Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel
Pros
Cons
Kelo-Cote uses patented silicone technology to treat and diminish the appearance of red, raised hypertrophic scars that form as a result of trauma to the skin such as a C-section, surgery, injury, burns, acne, cuts, insect bite and other aperture-inducing abrasions of the skin. According to the manufacturer, Kelo-Cote flattens and softens raised, discoloured scars.
The ingredient at work is silicone, which forms a protective barrier over the wound. Scabs form when the wound does not get enough moisture, but this products is designed to lock in moisture. It also slows down the body’s production of collagen. Trauma to the skin activates an overproduction of collagen which is what causes welt-like wound scars.
What’s in Kelo-Cote Gel?
The main and for all intents and purposes, only, ingredient is silicone. Silicone seals the affected area off from the risk of bacterial infections and seals in moisture so the upper skin layer, the protects the stratum corneum, hydrates better. It also slows down collagen production. The body produces too much collagen to seal scars after lacerations to the stratum corneum, leading to unsightly raised scar tissue.
Silicone is favored by plastic surgeons and others in the medical fraternity for the treatment of scars. One thing to note is the silicone allergies are common when silicone is applied externally but silicone in general has also come under increasing scrutiny for new discoveries being made about long-term effects when internally placed, such as in breast enlargement. Silicone allergies cause itching and general skin irritation, bumps or rashes.
Kelo-Cote should not come into contact with mucous membranes, open wounds or open eyes.
It is important to note that silicone merely facilitates and moderates the skin’s own ability to heal itself. From our research experience, an optimum scar treatment is more nutrient dense and would, for example, also have moisturizing properties.
How Do You Use Kelo-Cote gel?
The manufacturer recommends using a thin layer of gel twice a day on the affected area which should be cleaned and dried. You can cover it with sunscreen and/or cosmetics. Consult a doctor if you have a specific dermatological condition and stop using the product should you experience irritation. Use for a minimum of 60 to 90 days.
The Cost
The product is available for online purchase from Factoryotc.com and Amazon.com. You’ll pay $27.50 and $99.99 for 10g and 60g respectively. This puts Kelo-Cote firmly in the high cost spectrum of products. There appear to be no volume or bulk incentives or discounts.
Is There a Guarantee?
We could not find any guarantees during the course of our research. As the product is not available to buy directly on the product website, this also raises issues of potential customer services lapses as the manufacturer appears not to have a dedicated customer care center.
The Conclusion of Our Kelo-Cote Review
Silicone is a favored method of minimizing the appearance of scars. The high price tag is probably down to the patented formulation.
That said, the cost is a major drawback for some consumers who have found it not to live up to its promise. An average complaint is the length of time it takes to see results. Almost 30% of buyers rate the product as three stars or less on Amazon but we would have expected a product as expensive as this to have a more favorable rating.
Possibly the product should come with a warning of contact dermatitis to silicone, or an allergic reaction. As there appears to be no guarantee, this product is risky if you do not have a huge skincare budget. It seems you also have to be patient before seeing results. We recommend one of the more affordable scar-treatment products that rate more favorably.