We research, test, evaluate and independently recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. learn more aboutour process. If you buy something through our links, we may receive a commission.
Your skin is one of the toughest and toughest organs tasked with protecting you from environmental influences, infection and injury. It's like your personal bodyguard. However, when protected, your skin can get pretty rough - and you can even have scars for it. Some scars are small and inconspicuous, tiny enough to go unnoticed, but others can be larger, darker, rougher, or in a prominent place. To repair your skin when you have one of these more noticeable scars, consider using a scar cream. The best over-the-counter scar creams not only speed up the healing process, but also moisturize your skin.health promotion and growth. We spoke to dermatologists about the key things to look for in a scar cream: its ingredients (pay special attention to silicone, vitamin E, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid), the texture (the lighter the better), whether the shape of the Treatment is appropriate for the location of the scar on your body and whether the treatment could negatively interact with another product in your skin care routine. Based on our thorough review of top brands scar treatments and expert recommended criteria, these are the best scar creams. In general, you should look for aSilicone scar creamor allantoin (or both) for maximum healing power. "Probably the most common ingredient in OTC scar preparations is silicone," he saysDr.Brian Brazzo, an ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon in New York City. “There are many types of silicone that can be rubbed into the skin; Some of them dry quickly, but many of them are thick and doughy and irritating to people. If possible, choose a smoother, thinner silicone-based product for easier application. Or opt for a product with allantoin, which according to Dr. Brazzo, can moisturize the skin, soften the keratin and promote healing. can also be seenhyaluronic acidin some scar treatments for the same reason: Dr. Brazzo says that allantoin and hyaluronic acid "stimulate collagen production, which restores the skin's natural architecture [and] results in smoother skin with normal elasticity and color." Finally, you'll find an unusual ingredient in many scar creams - onion extract, which has proven to be an effective adjunctive treatment to many more common scar healing ingredients like allantoin and petroleum-based ointments. The best scar treatment on the market won't do you much good if it's not compatible with the part of your body you want to use it on. While silicone patches or strips can be effective treatments, Dr. Brazzo says they usually don't work well for the face or the joint parts of the body that are always in motion (like the knee or elbow). "[These products] help keep the wound moist and also increase surface pressure to try and flatten the scar," he explains. "They also reduce tension in the wound, which can help reduce scar tissue development, [but] they need to be used consistently for weeks or months." If the scar to be treated is on the face or in one of these highly mobile areas, Dr. Brazzo says it would be best to use a topical product that can be applied a few times a day. Creams, oils, patches... what kind of scar treatment do you really need and how do you choose one? Before you stress yourself out too much, know this: Your scar won't heal on the basis of OTC products alone, so it's not a make-or-break decision. "Topical scar creams are just a small part of a successful healing," she saysMelanie Palm, MD, dermatologist at Art of Skin MD. "Limiting activity during recovery takes pressure off the wound, [and you also need to] protect the skin from light with physical sunscreens and help with growth factors and peptides to promote normal collagen production." In other words, you still have to takeCautiousyour skin. Depending on the severity of your scar, you may need to step up your treatment game. Physician Palm says that early scar intervention with light and laser treatments greatly improves the appearance of scars. The doctor. Brazzo agrees, noting that the actual treatment modality you choose (other than choosing the right product for the right body part) simply isn't that important. It's more a matter of personal preference: some people find the oils messy, others like the easy absorption of creams, and still others like thicker ointments to keep the wound moist. Think about what kind of product you'll be happy to turn to, more than anything else, multiple times a day. Depending on the type of product you choose, you may need to watch out for allergic reactions. "Open skin makes sensitization to a potential allergen more likely," says Dr. Palm noting that while silicone-based products are unlikely to cause a reaction, some OTC treatments contain other ingredients that increase the likelihood of a reaction. Some common scar cream irritants include: In general, stick to the basics: silicone, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid; The doctor. Palm says the peptides could also be beneficial, especially in early intervention. Less is usually more here. How does scar cream work? It depends on the ingredients it's based on, but usually scar creams encourage skin cell growth so the scar can be filled with normal, intact skin. However, different creams work differently depending on the ingredients. "Silicone creates a negative pressure environment in a new, developing scar that prevents collagen overgrowth, which can lead to hypertrophic scars and keloids," says Dr. Palm tree. "Some scar creams also contain sunscreen to protect newly healed skin from sun damage, which can lead to pigmentation or poorly healing scars." Meanwhile, botanical ingredients like allantoin and onion extract work by rehydrating and hydrating the skin, softening the skin's bonds and allowing growth. How soon can I use the healing cream after the operation? You should follow your doctor's orders, says Dr. palm, but most scar creams can and should be used immediately after suture removal. However, it may be necessary to use a treatment for several months to get the best results. Doctor Brazzo, who hasdeveloped its own postoperative healing gel, says his patients typically start the regimen immediately after surgery and use it four times a day for a week after surgery, then cut back to bedtime for a month or two. Here are the best scar creams on the market. Our best tips Jump to review Best budget: Jump to review Best for children: Jump to review The best for the body: Best for the face: Jump to review Jump to review In this article where to look Frequently Asked Questions Our decisions How do we choose Why trust Verywell Health 4.9 Advantages Good for old and new scars Adults and children can use it. odorless and colorless In contrast Half FPS slow results If this is your first attempt at minimizing the appearance of a scar, we recommend trying a product that contains silicone and can be used for a variety of purposes. TEREZ & HONOR Scar Removal Gel supplies your skin with 100% medical-grade silicone and works its magic on old and new scars. This product can be used on cesarean scars, stretch marks, acne scars and surgical scars. We also love that the gel can be applied to all skin types, is suitable for all ages, and is odorless and colorless. This means you can use it to heal scars from virtually anywhere, including your face, with complete discretion. This gel may take a while to improve the appearance of your scar, but in the meantime it will work to improve the overall health of your skin. Price at time of publication: $30 Active ingredients:100% medical-grade silicone and peppermint oil |Dose:Apply several times, two to three times a day |Use:Fade old and new scars 4.8 Advantages Economically Not just for scars Not greasy; absorbs quickly In contrast Can clog pores unpleasant smell Sometimes it's not just a scar that needs healing; sometimes the skin around Even a scar suffers, thanks to bandages, suture removal, and increased exposure to the sun. What we like about Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil - besides its affordable price - is that it acts almost like a skin conditioner, providing the area of application with a much-needed boost of vitamins. Non-greasy and quickly absorbed, Bio-Oil can be quickly massaged into the skin, including scars, several times a day; Vitamins A and E work to renew skin, improve hydration and promote elasticity, while botanical oils like lavender oil and calendula oil soothe skin and reduce inflammation. Although we've thoroughly tested these products, our editors use this popular Bio-Oil choice to help reduce the appearance of scars. We like the fact that it's lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin without feeling greasy like other oil-based products. It's moisturizing like a lotion and will fade stretch marks in a matter of months with daily use. Price at time of publication: $35 for 6.7 ounces Active ingredients:Vitamin E and Chamomile |Dose:Apply multiple times, twice a day |Use:Fades acne scars, stretch marks and hand scars Advantages Color and fragrance suitable for children Safe for sensitive skin In contrast Liquid consistency and difficult to apply Getting kids to put any product on their skin is always a struggle, but the makers of Mederma for Kids seem to know that: They've made a scar cream that turns purple and smells nice, so kids needn't worry. Afraid of what your parents will talk about when it's time to treat the scar. The ingredients in Mederma for Kids are the same as in many other Mederma products; Allantoin and Onion Extract soothe and heal scars, but at safer, kid-friendly levels. The product will turn purple but will clear when fully absorbed, helping both children and parents to know it has been applied correctly. As with any other OTC treatment, you have to be persistent to see results. Price at time of publication: $26 Active ingredients:Allantoin 1.0% |Dose:Use multiple times, three times a day for eight weeks |Use:Softens, smoothes and reduces the appearance of new and old scars The 9 Best Collagen Supplements of 2023 Advantages Smooth, easy to apply gel Moisturizes with vitamin E takes a long time In contrast May cause breakouts/irritation if used on face The skin on your face is sensitive and requires ultra-hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products when it comes to scar treatments. However, skin on other parts of the body can take a little more force - like DERMA E's healing gel, which packs a lot of power into a tiny tub. Made with allantoin, onion extract and vitamin B, this heavier gel moisturizes and soothes skin as it improves the appearance of scars. If you have major scars on your body (e.g. after surgery) it would be difficult to use a thin or liquid scar cream effectively and efficiently. In contrast, DERMA E Gel is thicker and better covers scars on the body. Just avoid using it on your face as it can clog your pores. Price at time of publication: $23 Active ingredients:Allicin, vitamin B5 and allantoin |Dose:Apply 2-3 times a day for eight weeks, for old scars, apply twice a day for 3-6 months |Use:Softens, smoothes and reduces the appearance of uneven or discolored scars. See on AmazonCheck it out at WalmartVista on bed bath and beyond Advantages Reduces the need for sunscreen Easy to mix cream works fast In contrast No active ingredients for scar treatment The skin that makes up a scar is weaker and more vulnerable than the rest of the skin. If there is a scar on your face, you must make sure to always apply SPF to prevent further damage to that weakened skin. When you use an OTC scar treatment, it usually means an extra step in your daily routine: scar creameSuncream. Not so when you use Mederma Scar Cream SPF 30. In addition to allantoin and onion extract, this cream contains sunscreen to protect you from sun exposure while helping your scar heal. Keep in mind that if you spend hours outside each day or are exposed to intense sun, you may need an extra layer of traditional sunscreen, but since you can apply this Mederma cream three times a day, you get good SPF protection even on its own use. However, if you're sensitive to sunscreen, you may need to skip this one — it containsChemical sunscreens, not physical. Price at time of publication: $21 Active ingredients:Avobenzona 3,0 %, Octocrileno 10,0 %, Oxibenzona 6,0 % |Dose:Apply 3 times a day for 8 weeks on new scars and 3-6 months on old scars |Use:Reduces the appearance of scars, prevents sunburn The 9 best acne soaps of 2023 Advantages For many types of scars including burns 100% medical-grade silicone for maximum results Can be used by all ages In contrast expensive for little long-term treatment required Generally,Burn scars tend to be drier and more itchythan other types of scarring, so finding a non-irritating scar cream is even more important. That's why we chose MD Performance's Ultimate Scar Formula; contains medical-grade silicone for optimal healing of your scar, but only a few other ingredients. It's a highly hypoallergenic formula, free of unnecessary ingredients, that just works well to heal all types of scars, including burns, without affecting the rest of the skin's natural barriers. Price at time of publication: $28 Active ingredients:100% medical grade silicone |Dose:Use multiple times, twice a day for eight weeks |Use:For fading and erasing burn scars The 10 best anti-sunburn gels and lotions of 2023 4.8 to 5 stars:These are the best scar creams we have tested. We recommend them unreservedly. 4.5 to 4.7 stars:These scar creams are excellent - they may have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars:We think these are great scar creams, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars:These scar creams are just average. 3.4 and below:We do not recommend scar creams with this rating; You won't find any on our list. To find the best scar creams, we asked dermatologists to tell us what to look for and what to leave out when choosing a product (so as not to risk further irritation or inflammation). They suggested products containing silicone, allantoin, and blends of antioxidants or vitamins to improve the color, size, and texture of scars and promote overall skin health. Armed with this information, we searched the web for well-reviewed OTC treatments that provide easy-to-use results; Scars old and new can take a long time to heal, so you need something comfortable! We also looked for products formulated to treat scars on different parts of the body, as some types of products are better suited to the face than the body (and vice versa). Sarah Bradleyhas been writing health content since 2017 – from product summaries and disease FAQs to nutrition explanations and the Diet Trends dish. She understands the importance of getting trusted, expert-approved advice on over-the-counter products that treat everyday health concerns, from gastrointestinal issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bio-Oil_SkincareOil_03-35ecaddbf2a34247a28a2ee01d8737bc-241879a7b2c8439eb9ea022bf8abb9da.jpeg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (1)")
What you should look for in a scar cream
Ingredients
directed anatomy
Form
possible interactions
frequently asked questions
Overall best
TEREZ & HONOR Advanced Silicone Scar Gel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/terez--honor-advanced-silicone-scar-gel-f275667d6d87480e9d2f4b76b7b14490.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (2)")
best budget
Bio-Oil multi-purpose skin care oil
best for kids
Cream Cicatriz Mederma for children
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mederma-for-kids-scar-cream-339dcb97c7984cb0921198c0e6598815.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (4)")
best for the face
Mederma Scar Cream Plus SPF 30
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mederma-scar-cream-plus-spf-30-2ebcaa8dab4d44f28e7edb6d126fb7c6.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (6)")
best for burns
MD Performance Professional Skin Care Ultimative Narbenformel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/md-performance-professional-skin-care-ultimate-scar-formula-9b2e15694a4340ee9870919c1ec2b639.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (7)")
How we rate scar creams
How we choose scar creams
Why trust Verywell Health
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bio-oil-skincare-oil-76aad52b0fa6402f96d87f59b27a3805.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Derma-E-Scar-Gel-2edb5b258aad4008a42283475793db16.jpg "6 best scar creams of 2023 to heal and repair your skin (5)")
FAQs
What is the best cream to put on a scar to help it heal? ›
Silicone can help some of the largest and most embedded scars to heal, and can also prevent the formation of said mass. You can find silicone scar treatments as gels or as pressure-applying sheets. Panthenol: Panthenol prevents scar formation and helps quickly heal wounds.
What scar cream do plastic surgeons recommend? ›BioCorneum® Scar Gel is the first and only quick drying silicone gel scar cream with SPF30 sunscreen that is approved by the FDA. This scar cream is an important part of our post-surgery scar care regimen, and we recommend it for most patients who have surgery or injuries in exposed areas such as the face.
What is the best thing to put on scars? ›All our experts recommend using silicone-based patches (called sheeting) or gels (more on those to come) to treat scars in the early stages of formation. “Silicone sheets are very effective in treating scars, providing an optimal dressing for helping scars heal,” says Karp.
Is there a prescription strength scar cream? ›Recedo is a prescription medicine used to treat to minimizing the appearance of scars.
Do scar healing creams work? ›To reduce the appearance of scars, creams and other products hydrate and smooth the area, reducing redness and evening out the skin. Dr. Gilbert notes that “excellent results can be achieved” with scar creams and “you will see improvement in your scar.” However, total elimination is unlikely.
What Vitamin ointment is good for scars? ›Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
Does Mederma work on old scars? ›Mederma products can be used on new and old scars resulting from surgery, burns, acne and other injuries. For old scars you should apply Mederma one time daily, every day, for 3 to 6 months.
What is the best thing to put on a scar on your face? ›Dermabrasion is one of the most effective and most popular methods for treating facial scars. Unlike microdermabrasion kits you can buy at the drugstore, dermabrasion is performed by a dermatologist. They use a wire brush or a wheel to exfoliate the top layer of skin on your face.
Is vaseline good for scars? ›To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
What oil is best for surgical scars? ›To heal scars, essential oils are most effective when massaged into the scar mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
What gets rid of scars the fastest? ›
- Micropigmentation. Micropigmentation is a process that involves the implantation of small pieces of natural pigment into the skin on and around the scar. ...
- Scar revision. ...
- Dermaplaning. ...
- Soft tissue fillers. ...
- Laser/light therapy. ...
- Chemical peels. ...
- Fat grafting.
- Shea Butter and Coconut Oil. If you have experienced an injury, such as a cut, laceration or burn, keep the area moist and covered while it heals. ...
- Silicone Gel Sheeting. ...
- Pressure Garments. ...
- Onion Extract/Gel. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Essential Oils: Tea Tree and Helichrysum. ...
- Emu Oil. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar.
BIOCORNEUM® is the only advanced scar treatment with FDA-Cleared Silishield® patented crosslinked medical grade silicone and SPF 30. Scar treatment that advances the benefits of silicone sheeting through the comfort and ease of a gel. Silky-smooth clear gel is simple to apply and dries quickly.
What foods help scars heal faster? ›Promote Wound Healing with Good Nutrition
Choose vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or strawberries. For adequate zinc, choose fortified grains and protein foods, such as beef, chicken, seafood or beans. Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals to support healing.
Healing scars
However, a different study found that children with surgical scars who used vitamin E three times a day didn't develop keloids, or extra scar tissue over the wound. Researchers concluded that using a topical form of vitamin E before and after surgery improved the way wounds healed.
- Skin camouflage (make-up) Pharmacies sell make-up that's specially designed for covering scars. ...
- Silicone gels or sheets. Silicone gels or sheets can be used on healing skin (not open wounds) to help soften and flatten a scar. ...
- Steroids. ...
- Laser therapy. ...
- Cryotherapy. ...
- Dermal fillers. ...
- Skin needling. ...
- Surgery.
Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly. Vitamin E oil didn't fare any better. “If it helps,” says Kenneth Arndt, a dermatologist in Newton, Mass., “it's not the E but the oil.” He notes that it often causes skin irritation.
What shrinks scar tissue? ›Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.
What vitamin will make scars fade? ›Vitamin E is a popular treatment for burns and scars.
Does vitamin D help with scars? ›Vitamin D replacement affected the width of the scar but had no effect on the perceivability of the scar. Increasing vitamin D levels to above 25 ng/mL before scar revision, and vitamin D deficiency in patients with HS may help reduce scar width.
Can Apple cider vinegar fade old scars? ›
The acids in ACV may help reduce the appearance of scars by removing the damaged, outer layers of the skin and promoting regeneration. This process is often referred to as “chemical peeling.”
Is apple cider vinegar good for old scars? ›Any serious dermatologist would never recommend using apple cider vinegar to treat scars and other skin conditions, and there's good reason for that. To date, there are no clinical studies that support the efficacy of ACV for scar therapy.
How do you fade old scars on your face? ›Creams, masks, and serums that contain exfoliants can help remove the outer layers of dead skin, leaving a smoother appearance. They may help people with acne scars. Active ingredients that may help improve the appearance of scars include: glycolic acid.
What helps skin heal faster face? ›Use a warm or cold compress
Applying a warm compress to your wound may trigger skin regeneration and blood flow. These properties can speed up the healing process while also providing relief from itchiness. A warm compress can also help add moisture to the wound site.
Scar oil. The vitamins and other antioxidants in olive oil may fade scars by helping skin cells to regenerate. Simply massage the undiluted oil into scars or mix it with a squeeze of lemon juice to treat areas of hyperpigmentation, where the skin has darkened due to scarring.
Is Aquaphor or Vaseline better for scars? ›Vaseline might be better for wound healing
A 2013 study found that surgical wounds treated with Aquaphor had a higher incidence of redness at the wound site when compared with surgical wounds treated with Vaseline. So, if you're healing after surgery, you may want to reach for Vaseline.
Application of a triple antibiotic ointment (such as over-the-counter Bacitracin, Neosporin or Polysporin) three times a day to the wound for a full three weeks helps prevent infection and creates a better foundation for improved long-term scar appearance.
Can baking soda remove scars? ›Baking soda paste
It works as an exfoliator and sheds the skin, making it free of stubborn scars. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoon water and make a smooth paste. Apply it on the scars and let sit for two minutes before rinsing.
Castor oil can be applied directly onto skin surface scars, then covered with a warm wrap or compress – and even left overnight. Alternately, a series of treatments with a castor oil pack can be beneficial for gently encouraging the dissolution of internal scarring and adhesions.
Can you permanently get rid of scar tissue? ›Complete scar removal is not possible, but most scars will gradually fade over time. A number of treatments are available that may improve a scar's appearance and help make it less visible. If scarring is unsightly, uncomfortable or restrictive, treatment options may include: topical silicone gel or silicone gel sheets.
What oil removes old scars? ›
- Helichrysum essential oil. ...
- Frankincense essential oil. ...
- Geranium essential oil. ...
- Lavender essential oil. ...
- Carrot seed essential oil. ...
- Cedar wood essential oil. ...
- Hyssop essential oil. ...
- Tea tree oil.
If you want to try an over-the-counter product, silicone gel or silicone sheets have the best evidence they can help reduce the appearance of scars. For more serious scars like keloids, other treatments like cryotherapy, laser resurfacing, or scar removal surgery may be an option.
What removes scars overnight? ›Cocoa butter works as a great moisturizer. It has lightening properties, which help fade acne scars and lighten skin tone. Take some cocoa butter and apply it evenly on your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning.
How do you break up scars? ›How do you break down scar tissue? To break down scar tissue we first lubricate the affected area with baby oil, lotion, or vitamin E oil. Then we'll perform different massage techniques including cross friction massage and myofascial release which help improve the alignment of collagen fibers and improve movement.
What drinks help scars? ›Load up on lemon juice: Lemon juice is a kind of citric acid that's very effective in reducing or getting rid of acne scars. Drink several glasses of lemon juice each day to help your dead skin cells shed faster. New skin cells will also grow healthier and add elasticity to your skin if you load up on lemon juice.
What does the doctor recommend for scar treatment? ›Topical scar treatment
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) does recommend silicone sheets or gel. These are also available over the counter from several brands. The silicone gel or sheets are applied directly over your scar. They usually must be used daily for up to 3 months for you to see the most benefit.
A: Yes, Mederma gel can be used for treating old scars; it will take approximately 3 to 6 months for old scars to improve the condition. These timelines are approximate and can vary among individuals. Mederma gel helps in reducing the scars by making them less visible, softer, and smoother.
Which vitamin is good for scars? ›Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by researchers at the University of California who suggested it had beneficial properties for skin, especially in support of wound healing and scar repair. It is the main lipid-soluble antioxidant in the skin.
Is Vaseline good for scars? ›To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.
When should you not use Mederma? ›Don't rush into scar care right after your injury. Take good care of your wound first and wait until the skin has completely healed before starting to apply any topical scar products. You should never use topical scar creams like Mederma® on open wounds.
How long does it take scars to fade with Mederma? ›
Mederma's® unique triple action formula works to visibly fades scars appearance in 8 weeks by locking in moisture, in order to renew cells and aid formation of collagen.