New in My Practice: OTC

With Azadeh Shirazi, MD

In each issue, Practical Dermatology® magazine spotlights a product that dermatologists are recommending to patients. Here, Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a dermatologist in La Jolla, CA, discusses why her pediatric patients still love Mederma for Kids Scar Cream and how it helps improve the look and feel of old and new scars.

What is Mederma for Kids Scar Cream?

Azadeh Shirazi, MD: Mederma for Kids is an effective and kid-friendly scar reduction treatment that goes on purple and rubs in clear. This scar treatment features a unique triple action formula that penetrates beneath the surface of the skin to help collagen production and cell renewal and locks in moisture. It is also infused with Cepalin botanical extract. It is made for old and new scars caused by cuts and scrapes, stitches, burns, insect bites, and surgery. The treatment is clinically shown to visibly reduce the overall appearance of scars.

What results are kids seeing?

Dr. Shirazi: They enjoy using it. It’s easy and effective. The product allows the parents and kids to be proactive in taking steps toward improving the appearance of scars.

How should patients use this product, and for how long?

Dr. Shirazi: For best results, patients should start using Mederma for Kids as soon as the wound has closed and continue using daily for at least eight weeks on new scars and three to six months on existing scars. It is important to make sure any scabs have come off naturally and any stitches have been removed before use. On older scars, patients may start using Mederma for Kids immediately. Generally, Mederma for Kids users start to see noticeable improvement after about four weeks of daily use, with optimum improvement in eight weeks.

What about adults?

Dr. Shirazi: Mederma makes products specially formulated for adult skin, as well. The brand offers an Advanced Scar Gel with the same unique triple action formula that penetrates beneath the surface of the skin to help collagen production and cell renewal and to lock in moisture. They also have a Scar Cream Plus SPF 30 to treat scars while protecting from the sun and a PM Intensive Overnight Scar Cream to work with the skin’s night-time regenerative activity.

New Products

Sea Whip Products, DefenAge

Sea Whip extract, which comes from gorgonian coral grown in the Caribbean, neutralizes the natural enzymes in the body that cause swelling and inflammation. Found in DefenAge 8-in1 BioSerum, 24/7 Barrier Balance Cream, and 6-Week Neck Perfection Tightening Cream, Sea Whip can sooth the face and decolletage after sun exposure. DefenAge also contains proprietary defensins, which activate dormant cells in the skin to make new skin. Studies show that these products caused the skin to thicken, improved small and large wrinkles, reduced pore size, and also caused a lightening effect. Defenage.com

IonPlex Ionized Microcurrent Skincare Collection, NuFace

NuFACE introduced IonPlex Ionized Skincare Activators—a unique blend of electrically charged ions and glacial water that deliver a surge of active ingredients for optimal microcurrent results and healthy, younger-looking skin. NuFACE Hydrating Aqua Gel is a lightweight activator gel that is powered by NuFACE IonPlex to conduct microcurrent and deliver a thirst-quenching hit of hydration and a skin-cushioning bounce. This combination of hyaluronic acid and glacial water leaves skin feeling soft and looking vibrant for up to 24 hours, the company says. NuFACE Firming + Brightening Silk Crème is a serum-crème activator that is powered by NuFACE Ionplex and eight phyto-active ingredients to conduct microcurrent, while locking in moisture for up to 48 hours and nourishing the skin to promote a firmer and brighter complexion after one single treatment. These are formulated to be used in tandem with NuFACE Devices or on their own. Nuface.com