Manufacturer’s Claim
Getting rid of scars can be tricky and finding the best product to eliminate them can be even more challenging. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel claims to have found the solution to this. The manufacturers have acknowledged that while no product can completely rid of you of scars, they have the found a clinically proven formula to improve the color, texture and overall appearance of old and new scars. Mederma prides itself on being the first and only topical cream that only needs to applied once a day to get guaranteed results. In this review of Mederma Advanced Scar Gel, we look at the facts to see if this product stays true to its word.
Formula
Active Ingredients
- Allantoin – 0.5%
Inactive Ingredients
- Water (purified)
- PEG 200, Alcohol
- Xanthan Gum
- Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract
- Lecithin
- Methylparaben
- Sorbic Acid
- Panthenol
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Fragrance
Allantoin is a moisturizer used in most topical creams to prevent dry rough skin and relieve minor skin irritation. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel seems to have a generic formula found in most over the counter topical creams however they have claimed that the use of Allium Cepa (Cepalin) is what sets them apart from the rest. Capelin is extracted from onions and is thought to improve the overall appearance of scars, however, there is no clinical proof. While Allantoin may have moisturizing properties, it seems that the use of Alcohol is contradictory in this formula as it dries out the skin and may cause further irritation and deeper scarring. This basic formula may not be very effective in reducing older stubborn scars and using a silicon-based, vitamin E rich alternative may be your best bet.
Instructions
As the packaging implies, this product only needs to be applied once a day. A thin layer of gel should be applied to the scars and massaged in until it has dried up. This product can only be used on fresh wounds once the wound has closed and the scab has fallen off or the stitches have been removed. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel should be used for at least 8 weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on existing scars before seeing results. Only applying the cream once a day may be the reason why results can only be seen after an extended period of time. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel may be more effective if the dosage was higher considering the low percentage of Allantoin.
Cost
A tube of 0.7oz Mederma Advanced Scar Gel retails from $11.99 to $24.99 depending on the retailer. There are coupons available on the official website that offer a $3.00 discount. The product can be purchased only through third-party retailers online or at your local pharmacy.
Possible Side Effects
While Allantoin is safe and has no adverse side effects, itching burning and irritation may occur depending on each individual. If symptoms persist after 7 days, one should consult a doctor.
Guarantee
If consumers are not satisfied with their results they can claim a money back guarantee by filling out a form online provided they have continued using the product for 8 weeks on new scars or 3-6 months on old scars. While this may seem like a sweet deal, the link to the form does not exist. This may just be an error and consumers can contact them directly on the numbers provided on the website. We are not convinced that this guarantee option is still valid as there is no mention of the manufacturer’s money back guarantee on any of the retailer’s site.
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel Review – The Bottom Line
The positives of using Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is that the formula is simple and side effects are minimal, however, after looking at the facts, we are still not convinced that this product lives up to its claims. The website boasts that Mederma Advanced Scar Gel has been clinically shown to reduce the overall appearance and texture of scars but the drug facts insert shows something different. The product suggests that the product must be used for 8 weeks to 6 months depending on the scar however, the drug fact link on the website states that the use of this product temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin, this is a very contradicting fact when it comes to the manufacturer’s claims. While this product may have worked for some, we took a look at customer ratings and reviews only to find complaints about the product not working even after the 6 months. In addition to this, there were also complaints that this gel caused a rash, dry skin, and irritation. The manufacturer’s claim of a money back guarantee is also a grey area as there is no information at all on the website if this still exists as the links to the claim forms do not work. Consumers would need to contact them telephonically to find out guarantee is still applicable. In conclusion to this review and based on the facts we advise that consumers look for alternative products for scar care.