Comprehensive Guide to Scar Treatments and Expert Recommendations

Scarring, whether from acne, surgery, or injuries, can be both inevitable and permanent. If your scars change the texture of your skin, seeking help from a dermatologist is advisable. Still, some at-home treatments may help fade certain types of scars, making them less visible, according to dermatologists.

The Best Scar Treatments

Here are some at-home, dermatologist-recommended products to prevent or minimize scars. However, consulting with a dermatologist before treatment is recommended.

Serum for Acne Scars

This serum is editor-tested and effective at lightening scars and dark spots in two months. Its key ingredients are tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and azelaic acid, which help fade dark spots and brighten skin. Niacinamide also helps soothe skin and reduces excess oil, but users should note its sulfur-like smell. The Topicals Faded Serum was used twice daily over eight weeks by an NBC Select associate SEO reporter, with noted improvements.

Scar Gel

Mederma’s scar gel, favored by experts, uses Cepalin botanical extract to flatten scars and minimize pain. The gel helps lock in moisture, produce collagen, and renew cells. Apply as soon as the wound closes and use daily for at least eight weeks on new scars and three to six months on existing ones.

Scar Sheets

ScarAway’s silicone sheets protect fresh wounds and hydrate the skin. They mimic the natural skin barrier, providing a moist healing environment. These sheets can be worn for up to 10 days, are water-resistant, and help flatten and soften existing scars. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, commends their flexibility and comfort.

Gel for Surgical Scars

Kelo-Cote’s silicone scar gel is recommended post-surgery for its ability to reduce redness and soften raised scars. This water-resistant, non-greasy formula dries quickly without leaving stickiness.

SPF Scar Gel

BioCorneum’s silicone gel uses technology to soften scars and reduce itching and discoloration. It includes SPF 30 to protect scars from sun damage, helping prevent worsening.

Scar Oil

This body oil combines plant extracts like chamomile and calendula with vitamins A and E to reduce redness and hydrate the skin as it heals. Noncomedogenic, it’s ideal for stretch marks and uneven skin tone.

Liquid Scar Sheet (2-Pack)

Scarguard Repair Liquid is a brush-on silicone sheet that quickly forms a protective layer, preventing scars and shrinking old ones. This product is water- and heat-resistant and contains vitamin E for hydration.

Budget-Friendly Ointment

Vaseline Healing Jelly helps soften scar tissue by creating a barrier that keeps moisture in, facilitating healing and minimizing scabs. It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin, having received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Recommended Ingredients

Several ingredients can help reduce the appearance and color changes of scars:

• Silicone: Available in gels or sheets, silicone helps heal scars by maintaining skin hydration and providing a protective seal.
• Retinoids: Prescription treatments like tretinoin help with hyperpigmentation and some scar textures by boosting collagen production.
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant that can reduce redness and discoloration.
• Hydroquinone: Requires a prescription, used to fade dark spots from hyperpigmentation.

Types of Scars

Scars can be categorized as atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloid:

• Atrophic: Indented scars like icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars result from collagen loss, often felt with acne.
• Hypertrophic: Raised scars attributed to excess collagen production during healing.
• Keloid: Overgrown, raised scars extending beyond the initial injury. These are particularly hard to treat.

Color Changes and Treatments

Scarring can include color changes such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema. These alterations are common after injuries and should not be confused with lasting scars. Color changes improve over time or with retinoid use.

At-Home Scar Treatment Tips

Once a scar develops, it is permanent, but over-the-counter treatments might help reduce appearances. These include:

• Silicone Treatments: Effective for maintaining hydration and protecting the scar area, they prevent scar formation and relieve itching.
• Retinoids: Effective for long-term care to reduce color changes, but not for deep scars.
• Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and reduces discoloration.
• Chemical Exfoliants: AHAs and BHAs like lactic or salicylic acid improve skin texture and mild discoloration.

In-Office Scar Treatments

Professional treatments like laser resurfacing and microneedling can reduce scars. Injectable fillers can treat indented scars, and treatments like CROSS help with deeper scars like ice pick scars. For hypertrophic and keloid scars, laser treatments coupled with steroid injections or botulinum toxin may help reduce scar tissue.

Understanding the types, causes, and treatment options for scars is essential. Seeking advice from qualified dermatologists can provide the most effective treatments tailored to the specifics of each scar type.