Reviews
3.6
1119 Reviews
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
Side Effects
Low
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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
August 17, 2009

Pros:

works

it works
April 3, 2007

Pros:

none!

Cons:

wow, okay. im 15 and i have a very mild case of acne. the 3 pimples a month that are large kinda thing. but, however, i do tend to pick at pimples and i had about 6 large scars on my forehead. i bought mederma and guess what?! I now have severe acne!

THANKS MEDERMA FOR TOTALLY SCREWING UP MY ALMOST GREAT FACE! wow...it works for some people? just ask a pharmacist about it and they'll tell you if it'll work for you. my skin is sensetive...maybe thats why. I dunno...
December 15, 2009
amazing
February 18, 2009
Product used: Emu Oil

Pros:

Calms my irritated and peeling skin better than anything.

Cons:

The main ingredient is oleic Acid, which is a known comedogen. IT DOES CLOG POURS!! do not use if you have oilly skin.

IT DOES CLOG POURS!!! The main ingredient is Oleic acid which is a known comedogen. That being said, I use it only becuase I use retin-A 0.1% at night and in the morning emu oil is the only thing that can stop the intense peeling. If i didnt use retina i wouldnt use emu oil, becuase it can clog pours. Do not listen to the crack pots about it not causing acne, cause it can if you already have oilly type skin. Dry skin types it might help. However, if you use it for reasons like i use it then its the best thing out there to calm irritated and peeling skin. It does have antibacterial properties, cause it contains linoleic acid as well(which is why dry skin types with acne could benifit), I actually used it once for athletes foot and it worked really really well.
July 29, 2010

Pros:

Good moisturizer
Smooth skin

Cons:

Oily
Caused some mild breakouts
caused more ACNE SCARS on places I didn't have acne before.
did not fade scars, minimal if any

Would not recommend using on face as it caused more scars. Horrible product , regret using it
October 27, 2009

Pros:

i hope it will work

Cons:

easily available

i have started using this oil from two weeks. my acne scars could not become light but i am continue to use and hope to get clear skin in the future
December 7, 2007
Product used: MaMa (Lotion)

Pros:

Many positive reviews

Cons:

A little pricey

I am not a user yet, but I placed my online order for MAMA 3 days ago and await its arrival. I've browsed several review boards for this product, and noticed mostly glowing reviews for MAMA, but most of the positive reviews were left after one week of usage, or mabey two weeks.I have seen the negative reviews as well-the intense peeling, the smell, the stickiness, and worst of all, the fact that MAMA has the potential to make one's hyperpigmentation even worse (i.e. DARKER).I wanted to get some detailed reviews from long-standing users of MAMA. Did anyone experience any of the following: After initial usage, experienced darker hyperpigmentation and/or increased amounts of pimples? After prolonged use, did hyperpigmentation get better? I've also read some comments warning against spot treatments, and others applauding it. Other suggest using it over the entire face, like a lotion? Also, any reviewers who posted initially have any follow-ups???
June 2, 2008
Waste of time, waste of money.
October 14, 2009

Pros:

cute little bottle and at first rather cheap.

Cons:

After investigation of the the formulation no wonder why it is cheap.
Cancer causing ingredient part of this product and the only skin healing properties ingredients are from flowers extracts or oils.

You get what you pay for... it is cheap and nasty, I actually find a natural oil with no fillers, all 100% active ingredients. it is called Tamanu oil, lots of independent scientific research, not just a panel of a few people... I have not looked back since fro my acne, now I use it as my anti wrinkle cream, face moisturiser, on any cuts, wounds, bruising and great after sun exposure, plus it has a natural SPF of 16-22. There is a real quality product that is well worth buying.
June 9, 2009

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.

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.

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.