Scars are inevitable for most of us following surgery, and they can be tricky to treat without the help of some in-office reinforcement. However, SkinCeuticals is answering the call—literally, doctors have been requesting this product from the brand for some time—with the launch of its new Advanced Scar Control treatment hitting the market tomorrow, and boasts impressive before-and-after results.
Not only is this product in-demand with doctors across the country, but it’s also something patients are looking to add to their post-procedure arsenal, even if they might not realize it. “With scar revision ranking as a top reconstructive procedure in the U.S., there is opportunity for Advanced Scar Control to address post-procedure scar and unanticipated scar consumers,” says Stephanie Kramer, general manager for SkinCeuticals. “The launch of Advanced Scar Control expands our SkinCeuticals product offerings to meet a growing medical demand for scar treatment, and the high expectations of our physicians and their patients.”
A clear, nonsticky gel texture, the new treatment is formulated with 95-percent silicones, plus allantoin, which is the main active ingredient in many scar products due to its ability to moisturize and hydrate the skin cells, and thereby reduce the appearance of scars. “This protective technology is clinically proven to improve scar’s overall appearance, reduce visible redness, soften and smooth scar texture, and reduce the intensity of visible scar discoloration,” says Kramer.
And though silicones have assumed somewhat of a mixed reputation in skin-care products in recent years, they are essential when treating scars. “Silicones are a widely recognized ingredient in the medical community, known for their protective and occlusive qualities,” says Beverly Hills, CA plastic surgeon Catherine Chang, MD. “When skin is injured or scarred, the barrier function of that skin area is weakened. Moisturizers, particularly occlusives, are essential for improving and restoring the skin’s natural barrier function when this happens, thus preventing the formation of a scar. A high-grade concentration of silicone can deliver long-lasting occlusive protection, which provides for more predictable results and less scarring. The silicone in Advanced Scar Control has been shown to flatten raised scars, reduce discoloration and smooth scar texture. Beyond the protective qualities that prevent new scars from getting worse or more inflamed, it can also help to reduce the itching and discomfort associated with a new injury or abrasion.”
Wondering if this treatment will work for your particular scar? Dr. Chang says it’s best for “recent scars that have formed in the last one to three months on the face and body due to surgery, burns or abrasion. In addition, it’s great for preventing the formation of new scars after a cosmetic procedure, or an unanticipated wound.” Plus, it works on all skin types and tones, which was proven in the clinical study that included a diverse pool of participants. So, if you have a surgical procedure on the calendar (many people opt to do them in the winter months when they aren’t as socially active, as well as wearing more clothing), this is the perfect product to order in advance and have ready post-op.
The clinical study tested Advanced Scar Control on 30 men and women ages 22 to 51 over the course of 12 weeks, and each participant had a scar less than 5 inches in size that developed over the previous three months. “It was applied daily as needed in conjunction with a sunscreen, and subjects showed a significant improvement of scar’s redness, discoloration and raised texture,” explains Dr. Chang. “Clinical claims include: Improves scar’s appearance by up to 29 percent; softens and smooths scars by 23 percent; reduces visible redness by up to 89 percent; and reduces intensity of discoloration by 33 percent.”
