With so many scar treatment options to pick from it’s impossible to know which scar treatments work and which ones are safe. When it comes to dark scars and hyperpigmented skin blemishes (like brown spots and dark acne scars), a handful of options are available:
1) Hydroquinone
2) Kojic acid
3) Vitamin C
4) Natural scar treatments like Licorice extract
Hydroquinone can be very effective in helping to fade dark scars and hyperpigmented skin blemishes. However, it is no longer sold in some countries because of concerns that long-term use may be dangerous. Hydroquinone can lead to a condition called Ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%. Ochronosis is permanent hyperpigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing. Other side effects of hydroquinone include contact dermatitis (rash, redness, itching and flaking) and nail discoloration. Some researchers have questioned whether hydroquinone may even cause cancer. As a result of these fears, hydroquinone is only available by prescription in Europe and it is highly regulated in Asia. The skin-lightening effects of hydroquinone also decrease with prolonged use and with sun exposure. Hydroquinone does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment.
Like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in fading dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfotunately, some studies suggest that skin exposed to kojic acid on a regular basis becomes more sensitive. Skin sensitization is bad because it can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid does not improve any other aspect of scar healing other than the dark pigment.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), along with other vitamin C derivatives, decreases melanin production (by inhibiting tyrosinase) and therefore lightens skin hyperpigmentation. Vitamin also improves other aspects of scar healing through its action on collagen. Scar healing is typically associated with breakdown of the skin’s normal collagen and replacement with unorganized, haphazard collagen fibers. Vitamin C has been shown to normalize new collagen production. Unfortunately, many vitamin C skin care products (including scar treatments) become ineffective over time. L-ascorbic acid on its own is very unstable and oxidizes on repeat exposure to air and moisture and turns dark yellow or brown. Many products containing vitamin C are colored dark yellow or brown to begin with to disguise this vitamin C degradation. Products containing STABLE vitamin C are usually white.
Like vitamin C, licorice also makes an excellent scar treatment: it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates skin renewal. Both vitamin C and licorice inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation with sun exposure and skin injury. Interestingly, licorice boosts the scar lightening effects of vitamin C so the two should be combined for best results. As a bonus, licorice also has anti-acne effects (both prevention and treatment).
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categories: scar treatment,dark scars,scar therapy,brown spots,hyperpigmentation,acne,scars,dermatology,plastic surgery,cosmetic surgery,skin care,skin,beauty,women
