Spot treating isn't just for acne.
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Whether it’s a scar that dates back to your tree-climbing days or a more recent one from a surprise c-section, nearly everyone garners a collection of scars. Maybe you've even tried using scar cream to fade them. Scarring is caused by both trauma injuries and inflammatory conditions (like acne), which can cause a loss or change in your skin's collagen structure, meaning you need the best scar creams to actually get your skin back to normal.
Meet Our Experts: Marisa Garshick, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center, Deanne Robinson, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine
“Scars are the way our body responds to injury, and their [appearance] depends on the extent of the injury, the location, as well as some individual factors,” says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Part of what determines how the scar looks is how the collagen is arranged and how thick or disorganized it is during the wound healing stages.”
Because of this, no two scars are the same. From raised ones (such as hypertrophic or keloid scars), to indentations, discolored spots, and stretch marks, there’s a variety of scar types. While there’s nothing wrong with embracing your scars (just look at how celebs like Sarah Hyland and Lena Dunham have proudly displayed theirs on social media), there’s also no shame in wanting them to go the eff away.
For anyone who falls in the latter camp, there are two main courses of action: The first is booking an appointment with your derm to discuss in-office treatments for scars. According to dermatologist Deanne Robinson, MD, your doc will advise you on the proper plan on attack based off your scar’s specific needs—PDL lasers, resurfacing treatments, light therapy, micro needling, and cortisone injections are all possible solutions. However, if you’d rather skip a pricy (sometimes painful) procedure, an alternative option is investing in an at-home remedy like one of these dermatologist-approved best scar creams.
Pros
Great for fading dark spots- Also works on acne and blemishes
Cons
- Smell is pretty strong
This cream is a triple threat against scars thanks to tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and azelaic acid. Not only will it help lighten scars, it will also help brighten your overall tone.
Rave review: "I love this serum! I use it on my back, especially to clear up my dark spots and with consistency I have noticed improvement. I apply it right before sunscreen."
Pros
- Soothes irritation
- Smooths skin
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Silicones along with copper and zinc sulfate create the ideally healing environment for scars in this gel formula. Paired with the brand's signature thermal spring water, it's also feels super soothing.
Rave review: "I have been using this scar gel for two months on facial surgery scars while doing scar massage and it does seem to be helping to flatten and soften them. I'm really pleased with this product too because, unlike another I used, it hasn't caused any milia or blackheads. I will definitely buy this again."
Pros
- Flattens raised scars
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Small tube
“This is a topical silicone treatment that uses patented FDA-approved Silishield technology to help soften and flatten raised scars and improve itch, redness, and discoloration,” says Dr. Garshick. “It creates an invisible shield through a gel that goes on smooth and dries quickly.”
Rave review: "This is the best scar cream around, my dermatologist recommended it. The smallest bottle was most expensive in their office than this one was. It take a very small amount to cover a good sized area. It goes on smoothly and dries clear."
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Pros
- Relieves itching and redness
- Reduces appearance of scars
Cons
- Small tube
“Silicone has long been a recommended scar treatment, as it’s thought to increase hydration and provide occlusion, which helps to normalize the scar tissue,” says Dr. Garshick. That's why you see silicone in so many scar creams. She prefers this non-greasy gel, because, not only can it be used on old and new scars, but its moisturizing properties prevent too much collagen from building up within the scar.
Rave review: "This stuff really does a good job to prevent new scars. I stared applying 2 weeks after surgery and no scars were visible after the wound healed all the way. I have a history of keloid scars and wanted to prevent these from forming."
5
Best Oil
Skincare Oil
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
Bio-Oil has long been a cult-classic, thanks to its multi-tasking formula. This lightweight oil can be used on your hair, face, body, and you guessed it—scars. “It combines chamomile, which is calming and reduced redness, calendula, which has antibacterial effects, and vitamins A and E, which help promote collagen and hydrate,” says Dr. Garshick. Its easy-to-spread oil consistency also makes it ideal for larger scars, like stretch marks, since it’ll glide over skin.
Rave review: "This stuff is amazing. Helps to even skin tone and moisturize. Doesn’t make me break out. Helps with my KP on my legs as well."
Pros
- Protects scars from dirt and debris
- Mimics the appearance of skin
Cons
- Slightly pricey
Think of these like sheet masks for your scars. “They provide silicone to scars through an adhesive that helps to mimic the natural skin barrier to provide an optimal environment for healing,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It helps to hydrate the skin, and the adhesive is comfortable and flexible, enabling you to keep the scar covered and protected while you heal.”
Rave review: "These are amazing and I have had phenomenal results. I honestly noticed results after just a couple days. I’m still wearing these scar sheets and wear them about 12 hours a day and put it on first thing in the morning. I followed the directions and used a non moisturizing soap for cleaning and even after 2 weeks they are still sticky and have not lifted at the corners at all."
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Pros
- Very cheap
- Protects skin barrier
Cons
- May clog pores
As soon as a wound begins healing, it’s important to jumpstart the treatment process to minimize scarring. “During this time, it is important to maintain a skin barrier while also providing moisture to a healing wound and limit scab formation,” says Dr. Garshick. That's why she suggests applying a oldie-but-goodie petroleum jelly like Vaseline ASAP.
Rave review: "I have been using Vaseline petroleum jelly since I was 13. I’m almost 56 and will never give it up. I use it on my feet to moisturize and after showering. I carry one in my bag and in my desk. At times, in my car. Needless to say, I love Vaseline."
Pros
- Conceals scars and blemishes
- Lasts for up to 16 hours
Cons
- Won't actually heal scars
While it technically won’t aid in healing your scars, this creamy, sunscreen-infused makeup conceals any unsightly marks for up to 16 hours while keeping your skin hydrated.
Rave review: "This product did not disappoint! The color matched perfectly and the tub it comes in is huge. I am glad to have my confidence back by being able to cover some imperfections. Have always been a fan of this brand."
Pros
- Contains sun protection
- Brightens skin
Cons
- Expensive
Fact: The sun is terrible for you skin. Beyond increasing your odds of skin cancer and premature aging, UV exposure also worsens the look of scars. Scar tissue is more prone to burning (which leads to hyperpigmentation and darkening), so it’s extra-important to protect skin with an SPF. Look for a tinted mineral formula to conceal and shield at the same time. “This is a great mineral-based sunscreen with a tint that helps provide coverage as well,” says Dr. Robinson. “It’s great if someone wants to help mask the appearance of scars.”
Rave review: "I love this product! I am in my early 50s and have been using this daily for almost 2 years. I live in Arizona, and sunscreen is necessary. This product has great protection and great coverage! I do not need to use makeup base and I only need one push of the product for full coverage. It is moisturizing and kind to my skin. I highly recommend! I tell my friends and family what I’m using as I receive compliments."
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Pros
- Great for new wounds
- Relieves irritation
Cons
- Expensive
Spritz this preventive spray on any new wounds that look like they’ll be sticking around for a while. It has hypochlorite acid in it, which, according to Dr. Robinson, is an ingredient that decreases the redness associated with scarring. Plus, this formula cleanses, hydrates, and minimizes damaged tissue.
Rave review: "This soothing spray was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It is very helpful for my skin after having laser treatment."
Maddy Zollo Rusbosin
Maddy Zollo Rusbosin is a freelance writer living in sunny Orlando, Florida. She loves writing about all things beauty since it gives her the excuse to play with makeup all day – and scare her husband while she's testing out the latest face masks.
Chelsea Burns
Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.
