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:
August 27, 2007
Product used: Mederma (Advanced Scar Gel)

Pros:

Not that expensive

Cons:

It caused me to get red and itchy. I stopped using Mederma immediately.

NO comment
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August 13, 2007
Product used: AcneFree (Clear Skin Treatments Complete Scar Fade & Erase)

Pros:

best acne scar treatment

Cons:

none

it totaly works
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November 15, 2006
Product used: Elicina (Original Crema de Caracol Snail Cream)
it works very good! works best if use with proactiv
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July 4, 2011
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

Nice fresh scent, does not stain clothes, a little application goes a long way to make skin smooth.

Cons:

Expensive and does not prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Only acts as a moisturizer.

I am 32, I bought and begun applying Bio Oil from my first month of pregnancy and used through my delivery (and 4 weeks post delivery). I applied Bio Oil to my hips, thighs, breasts and stomach religiously 3+ times per day as I kept a bottle at work, at home and in my car for constant application. Despite the consistent application to my skin, stretch marks appeared and remained after my pregnancy. This was my first pregnancy and I did not mind the expense of purchasing a large amount of Bio Oil as I thought it would aid in avoiding me developing stretch marks. My advise is do not waste your money if you are looking to use as a preventative for stretch marks. Rather, use any type of moisturizing cream as I am living proof stretch marks are genetic. I am small framed and only gained 25 pounds with this 1st pregnancy.
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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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August 21, 2008
Product used: Bio-Oil (Skincare Oil)

Pros:

It smells really nice, and it seems to be working.

Cons:

After using it for a week, i forgot to put it on one night and i broke out in a tiny rash on my face.

Should try it, its a bit oily but just rub it in. Don't forget to use it cause it might break you out if you dont. And remember good things take time, a month of using it is not going to remove scares that have been there your whole life!
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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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September 14, 2007
Product used: Elicina (Original Crema de Caracol Snail Cream)

Pros:

left skin soft

Cons:

brought out big whelts

i had ver bad cystic acne and tried using holland and barrats de tuinin snail gel and it cleared my spots up in days and thn i tried baba de caracol from e bay and that seemed to be ok kept the spots away and smoothed out the scarring but like all acne sufferers kept looking for something different and found eliciana who sold it to me more(words words words) i bought it and it brought my spots out worse than ever too greasy!!!!!! but then i lokked it up on google and a different Elicina came up same name different pot. (this one looked like the authentic one it had a curly c after its name) tempted to try but worried i will waste my money. this one has a circle around the name is this the one you are all talking about x
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May 1, 2007
Product used: Emu Oil

Pros:

great it helps with rednes and heals fast sits

Cons:

nothing bad i think

It workt for me like in the first 2 days you can tell that it makes my scars fade away, it dose not work that well on active acne but it's great for scars and rednes give it a try. The emu oil I use is Emu line Emu oil.
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November 9, 2006
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

none

Cons:

it broke me out, made my skin blotchy, got hundreds of tiny whiteheads

I stopped using it. wasn't seeing improvements
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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