Best scar fading cream/oil?

Question

I have a c-section scar. It's still bright purple but I want to fade it because it got infected so it's a very noticeable scar. Granted only 2 people will see it but it's the only thing I'm ever going to be vain about.

So what's best? Mederma, Bio Oil or something else? I'm looking for something in these price ranges: Bio Oil is $20 and Mederma is $27.

Answer 1

Scientific studies have shown the following improve scar appearance:

1) Stable vitamin C - most vitamin C products oxidize and become brown. Once oxidized the vitamin C is ineffective. This is why a lot of vitamin C creams are colored brown to begin with (so you don't realize when it's oxidized).

2) Dimethicone silicone gel or sheeting.

3) Natural scar treatments like aloe vera, licorice extract and some plant oils.

Cocoa butter is better than doing nothing because it provides moisture and scars heal better with moisture. Same goes for onion extract (in Mederma). Neither of these is any better than plain petroleum jelly (Vaseline) for scar healing according to the studies.

Also be careful with vitamin E. It's a great anti-oxidant, but again doesn't seem to improve scar healing at all. It can also cause contact dermatitis in 33% of users.

Whichever treatment you use, also use sun block over the scars until they are 1 - 2 years old. Too much sun exposure on maturing scars causes them to pigment more - the scars have a higher chance of ending up permanently dark or red.