Mederma – Skin Care for Scars is a dermatological gel with topical application, created to improve the appearance of scars resulting from surgeries, wounds, burns, acne and stretch marks, making them more smooth, soft and flexible.

Life is full of surprises – good ones and bad ones. And wounds are part of life. They can sometimes lead to scar formation, leaving a conspicuous mark on your skin. But don’t worry, visible scars can be avoided by taking a few simple steps.

Modern therapy and daily skin care allow scars to become smoother, suppler and altogether less visible. It’s best to start the therapy as quickly as possible – after the stitches have been removed or the wound has closed. But even with older scars, skin texture and appearance can be improved over time.

Characteristics of Mederma

Non-sticky texture
Suitable for use in any part of the body – face, abdomen, legs, hands and arms
Contains Cepalin, a patented plant extract
The skin becomes smooth and soft
Prevents the increase of the scar
Attenuates the visibility of the scar or mark
It should not be applied to open wounds

How to use

Apply Mederma – Skin Care for Scars directly on the scar, 3 to 4 times a day with a light massage until complete absorption of the product.

The duration of treatment depends on scar origin:

Burns, stretch marks, acne or old scars – From 3 to 6 months
Surgery – 8 weeks
Accident – 2 to 6 months

The scarring process

Cuts, operations, bites or mole removal: any type of subcutaneous intervention can leave visible traces on the skin. So how do scars develop?

Our body has an ingenious way of healing wounds. If the injury reaches the hypodermis or deeper, the wound is automatically closed with a blood clot. The blood clot stops foreign particles from penetrating into the organism and prevents infection. Gradually, the wound is filled with connective tissue. As blood vessels form, the fresh scar will frequently redden at first.

But because the tissue lacks structures for pigmentation, lighter tissue is left behind when the redness fades.

This resourceful self-healing mechanism to maintain skin functionality is normally accompanied by a visual side effect, one that is frequently considered to be a blemish: a scar – the visible outcome of skin repair.

Factors that influence scar formation

Age

The older a person is, the slower the skin heals, making scars more likely. But also between the ages of 10 and 30, an overproduction of connective tissue can lead to the development of larger scars.

Skin Type

In general, people with darker or very light skin are more susceptible to noticeable scarring. Hereditary factors also play a role in the healing of the wound.

Hormones

Pregnant women and teenagers, who have an altered hormone balance, are more prone to prominent scarring.

Location

In places on the body where the skin is subject to tension such as at the joints or shoulders, more noticeable scars are likely to form.

Complications

Infections always mean a higher risk of scarring.

The recipe for success: the right kind of continuous and active care

Scars are not only visually distracting and an emotional strain, they can also frequently lead to physical discomfort such as itching, tension pain and restricted mobility. No therapy can transform a scar into perfect skin again. But it can help to make the problem area less conspicuous and uncomfortable.

Mederma – Proven and recommended

Mederma’s proactive gel formula has been proven to be effective for a full range of therapy objectives. So it’s no wonder that Mederma has been one of the leading scar therapies for over 10 years.

With clinically certified effectiveness, the gel formula featuring the active substances cepalin, allantoin and aloe vera effectively cares for both old and new scars. Best used directly after the wound has closed or the stitches have been removed, Mederma supports the healing process, reducing skin redness and making the scar softer, finer, more elastic and less visible.

Apply twice a day – for a nearly invisible scar

You can start therapy with Mederma gel as soon as the wound has closed or directly after the stitches have been removed. Mederma is easy to apply, transparent and has a pleasant fragrance. Just follow the instructions for use in order to obtain the best possible results.

Only use Mederma gel on closed wounds.

Massage Mederma gel into the middle of the scar and slowly spread it outwards.

Rub in Mederma gel with small, circular motions until it is absorbed by the skin.

Repeat the therapy regularly at least twice a day. You will see the first therapy results on fresh scars after 8 weeks and after 3 to 6 months on older scars.

Caring for scars: everything you need to know about Mederma

When is the right time to start the therapy?

As early as possible. That is, as soon as the wound has closed or the stitches have been removed. When caring for an older scar, you may start immediately.

How will I notice whether the proactive formula is effective?

You will feel the effect before you can see it: a slight itching du- ring the first week or two of use is a good sign that the healing process is underway. The first visible result of success is usually a decrease in redness. To ensure this, allow your skin and Mederma a bit of time. Scar therapy always requires patience!

How long should I use Mederma?

Use Mederma regularly for at least 8 weeks in the case of fresh scars or 3 – 6 months on older scars.

Will children’s scars heal better using Mederma?

Children are prone to scrapes and wounds that can leave ugly scars behind. Mederma is safe and mild enough to use with babies and toddlers. This helps to ensure that small wounds don’t leave lasting visible scars.

Can I also use Mederma on my face?

Yes. But it is not recommended that you use Mederma too close to your eyes.

Can I use make-up?

No problem. As soon as the gel has been absorbed by the skin, you can apply make-up as usual.

Where can I purchase Mederma?

Mederma is available from all pharmacies without a prescription.

What can I expect Mederma to do?

Nothing can make scars disappear completely. But you will find that you no longer have to worry about people seeing your scars. And you can feel good in your skin again. For Mederma helps to soothe discomfort, promotes healing and – with regular and consistent application – makes scars so faint that you can really forget about any remaining traces.

Caring for scars correctly

Exposing scars to the sun?

Whether at home or on holiday: scars must be protected against strong sunshine. Sunscreen with a high protection factor or sunblock should be part of the daily skin care program, as the new skin normally lacks pigment cells for melanin production (melanin is the pigment that protects the skin to a certain degree against UV light).

Avoid cold weather and extreme heat!

Generally, mild temperatures will have a positive effect on a scar’s reconstruction processes. Therefore, be careful about extreme heat (e.g. in the sauna) or very cold weather.

Which make-up is appropriate for scars?

A special make-up technique is available to cover scars: camouflage make-up hides what you don’t want the world to see. Camouflage products have 55 % more pigments than normal foundation and have a much higher opacity. There are camouflage sticks, creams and lotions in a wide range of shades that can be mixed to obtain an optimal, natural result.

Dress code for scars?

Scars should not be irritated by tight clothing, or a watch or shoe rubbing against the wound. This can lead to redness or hardening of fresh scar tissue. The best dress code is always light and loose.

What does it cost?

Recommended retail price of R349.94 (20ml)

Where can I buy it?

Available in Dis-Chem Pharmacies and Clicks.

Distributed in South Africa by Genop Healthcare

Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.