Dear Colleagues, in this article published by the American Pharmacists Association, we will examine together this formula used in occlusive dressings, which is considered the most effective method in scar treatment by increasing the hydration rate in the stratum corneum.
Formula
Scar Tissue / Tissue Ointment
Cocoa butter……………………..20 g
Olive oil……………………..10 ml
Wheat germ oil…10 ml
Preparation
Olive oil and wheat germ oil are gently heated to 35-40°C, cocoa butter is added and left to melt. The mixture is removed from the heat source and stirred until cool. The finished product is extremely viscous.
Usage: This emollient is applied to dry skin and used on scar tissue.
Packaging: Packaged in airtight, light-resistant containers.
Labeling: Protect from light and excessive heat.
Stability: Can be used for 6 months
Discussion
To alleviate/relieve the discomfort and “tightness” of scar tissue and dry skin, the moisture level of the stratum corneum must be increased and surface integrity/soundness must be restored. The most effective way to increase skin moisture content is to moisturize from the subcutaneous layer with an occlusive dressing by placing an oily layer on the skin. Cocoa butter and oils fulfill this purpose. Moisturizing the skin to increase the elasticity of scar tissue is difficult but necessary. The application of an emollient is extremely beneficial for lubricating and softening such tissues.
Cocoa butter (Theobroma oil) is a solid fat obtained from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao L.. It contains residues of stearin, palmitin, olein, laurin, linolein, and other glycerides. It is a yellowish-white solid with a faint, pleasant odor and a bland or chocolate-like taste. It is generally brittle below room temperature, begins to soften at 32°C, and melts at 34-35°C to form a thin, bland, oily liquid. It is an excellent emollient applied to the skin and is used in various skin creams, especially those called “Skin Foods”.
Olive oil (sweet oil): It is a fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of Olea europaea L. The highest grade oil, known as virgin oil, is also referred to as “sublime oil” or “first expressed oil”, while secondary expressed oils are called “pyrene oil”, “bagasse/pomace oil”, or “huile d’enfer (FRENCH WORD)… Infernal oil”. It is a pale yellow or light greenish-yellow oily liquid. It has a faint characteristic odor and taste, leaving a slightly astringent aftertaste in the mouth. It is a mild oil, very suitable for foods and emollient purposes.
Wheat germ oil is obtained from the seeds of Triticum aestivum L. by hydraulic expression or solvent extraction of wheat germ. It is a light yellow oil similar to corn oil, used as a dietary supplement as a source of natural vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. It is also used in topical products similarly to vitamin E.
Wishing you a good week…
Source: Magistral Articles book (Pharm. Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan)
Tel: (332) 3520657
Fax: (332) 3512816
