Don’t let scars hold you back
ARE your scars holding you back from looking and feeling your best? Give your skin a new breath of life with Mederma Proactive Gel, the No.1 doctor recommended scar brand in the United States (NDTI for 2013. Published by IMS Health. 2. Draelos ZD, J. of Cos. Derm. 2008: 7: 101-104).
A scar is the final result of wound healing. Yet, while we concentrate all our efforts on healing a wound, we often forget about the scars left behind, thinking they will fade with time.
“The truth is that scars, once formed, do not heal on their own,” says Merz Asia Pacific regional medical director Dr Owen Sunga*. “But with treatment, the appearance of scars may improve in as fast as four weeks.”
Scars may even affect our emotional health – while some men see scars as appealing and masculine, scarred women often feel a loss of attractiveness and femininity.
It is no surprise that this feeling translates into their behaviour and quality of life.
To understand the impact of skin imperfections such as scars on self-confidence, the Wear Your Skin Proudly survey, conducted by Mederma in the United States, revealed that 42% of women feel their self-confidence would improve if they can reduce the appearance of their skin imperfections.
Mederma can rebuild your confidence by making both old and new scars less obvious.
Facial skin is more prone to darker, more obvious scarring.
“Facial scars may be more distressful because they are harder to hide. Not only that, as facial skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, scars here can appear darker and more pronounced,” adds Dr Sunga.
The solution? Mederma ProactiveGel.
Reduce imperfections
Mederma Proactive Gel has a proactive formula that is clinically proven to be effective against scarring. It combines three active ingredients to effect a Triple Restore Action, which softens, smoothens and replenishes the skin.
First, it has Cepalin, an onion extract that is a proven and well-researched antiinflammatory agent. Cepalin helps to soften scar tissue. Secondly, it contains allantoin, which promotes the healing process, reduces itching and smoothens the skin.
Lastly, aloe vera exerts a moisturising, soothing and vitalising effect on the skin.
“If you want to improve the appearance of a facial scar, apply Mederma on it followed by a good concealer.
“Mederma Proactive Gel is a noncomedogenic, non-greasy, water-based gel, so you should be able to use it without breaking out,” advises Dr Sunga.
To reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks, consider a topical product – meaning a lotion or gel that can be applied directly to the skin, before considering more aggressive, sometimes invasive and expensive treatments.
Three scar myths debunked
Myth: Going out in the sun will help a pink scar turn brown and “blend” in better with your tan.
Fact: UV rays can cause hyperdiscolouration in the skin, causing your scar to stand out even more.
Solution: Use sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher to protect scars from becoming more obvious.
Myth: Let it air out. Fact: Dry skin doesn’t heal as well as moist skin.
Solution: Keep your scar covered and moist with an antibiotic or antiseptic cream. Stay hydrated.
Myth: All scars will eventually turn lighter in colour and fade.
Fact: Keloid scars, hypertrophic scars and infected wounds are unlikely to turn lighter and fade without special treatment.
Solution: See a doctor if your scar is itchy, red and raised. Keloid and hypertrophic scars respond well to gel treatments.
* Dr Sunga is not registered as a medical doctor in Malaysia.
Mederma Proactive Gel is distributed by Apex Pharmacy Marketing Sdn Bhd (46728V). For more information, visit it at No.2 Jalan SS 13/5, Subang Jaya, Selangor or call 03-5629 3688.