyone know the average time this takes?
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September 17, 2007
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Cons:

Sticky, smells, and it doesn't work.

I tried MaMa Lotion a year ago when I broke out with a cyst. I used this product and it did no good. It left me with a major ick pick scar. It also does no good for my skin aswell because of it's harshness, but I have sensitive skin. Personally I wouldn't recommend 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