How Does Mederma Cream Work for Scars?

If a scar is negatively affecting your level of self-confidence, you may be wondering whether you should try using the over-the-counter topical cream Mederma. This product lists its active ingredient as Allium cepa, or onion extract.

This article will discuss Mederma’s use for reducing scars, including its effectiveness, available research, and alternative options.

Mederma's Effect on Scars

If you have a scar on some part of your skin—such as an acne scar, a surgery scar, a burn scar, or a scar from a cut—you might feel embarrassed by it. This may be especially true if it's on an area of skin that tends to be exposed. Perhaps you think it looks unsightly or maybe you're simply tired of explaining what it is when people ask you about it.

Mederma scar cream is based on using onion extract. Onion extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and improve the collagen organization in a rabbit ear model. However, there are no human studies that show onion extract improves the appearance of scars more than petroleum-based ointments.

Mederma is safe for those ages 6 months or older. It's not meant for open wounds—it should be used only when a wound is closed and either the scab falls off or the stitches are removed.

But is it worth the money? Will Mederma scar cream help your scar become less noticeable? Despite what all the commercials say, the research doesn't support it is better than the usual treatment.

A Mederma cream that contains a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 for protection against damaging ultraviolet rays is also available. Other products in the Mederma scar care line include:

• Mederma Quick Dry Oil
• Mederma Advanced Scar Gel
• Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Cream
• Mederma for Kids

Directions for use will vary depending on the type of Mederma product you use. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel and Mederma PM Intensive Overnight Cream should be applied once a day. Mederma Scar Cream Plus SPF 30 should be used up to three times a day before sun exposure. Always check the label for instructions for how each product should be used.

Does Mederma Remove Dark Spots?

Some dark spots from scars may respond to treatment with Mederma. However, it will not clear up those caused by melanin. These include age spots, freckles, sun spots, and melasma.

What Research Says About Mederma

According to a small study with 44 participants published in 2012, Mederma gel appeared to improve the overall appearance, softness, and texture of scars if applied via gentle massage three times a day for eight weeks on new scars and three to six months on old scars.

While this study was blinded, it compared scars treated with Mederma gel with scars on the same individuals where no treatment was given.

Scars form on the skin through a three-stage process and this process can last up to two years after an injury. Many scientists are studying this wound-healing process in an attempt to find something that will make scars less visible. It is widely recognized that moist wounds heal 50% faster than wounds that dry out and develop a scab.

Although the previously mentioned study found some benefit, other studies have not replicated those findings when onion extracts were compared with petroleum jelly, including a study published in 2006 and a study published in 2018.

Alternatives to Mederma for Scars

In addition to Mederma, some other over-the-counter products you can buy in drugstores and online include:

• ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets
• Muraski Beauty Silicone Scar Gel
• Kelo-cote Advanced Skincare Formula Scar Gel
• bioCorneum Advanced Scar Treatment + SPF 30

If over-the-counter products aren't effective, your healthcare provider may suggest other treatments or procedures to reduce scarring. Some options may include:

• Dermal filler injections to reduce scars that are pitted or indented
• Dermabrasion and chemical peels to smooth the skin
• Laser therapy to flatten or soften scars
• Bleaching for discoloration
• Punch excision to remove acne scars

Summary

Mederma scar cream contains onion extract, which has been found in animal studies to help improve scarring. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits for humans.

In addition to Mederma, other over-the-counter creams and gels to improve scars are available online and in drugstores. For scarring that doesn't improve with these products, your healthcare provider may suggest other treatments, including dermal filler injections, dermabrasion, and laser therapy.