Safe And Effective Scar Treatments For Dark Scars

The following scar treatments are frequently recommended for dark scars and other forms of hyper-pigmentation:

1) Hydroquinone (HQ)

2) Kojic acid

3) Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and vitamin C esters)

4) Natural scar treatments like licorice extract

Hydroquinone is considered by many to be the gold standard treatment for hyper-pigmented skin lesions and dark scars. Long-term use can be associated with side effects however and because of this, some countries have restricted the sale of hydroquinone. One potential side effect is Ochronosis which can lead to permanent hyper-pigmentation, impaired wound healing and decreased skin elasticity.

Hydroquinone can also occasionally cause skin allergy and a change in nail color. Because of these potential complications many European countries allow hydroquinone use only by prescription and it is also highly regulated throughout Asia. Hydroquinone does not address any other aspects of an unsightly scar other than the dark pigment. Interestingly, it's effectiveness also decreases with repeated use.

Kojic acid - like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in lightening dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfortunately, 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, koijic acid does not improve any other aspect scars other than the dark pigment.

Various forms of vitamin C have been shown to fade hyper-pigmentation effectively without the side effects associated with hydroquinone or kojic acid. L-ascorbic acid and other vitamin C esters also normalize collagen production after skin injury, leading to more organized collagen formation closer to that seen in normal, uninjured skin. This makes vitamin C a very good scar treatment in general.

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. Oxidized vitamin C turns dark yellow or brown. Many products containing vitamin C are colored dark yellow or brown to begin with to disguise the vitamin C degradation. Products containing STABLE vitamin C are usually white.

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that leads to dark pigment formation. Like vitamin C, licorice extract (specifically a compound called glabridin) decreases tyrosinase function. Licorice also seems to boost the pigment-fading properties of vitamin C so the 2 should be used together for the best results. Licorice extract also has strong anti-inflammatory and skin renewal properties which makes it an effective natural scar treatment in general. It has also been used successfully for the treatment and prevention of acne.

It is important to remember that none of these treatments work immediately. All of these treatments typically need to be used regularly over several weeks before results are seen. Sun block use is also vital to prevent areas of hyper-pigmentation becoming worse.

Dr Chrysopoulo is a board certified plastic surgeon with a special interest in the scar healing process and safe, effective scar treatments. He is also Chief Science Officer of C&H Scientific, makers of the advanced, hypo-allergenic scar therapy InviCible Scars.