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Visible scars can be an ugly reminder of unwanted events or terrible injuries that took place in the past. But if you think that they affect only your aesthetic beauty, you are absolutely wrong. Scars, especially the old and stubborn ones, are much more than just a cosmetic problem. In most of the cases, the scar tissue does not heal automatically and ends up lacking the normal functionality. The affected part of your skin may lose flexibility or become numb completely over time. Hence, it is essential to treat a scar as soon as it forms in order to complete the healing process. Biocorneum can be one of the best solutions for this purpose. Read on to know more about it.
What Is Biocorneum?
Biocorneum is an advanced scar treatment by Sientra Inc. that supports the skin inside and out and gives you better control to ensure an easy and effective scar recovery. It is a silky-smooth, almost weightless, clear gel formulation that can be applied easily to the skin on different parts of the body (face, neck, chest, hands, etc.). Biocorneum is known to be the only scar solution featuring the FDA-approved SilishieldTM technology and the protection of SPF 30. Being a self-adhering product, it adheres to the skin for 12-24 hours without a peel or a tape. It also dries fast and continues to work with makeup and other beauty products. The ‘performing, preferred and recommended scar gel’ claims to be the no.1 choice of plastic surgeons. It can also be used in combination with other treatment options if required.
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Composition Of Biocorneum
The unique formula of Biocorneum comprises the SilishieldTM patented crosslinking medical grade silicone. Other active ingredients of the composition include Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5.0%), Octocrylene (10%), and Oxybenzone (6.0%), which provide protection from the sun. Inactive ingredients of the products are isopropyl myristate, polysiloxanes, and silicon dioxide (1).
What is SilishieldTM?
According to the International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management (2014), silicone is the most recommended topical (non-invasive) treatment for scars. However, it is only effective when in contact with the affected area 24 hours a day throughout the treatment duration. SilishieldTM helps Biocorneum achieve it more effectively than standard silicone by creating true ‘bonds’ with the skin.
Well, Silishield is an exclusive patented cross-linking technology in which medical grade silicone offers the benefits of silicone sheeting through the comfort and ease of a gel. It creates a breathable and flexible protective shield that fades stubborn old scars gradually, minimizes hypertrophic (raised and red) and keloid scar formation, averts the darkening of scars caused by sun exposure and restores the healthy functionality of the skin in the troubled area. No matter whether your scar has resulted from a burn, an injury, or a surgical procedure, Silishield can soften and flatten it over time. While reducing the appearance of scars, the ‘shield’ remains invisible and feels just like a second skin.
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How Does Biocorneum Work?
Healthy skin does not have gaps in its layers as the mature stratum corneum in it protects the layers underneath. Hence, it does not experience transepidermal water loss (TEWL). But the formation of any scar creates a gap in the skin’s layers. Even after successful reepithelialization in a couple of weeks, the stratum corneum remains immature, which leads to abnormally high levels of TEWL. This stimulates keratinocytes to activate dermal fibroblasts and release excess collagen, thereby causing abnormal scarring.
The application of Biocorneum creates a condition that is optimal for physiological healing as well as cosmetic improvement. It restores the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which not only prevents water loss but also stops the stimulation of keratinocytes. Conversely, the sunscreen agents in the gel treatment protect the scars from getting darker. As a result of all these, the troubled skin remains hydrated, the older scars start to disappear, and no new abnormal scarring happens (2).
Is Biocorneum Safe?
Biocorneum is a clinically backed and patented silicone formula, which has been found to be ‘very good’ and ‘good’ in terms of tolerability by 98.7% of physicians and 98.2% of patients. A clinical study report revealed that it improved the scar symptoms in more than 70% of patients and nearly 80% of them were highly satisfied with its overall results (3).
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Why Do Physicians Prefer It?
There are other scar therapies like topical steroids, silicone sheeting, vitamin E, onion extract, etc. But physicians always prefer Biocorneum over these for the following reasons:
- Unlike topical steroids, it can be used repeatedly and for extended periods without issues, such as epidermal barrier disturbance, increased water loss, delayed wound healing, atrophy, telangiectasia, hypopigmentation, and acne.
- The silicone gel formulation is better than silicone sheeting as it is easy to use, reduces scar height and erythema effectively, and remains invisible in areas like face, inframammary fold, and joints.
- It is much more effective than vitamin E or onion extract in decreasing the intensity of hypertrophic scars.
Uses Of Biocorneum
The product is suitable for all sorts of scars including the ones resulted from surgeries, cosmetic procedures, traumas, injuries, and burns. You can also use it for large scars, irregular skin surfaces, flexible joints, and areas exposed to the sunlight. It is equally effective on both old and new scars.
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Who Can Use
Biocorneum can be used by anyone over 6 months of age on any intact skin surface. It is also a good choice for treating scars in people with sensitive skin.
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How To Apply
- Cleanse the troubled area of your skin well and let it dry completely.
- Now, apply Biocorneum in a very thin and even layer over the scar.
- Then, allow the product to dry fully. It is advisable that you wait for at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Finally, cover it with clothing, pressure garments, or cosmetics as required.
Treatment Time
You must apply Biocorneum twice a day (morning and evening) to enjoy the best results. Recommended minimum treatment time is 2 months for new scars and 3 months for older scars.
Amount Of Product
Recommended amounts of product are 10g. for a 2”-3” scar, 20g. for a 4”-6” scar, and 50g. for a 7”-9” scar.
Adverse Effects
Biocorneum is generally safe for use. However, applying it on damaged or broken skin can create harsh effects. Also, get in touch with your doctor if you experience rashes after using it.
Price And Availability
Biocorneum is available in three different sizes (10g., 20g., and 50g.). The biggest size comes the cheapest at $99.95.
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References:
- “Biocorneum Plus SPF 30 Advanced Scar Treatment”, DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov
- “Mechanism of Action”, Biocorneum.com
- “Clinical Data”, Biocorneum.com
