Evolution of Post-Surgical Scars Treated with Pure Rosehip Seed Oil

Abstract

The rosehip seed oil (RHO), obtained from different plant species of the genus Rosa, is one of the compounds used empirically for cosmetic improvement of skin scarring. Despite its widespread use in clinical practice, there are few studies evaluating the activity of this compound on the clinical course of cutaneous scars. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Repavar&reg rosehip oil on improvement of post-surgical skin scars. One comparative, single-center, prospective clinical trial was carried out in 108 patients undergoing cutaneous surgery procedures in the Dermatology Service of University Hospital of Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín (Spain). Subjective parameters (ery thema, discoloration, atrophy and hypertrophy) were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks on 76 adults who treated scars with pure RHO twice a day (test group), 32 patients with not treatment (control group), and completed the study. Lesser degree of erythema was observed at 6 and 12 weeks in treated-patients compared with the control group and decreased discoloration and atrophy at 12 weeks, with statistically significant differences in all cases (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that the RHO Repavar&reg is useful for cosmetic improvement on erythema, discoloration and atrophyof post-surgical skin scars, getting a better overall evolution and appearance thereof.