Cocoa butter is part of a subculture of homeopathic remedies believed to support skin health and reduce or prevent scar tissue growth. Online communities and advertisements in favor of the product are quick to tout its many benefits, including skin hydration, nourishment and collagen stimulation. While cocoa butter may be helpful for some of these skin-related issues, there is no evidence to support its ability to flatten and reduce the appearance of scars. When it comes to clinically-proven scar therapy products, cocoa butter shouldn’t be your first line of defense.
Continue reading to learn more about cocoa butter and to discover a safe and effective scar management solution trusted by surgeons and dermatologists around the world.
Cocoa butter can be extracted from cocoa beans after they are fermented, dried and roasted. Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat with a dull, yellow color and oily texture. Because cocoa butter melts at body temperature, pharmaceutical companies use it as a nontoxic base for suppositories. Toiletries such as soaps, lotions, and conditioners are commonly made with cocoa butter as the main ingredient because of its excellent ability to moisturize hair and skin. But despite this product's widespread use and beneficial properties, there is no evidence that it helps to flatten and reduce the appearance of scars.
A surgeon or dermatologist will never recommend using cocoa butter to aid in scar management and there’s good reason for this. Scar management focuses on hydration and collagen reduction. While cocoa butter is good for the hydration aspect of skin health, it is commonly believed to stimulate collagen production, which doesn’t help to flatten scars. In fact, because clinical studies on cocoa butter for skin health are limited, it’s possible for the oily nature of the substance to clog your pores and cause breakouts. When it comes to achieving your best post-operative results, it’s best to look for products that are clinically proven to work.
Continue reading to learn more about cocoa butter and to discover a safe and effective scar management solution trusted by surgeons and dermatologists around the world.
What is cocoa butter?
Cocoa beans come from cacao trees that are native to the Amazon Rain Forest in South America. Use and consumption of the bean by the ancient Aztecs date back at least 4000 years ago. These ancient civilizations considered the beans sacred; they were believed to be gifts from the gods and were commonly used by the Aztecs in spiritual ceremonies. Depictions of the bean can be seen in the artwork and sculptures of various Mesoamerican cultures. Prior to the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs during the 16th century, Mesoamerican people also used cocoa beans as currency. Today, cocoa beans are most widely used to produce chocolate and cocoa butter.Cocoa butter can be extracted from cocoa beans after they are fermented, dried and roasted. Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat with a dull, yellow color and oily texture. Because cocoa butter melts at body temperature, pharmaceutical companies use it as a nontoxic base for suppositories. Toiletries such as soaps, lotions, and conditioners are commonly made with cocoa butter as the main ingredient because of its excellent ability to moisturize hair and skin. But despite this product's widespread use and beneficial properties, there is no evidence that it helps to flatten and reduce the appearance of scars.
A surgeon or dermatologist will never recommend using cocoa butter to aid in scar management and there’s good reason for this. Scar management focuses on hydration and collagen reduction. While cocoa butter is good for the hydration aspect of skin health, it is commonly believed to stimulate collagen production, which doesn’t help to flatten scars. In fact, because clinical studies on cocoa butter for skin health are limited, it’s possible for the oily nature of the substance to clog your pores and cause breakouts. When it comes to achieving your best post-operative results, it’s best to look for products that are clinically proven to work.
Silicone gel technology emerged over 30 years ago and is considered the gold standard in the realm of topical scar management solutions. Silicone gel, in the form of sheeting, ointments, and sticks, represents a safe and effective scar therapy solution that is clinically proven to work and recommended by doctors around the world. Doctors agree that topical silicone works through two mechanisms of action: dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Scars need an ideal healing environment, known as homeostasis, so they don’t develop into keloids or hypertrophic scar formations. By fully encapsulating the scar site throughout the day, silicone helps the skin retain moisture that would otherwise be lost through transepidermal water loss. This hydrates the scar bed and triggers a reduction in collagen production, which helps to flatten and soften scar tissue.
If your goal is to reduce the redness, tightness, and size of your scar, silicone gel technology is your best option. Silicone gel sheets come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. For a unique perspective on scar management, you might also like to try ProSil, the only silicone scar stick that comes in an easy-to-use glide on applicator for use on the go.
If your goal is to reduce the redness, tightness, and size of your scar, silicone gel technology is your best option. Silicone gel sheets come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. For a unique perspective on scar management, you might also like to try ProSil, the only silicone scar stick that comes in an easy-to-use glide on applicator for use on the go.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.
