Have you ever done an internet search for products that help reduce scarring? If you have, you are painfully aware of the fact that there are an abundance of creams, gels, lotions and sheets on the market. One could literally spend days going through all the websites promoting products that claim to reduce scars, some of them making outrageous claims about their benefits.
How then does one wade through all of those websites and make the right decision? To be more specific, how does one avoid unnecessarily spending money on a useless product? I have developed the following list as a guide to help make the process a little easier. These are the five questions (in no particular order) I believe you should consider while making the decision as to which scar treatment product to purchase:
1. Is the manufacturer realistic in it’s claims regarding the product?
I believe firmly that if it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is. In other words, I would be very skeptical of any product that makes broad, sweeping claims such as “this product heals all types of scars” or “this product heals all scars, regardless of how old they are”. I could be wrong and perhaps there is a product out there that can do all these things but I have done a ton of research on this market and my personal belief is that there is not.
2. Is the product backed by a satisfaction guarantee?
This is one way you will know if a company truly believes in the effectiveness of its product. A word of caution here: check out the guarantee closely. It should be clearly stated and without hassle. If there is a list of ridiculous conditions associated with it then it may turn out to be no guarantee at all. Most companies will announce their guarantee on their websites but if you are unsure, just give them a call.
3. Is the product backed by scientific studies?
Studies highlighting the effectiveness of the product are always a plus. Be careful here though. Look for studies published in professional journals or other reputable publications. Anybody can mock up a study to make their product look good however it is likely difficult to get a bogus study printed in a reputable publication. Another plus is a double blind study, where the participants are using the product being studied along with a placebo and they are unaware which is the real product and which is the Placebo.
4. What are the main ingredients of the product?
I would take a close look at the ingredients and find out if there is any evidence that the ingredients listed are effective for scar treatment. To my knowledge, silicone is the most proven ingredient for scar treatment.
5. Is the product recommended by physicians?
If possible, find out if the product is recommended by physicians. Plastic Surgeons in particular will recommend scar treatment products to their patients and it is in their best interest to recommend effective products. After all, Plastic Surgery is a image conscience industry.
So, now you have my list. A product wouldn’t necessarily have to meet all of the criteria established in the list to qualify as worthy. The list is simply designed to give you some guidelines to think about and help you make a more informed decision. There are some very legitimate, effective products on the market and the right product for one may not be the best for another. Best of luck finding the best product for you.