Visible scars can be an ugly reminder of unwanted events or terrible injuries that took place in the past. But if you think they affect only your aesthetic beauty, you are wrong. Scars, especially the old and stubborn ones, are more than cosmetic problems. In most cases, the scar tissue does not heal automatically and lacks the standard functionality. The affected part of your skin may lose flexibility or become numb over time. Hence, treating a scar as soon as it forms is essential for healing. 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, precise gel formulation that can be applied easily to the skin on different body parts (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. It is a self-adhering product that adheres to the skin for 12-24 hours without a peel or 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 protect from the sun. The inactive ingredients of the products are isopropyl myristate, polysiloxanes, and silicon dioxide (1).
What is SilishieldTM?
As per the 2014 International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management, silicone is the most recommended non-invasive topical treatment for scars. However, silicone’s effectiveness relies on continuous contact with the affected area 24 hours a day during treatment. Silishield™ enhances Biocorneum’s effectiveness over standard silicone by forming genuine ‘bonds’ with the skin.
Well, Silishield is an exclusive patented crosslinking 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. 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 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 protects the layers underneath. Hence, it does not experience transepidermal water loss (TEWL). However, any scar formation creates a gap in the skin’s layers. Even after successful reepithelialization in a couple of weeks, the stratum corneum remains immature, leading to abnormally high TEWL levels. This stimulates keratinocytes to activate dermal fibroblasts and release excess collagen, causing abnormal scarring.
The application of Biocorneum creates a condition optimal for physiological healing and cosmetic improvement. It restores the stratum corneum’s barrier function, preventing water loss and stopping keratinocyte stimulation. Conversely, the sunscreen agents in the gel treatment protect the scars from getting darker. As a result, the troubled skin remains hydrated, the older scars disappear, and no new abnormal scarring happens (2).
Is Biocorneum Safe?
Biocorneum is a clinically backed and patented silicone formula, which is ‘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 scar symptoms in more than 70% of patients, and nearly 80% of them were delighted with its overall results (3).
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Why Do Physicians Prefer It?
Other scar therapies include 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 the 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 resulting 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 sunlight. It is equally effective on both old and new scars.
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Biocorneum can be used by anyone over six 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 skinny and even layer over the scar.
- Then, allow the product to dry thoroughly. You should wait 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 daily (morning and evening) to enjoy the best results. The recommended minimum treatment time is two months for new scars and three months for older scars.
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, contact your doctor if you experience rashes after using it.
Price And Availability
Biocorneum is available in three sizes (10g., 20g., and 50g.). The largest size comes at $99.95.
Summary
Biocorneum, an advanced scar treatment by Sientra Inc., utilizes Silishield™ technology and SPF 30 protection. Its unique formula with medical-grade silicone and sunscreen agents, including Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone, aids scar recovery. Silishield™ forms bonds with the skin, offering benefits similar to silicone sheeting. The gel restores the skin’s barrier function, preventing abnormal scarring and darkening and hydrating the skin. Clinically backed, Biocorneum is favored by physicians for its efficacy, ease of use, and suitability for various scars. It is recommended for at least two months for new scars and three months for older scars. The product is generally safe but should not be applied to damaged or broken skin. Biocorneum is available in three sizes, with the most significant-priced at $99.95.
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References:
- “BIOCORNEUM by Sientra“, biocorneum.com
- “Mechanism of Action,” Biocorneum.com
- “Clinical Data,”” Biocorneum.com