02.05.08
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Scars Be Gone
Mederma erases scars
with new formulations.
By Joanna Cosgrove
Online Editor
Scars may be long lasting reminders of a painful experiences stemming from surgery, injuries, burns, acne and stretch marks, but they don’t have to be exceedingly obvious. Merz Pharmaceuticals’ Mederma has long been marketed as a non-prescription solution for scars. And while the original formula has proven its merit to consumers across the globe, the company has broadened the line to include a handful of new formulas that take into account the unique skin care needs of children. And the company’s most recent Mederma entity protects scarred skin from sun exposure, which can cause scar discoloration.
Mederma’s key scar-fighting ingredient is Cepalin, a proprietary botanical extract derived from onions. “It works to soften scar tissue and improve the color, texture and overall appearance of scars,” said Javier Perez, the company’s product manager. “It works to soften scar tissue and improve the color, texture and overall appearance of scars.”
Mederma was launched in 1997, but last spring Merz took consumer feedback to heart and freshened up the product’s formulation. “The new formulation is an improvement because it incorporates an irritant-free fragrance; it is safe for use on sensitive skin,” commented Mr. Perez.
The consumer feedback was generated when the company spoke with women across the country who had used Mederma to treat their scars. Many women reported that although they were generally very pleased with the results, they would have preferred a lighter, less medicinal scent. The new Mederma formula provides the same effectiveness as the original but the irritant-free fragrance is safe for use on all skin types and has a lighter, fresher scent that dissipates quickly once applied.
The new and improved Mederma formula is available in food, drug and mass stores nationwide in 20-gram and 50-gram tubes. The 20-gram tube, which retails for approximately $15, is suitable for scars up to three inches in length. The 50-gram tube is suitable for larger scars 8-10 inches in length and retails for around $30.
Child-Friendly Formulation
Children can be especially self-conscious about their scars. How they feel about their appearance can play a large role important to their personal development, confidence and long-term self-esteem. The Centers for Disease Control reported that more than 250,000 children receive cuts and scrapes each year. Add to that other minor injuries, burns, surgeries, and dog and insect bites, and there are many children in the U.S. who likely have resulting scars.
In Mederma for Kids Cepalin works to soften and smooth hardened scar tissue and reduce the redness of some raised scars. The product is a greaseless, non-staining gel that goes on purple and massages in clear so parents and children can easily tell when it is rubbed in, and kids can have fun in the process. Mederma for Kids also has a kid-friendly scent and has been proven safe for children as young as two years old.
As with other Mederma products, Mederma for Kids can be found in the first aid aisle of drug stores nationwide and costs approximately $16 for a two-to-three-month supply.
Merz Pharmaceuticals is a Greensboro, NC-based privately held company that markets both pharmaceutical products and non-pharmaceutical beauty products. Its parent company is located in Germany. In addition to its Mederma products, Merz Pharmaceuticals also distributes Naftin (naftifine HCl 1%) Cream and Gel and several non-prescription products, as well as Aqua Glycolic, an alpha hydroxy acid–based (AHA) skin care system; and Appearex a nail strengthening product. Merz’s original compounds and formulations are sold to medical professionals and consumers in over 90 countries and, according to Mr. Perez, sales are “roughly split evenly” between its pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products.