Many scar therapy products contain some form of silicone along with vitamin E. Hydroquinone and kojic acid are sometimes added to help lighten dark scars. Preservatives and fragrances help keep these creams “bacteria free” and smelling a little more appealing. But are all these chemicals safe?
VITAMIN E – A popular antioxidant included in many personal skin care and scar products. While it certainly prevents sun damage, studies have shown that vitamin E does NOT improve scar healing. In fact, it causes contact dermatitis in 33% of users. As a result, American dermatologists and Canadian pediatricians recommend avoiding use of topical vitamin E preparations.
D4 & D5 SILICONES – These types of silicones are found in many cosmetic hair and skin care products including scar treatments. Recent studies suggest that up to 200 forms of silicone, including D4 and D5, may be unsafe. The compounds were recently placed on the Canadian government’s toxic chemicals list and many European nations will also register D4 and D5 as potentially harmful.
Environmental Defence, a Canadian environmental group, says that D4 is linked to fertility problems and liver damage, while both D4 and D5 have been linked to cancer. The Canadian government is planning to propose D4 and D5 limits in products and stricter regulation for their release into the environment during manufacturing. “This is the first step toward regulating these harmful chemicals,” Aaron Freeman, policy director of Environmental Defence, said. “We urge the government to go the distance by getting these chemicals off the market.”
Unlike D4 and D5, dimethicone silicone has been certified as safe.
HYDROQUINONE – 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.
KOJIC ACID – like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in lightening dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfotunately, some studies suggest that skin exposed to kojic acid on a regular basis becomes more sensitive. Skin sensitization can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment.
Safe alternatives to kojic acid and hydroquinone include vitamin C esters and licorice extract. Interestingly, licorice is not only an effective pigment-lightener in its own right, but it also boosts the lightening effects of vitamin C. The two should therefore be used in combination whenever possible. Vitamin C also offers additional healing benefits by encouraging normal collagen production. Licorice extract can also help prevent acne.
PRESERVATIVES & FRAGRANCES – Synthetic preservatives like parabens are commonly used in all kinds of personal and scar therapy products. Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria in products with high water content. They discourage bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection. However, they also have a serious downside: allergy to preservatives and fragrances are the main reasons for contact eczema caused by skin care products.
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