SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline-Review
Product Claims of Scar Recovery Gel
Welcome to our full review of SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel. Scar Recovery Gel is used to diminish and smooth the appearance of red, raised and woven-looking scar tissue. SkinMedica, the manufacturer, uses a clinical formulation to aid and leverage the epidermis’ own ability to regenerate itself. Centella asiatica, Bulbine frutescens and Oleuropein are included as core ingredients that synergize to help scars fade and potentially disappear. The product is not intended for open wounds but as a cosmetic application.
Ingredients
A proprietary blend of these compounds are used:
- Water/Aqua/Eau
- Poloxamer 407
- Bulbine Frutescens Gel
- PEG-40
- Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- Propylene Glycol
- Dimethicone
- Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
- Centella Asiatica Extract
- Xanthan Gum
- Lactic Acid
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Phenoxyethanol
Mostly natural products have been used. The core trio of Centella asiatica, Bulbine frutescens and Oleuropein hydrate the skin, ease skin stiffness, restore elasticity and encourage regeneration from the inside. These are great properties that usually aid smooth skin recovery.
It must be noted that lactic acid, a widely used alpha hydroxy acid, stifles breakouts and slows down visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and crow’s feet, but the drawback is that it makes the skin vulnerable to aging at the same time. How? It strips the skin, allowing harmful UV rays to take their toll. Sun sensitivity in scientific tests have been shown to persist for as long as 7 days after application. We were consequently surprised not to see the inclusion of a minimum SPF 15 built-in protection or sensitive skin warning, as it cannot be assumed that all areas of application will ever be sun exposed.
Dosage Instructions
Apply a thin layer to to scars, tiny incisions and cuts provided they are not open wounds. Apply morning and evening.
Cost and Guarantee
The product is available to buy at a cost of $44 for a 14.2g/0.5 Oz tube on the product website. The price puts the product in the luxury skincare price range. We were not aware of any discounts at the time of compiling this review.
The manufacturer asserts that it has no association with products not bought through them or authorized dealers, such as certain plastic surgeons. A product bought through an unauthorized reseller comes with no guarantee in respect of both quality and safety. Other than this, we found no actual guarantee though.
Summary Of Our Scar Recovery Gel Review
The gel is odourless, non-greasy and absorbed quickly into the skin. It does not add anything new to the skin recovery process, but quickens and facilitates the skin’s already inherent ability to self-soothe and heal. User reviews are good to average, even though before and after pictures look convincing. The product seems to work best on new scars. Given the high price, some consumers reported equivalent or better results with other products and pure Vitamin E.
Always to use an SPF in conjunction with this gel as per our explanation under Ingredients. In the absence of a clear returns policy - we could not find one - using Scar Recovery Gel may be high risk for some consumers given how costly the tubes are but by all means try if you you find other SkinMedica products to work. It is also important to note that claims of scar disappearing are usually exaggerated in our experience, as this is almost physically impossible without invasive procedures such as lasering.
