Scars aren’t just physical marks. Trust me, they’re emotional reminders too. I have a few surgical scars on me, and just looking at them sometimes is good enough to bring me to tears, as their appearances reminded me of what I went through to get them. (Note: They’re surgical scars that I got during my cancer treatment.)
And then of course, there’s a “happier” reminder in the form of my C-section scar, which is much longer than my previous surgical scars that I got more recently.
While people tell me that these are my “battle scars” and that I should be proud of them, honestly, I prefer to remember these battles in my heart, and not on my skin.
Best scar reducing products: Here’s a comparison
I’ve been on the lookout for the best scar reducing products, and it happened that a few of them were sent my way. Because of my emotional attachment to this task, I took almost three months to properly and carefully test each of them out.
The good news is that I managed to find what I think is the best scar reducing product that worked for me and a cheaper alternative that I think isn’t too bad too. Read on to find out how my trial went!
1. Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Formula review
How to use: After your scar heals, apply a thin coat of gel onto it. Then, let it dry for four to five minutes or remove the excess product. Use it for at least two months. You can also continue using it if you still see benefits.
How it works: Using silicone technology, this formula reduces the appearance of scarring. In particular, hypertrophic and keloid scars. It is also a recommended treatment for scars that are caused by trauma, burns, and general surgical procedures.
Does it work: This product was recommended by a friend who found it effective. Like Mederma, this comes in a gel form. I applied it on the other scar caused by the stitching of the PICC line, and I used it every night before bedtime for about two months. Out of all the formulas, Dermatix seems to have yielded the best result. My scar has completely smoothened out. Plus, the pigment has lightened significantly, so much so that I can barely see the scar now.
I can’t find any store listing on Dermatix’s website or Facebook page, however, I managed to find the Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Formula at Guardian stores for S$87.55. My friend bought it at a hospital and gifted it to me.
It may be a little pricey, but seeing as how my friend and I both found it super effective, it’s worth the investment. You can still check it out here, where they offer it at a discount from time to time.
2. Mederma Proactive Gel review
How to use: Apply it on the scar twice daily and as soon as the wound closes.
How it works: This product promises to diminish the appearance of scars using three approaches: softening (scar tissue), smoothening (skin and promote healing) and replenishing (by moisturising skin). Its key ingredient is Cepalin (or Onion extract), which is known for its anti-inflammatory and softening benefits.
Does it work: Touted as the No. 1 doctor-recommended scar management brand in the USA, this is a scar reduction product that I was very excited to try on one of my most stubborn and longest scars – a three-centimetre one that’s at my chest, from a biopsy surgery. Instead of using it twice daily, I usually could only remember to apply it every night before I sleep. So bear in mind that I haven’t been able to use it as instructed.
At the start of the usage, I notice that my scar starts to feel a little itchy in the morning, although the formula promises to reduce itching. It was also rather peculiar since this isn’t a new scar and I haven’t felt any irritation to it for a long time.
The itch went off after a few more days. I noticed after persistent usage of two months that the scar was fading, and it had become significantly softer, smoother, and is “flatter” (doesn’t protrude as much).
While the scar was still visible and didn’t miraculously disappear after two months, I was still quite pleased with the result. It has faded to the extent that I feel less self-conscious about wearing tank tops that reveal the scar.
The scar lightened quite a lot after two months.
While I was hoping that the result will persist with continuous usage, unfortunately it appeared that the improvement wasn’t significant after that point.
Mederma Proactive Gel retails at S$29.80 (20g) at all Guardian (they sometimes offer discounts online, so you can consider checking it there), Unity, and selected Watsons stores.
3. Bio-Oil review
How to use: Bio‑Oil is to be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of three months. On new scars, Bio‑Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin.
How it works: Formulated with plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base, Bio-oil’s key ingredient is the PurCellin Oil, which makes the consistency of the formula light and non-greasy, and also helps retain the goodness of the product so it is easily absorbed. On top of being a scar-management product, you can also use Bio-Oil for relieving stretch marks, and improving uneven skin tone, ageing skin, and dehydrated skin.
A few friends have good things to say about its ability to relieve stretch marks, but I haven’t heard any testimonials on scar management.
I have also used it religiously during my pregnancy. I started as early as the start of my second trimester and I’m happy to let you know that I didn’t get any stretch marks at all after delivery. My belly looked just like before! But does it work on scars?
Does it work: Like I said, I’ve heard that Bio-Oil works very well in preventing and treating stretch marks. As for scars, I have used it many years ago on marks that were left behind on my legs from mosquito bites and it appeared to have helped lightened them.
However, this is the first time I’ve used it on surgical scars. I have three scars on my arm, left behind by having a PICC line inserted into me through my arm for almost six months, and they protrude a little and are quite dark. I applied Bio-Oil on the main scar, which is the location where the line entered my body.
After using Bio-Oil on the scar once a day before I sleep for two months, I notice that the scar look less dry and look more “faded”, such that I can no longer locate the exact opening where the line used to be at. However, the dark pigment that makes it look visible doesn’t seem to go down very much.
I also used Bio-Oil on the mosquito bite scars on my leg and similarly, I find that it helps hydrate my legs significantly so my legs look brighter, but the darkness of the scars didn’t really go down very much.
Bio-Oil retails at S$15.50 (60ml), S$25.90 (125ml), S$35.90 (200ml) and is available at all leading pharmacies, personal care stores, selected hospitals, department stores, and Lazada.
4. Remescar Silicone Scar Stick review
How to use: Pop up the cap and roll the product over the affected area. Apply it twice a day for at least two to three months.
How it works: The roll-on creates a transparent, thin film to cover the scar, to protect the area and to maintain its moisture balance. Beta-glucan in the formula also protects the scar from environmental damages, promotes wound healing and helps reduce skin thickening. It also has UV filters to protect the scar from the sun.
Does it work: Compared to a gel or oil, this is certainly a less messy formula. However, I am slightly concerned about the hygiene level of a roll-on, as compared to a tube of gel. I have used the product for a month on a scar caused by the stitches of the PICC line, and haven’t really seen much improvement.
However, I have this feeling that with its UV filters and non-invasive barrier function, it might be a much better product for using in the day to protect the scar. So what I will suggest is that you could use a lightening scar formula for nights, and then apply the Remescar stick in the day to protect the scar so it won’t darken further because of UV exposure.
Anyway, while this didn’t work for me, it may just work for you – what’s more, it’s the most affordable option amongst the ones I’ve reviewed, so it might be worth a try. Remescar Silicone Scar Stick retails for SGD30 at Guardian, Watsons, Unity, Lazada, and major pharmacies.
Best scar reducing products review: Dermatix vs Mederma vs Bio-Oil vs Remescar
After trying these four scar removal products intensively for three months, I personally prefer Dermatix the best. I find that it was most effective in fading the appearance of my scar in terms of lightening the pigment and smoothening it out.
Mederma is actually a close second to Dermatix. It has also managed to lighten my scar sufficiently and I’m rather satisfied with the result, even though the scar is still visible and I would certainly hope that I can fade it further. But considering it’s actually a rather deep wound, I am happy enough with the result.
What’s more, the Mederma gel is actually much more affordable than the Dermatix one. So if budget is a concern, then Mederma might be the better option between the two.
Bio-Oil worked well for me in preventing stretch marks but it isn’t that as satisfactory in scar removal for me. However, I appreciate that it helps to hydrate skin very well, so it helps to brighten up the overall look of skin. This can be used as a maintenance product after you’ve invested in the heavy-duty ones to fade your scar out sufficiently.
Finally, Remescar might be a good option if you’ve just acquired a scar and are looking for a product to protect it against UV exposure. It is the only product among these four that forms a protective film over the scar and contains UV filters.
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