Most people can tolerate a scar that heals well. Dark scars, brown spots and other hyperpigmented skin lesions can be more problematic - they are much harder to fade or cover up, especially on the face.
The following scar treatment options can fade dark scars, brown spots and other hyperpigmented skin lesions:
1) Hydroquinone
2) Kojic acid
3) Vitamin C
4) Natural scar treatments like licorice extract
Hydroquinone can be very effective in helping to fade dark skin blemishes. However, some countries prohibit selling it because of its long-term use dangers. Hydroquinone can lead to a condition called Ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%. Ochronosis is permanent hyperpigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing.
Other side effects of hydroquinone include contact dermatitis (rash, redness, itching and flaking) and nail discoloration. Some researchers have questioned whether hydroquinone and related compounds may even cause cancer. In Europe, hydroquinone is only available by prescription and it is highly regulated in Asia. The skin-lightening effects of hydroquinone decrease with prolonged use and with sun exposure. Hydroquinone does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment.
Like hydroquinone, kojic acid lightens dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfortunately, some studies suggest kojic acid can make skin more sensitive. Skin sensitization is bad because it can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, kojic acid does not improve any other aspect of scars other than the dark pigment.
InviCible does not contain hydroquinone or kojic acid because of these safety concerns.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) lightens pigmentation very effectively and safely when used in concentrations of 10% or more. It also encourages production of normal, healthy collagen and makes a very good scar treatment.
The problem with vitamin C is stability. Most forms of vitamin C used in skin care products are unstable and turn brown after opening the container. This is a sign that the vitamin C has oxidized and therefore no longer works. We recommend you avoid brown scar products as many manufacturers use brown coloring to disguise this vitamin c oxidation.
InvCible is a thick, white lotion containing a stable vitamin C complex. InviCible solves the vitamin C stability issue by combining ascorbic acid with a second form of vitamin C. Since the resulting vitamin C complex is completely stable, InviCible does not oxidize and discolor.
Licorice extract is an effective, safe natural scar treatment: it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates skin renewal. Both vitamin C and licorice inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation in response to sun exposure and skin injury. Interestingly, licorice boosts the scar lightening effects of vitamin C which is why InviCIble combines both ingredients. As a bonus, licorice also helps prevent and treat acne.
It is important to be patient. Even the best scar treatment takes time to get rid of dark scars and brown spots. Improvement does not happen overnight. We also recommend the continued use of sun block - prolonged sun exposure can make hyperpigmented skin blemishes even darker.
