We Found 9 Doctor-Approved Scar Products To Help Heal Cuts, Wounds, and More

Our Top Picks

There are a whole slew of ingredients that can be effective when it comes to scar removal, but silicone ishighly recommended by both Garshick and Parsa. “Silicone products are thought to help with scar formation, ultimatelyhelping reduce the size, color, and texture of the scar,” Garshick explains. “Plus, silicone can improve hydration in the area, which aids healing and even alleviates tension.” Silicone scar treatments can come in many forms, including sheets, which Parsa says canprotect the injured tissue from bacterial infections(and reduce itchiness and discomfort, too). There’s a lot of scientific evidence pointing to the benefits of silicone scar sheets, including a 2018 study that foundscar sheets to be extremely effective in treating surgical scars.2

These sheets in particular wowed us during testing because of how easy they were to apply (we compared them to teeth whitening strips in the sense that youpeel off the backing and stick it to your body) and we appreciated the fact that the perforations on each sheet allowed us to pick the size we needed without relying on scissors. The cherry on top: the high-quality silicone allows them to be waterproof and reusable(you can wash and reuse each sheet multiple times), which makes them cost-effective and long-lasting.

The instructions recommend leaving each sheet on for 24 hours, but those of us who applied the sheets to areas like a C-section scar or a lower-belly scar found that to be slightly unrealistic, as the sheet didn’t feel as secure when we were walking around. However, when we applied the sheet before bed, we had no issues slipping on PJs and cozying up under the covers. Come morning, we removed the sheet to findsoft, smooth skin with zero stickiness or residue in sight. 

Who It’s For

Over the course of six weeks, we noticed that newer injuries healed nicely, leading us to believe that this is anexcellent choice for anyone looking to prevent scarring with newer wounds, whether in the form of c-sections, surgery, accidents, or burns. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend these on older scars; we found that they didn’t work as well. At justunder 20 dollars, we’d consider this product affordable and great to have on hand in your medicine cabinet when you need it.

Price at time of publish: $19

Type of Treatment: Sheets| Size: 3.21 oz., 2.6 x 2.52 x 2.44 in| Ingredients: Silicone|Recommended Usage:Tear (or cut) a sheet and apply it directly to a clean, dry scar; change sheet after 24 hours

buuk.top / Jessica Fleming

Similar to silicone scar sheets, silicone scar gels can be effective in treating scars. A recent study found that gels are particularly effective in reducing the appearance of keloids—the type of raised scar you get from injuries and surgeries.3 According to Garshick, this scar gel from Scaraway helps reduce redness and itching, thus being a great choice for anyone in need of soothing and TLC. Comfort aside, this formula is intended totreat newly healed wounds and visibly older scars, making it a very versatile option to have in your arsenal. The brand claims that this formula can helpyears-old scars appear flatter, smoother, and less noticeablewith consistent use; and while we were a little skeptical, we can honestly say that it delivers on its promises after testing it ourselves. An editor with a six-year-old melanoma scar noticed avast improvement in the look and feel of her scar, noting that it seemed closer to her typical skin color (as opposed to the darker purple shade she was used to) at the end of the trial period—a huge win.

We were also big fans of the applicator and the application process in general. Theclear, odorless gel comes housed in a roll-on stickthat helps spread everything out evenly and quickly. (This gained major points during testing; after all, the last thing we need is a cumbersome addition to an already lengthy morning and evening routine.) And, due to thecompact natureof the vessel, the editor was able to travel with it on a long trip across Asia—which allowed her tokeep up with her treatment even when she was on the go. The only con: the gel can feel slightly sticky at first, so you’ll want to give it a few seconds to sink into the skin before putting clothes on over it.

Who It’s For

Parsa explains that this formula is especially good for those with sensitive skin, as it minimizes irritation and has a soothing effect. Based on our findings during testing, this can be a helpful option foranyone looking to lighten the appearance of older scars, too.

Price at time of publish: $23

Type of Treatment: Gel| Size: 0.71 oz| Ingredients: Silicone| Recommended Usage: On a clean, dry scar, apply a thin coat of gel twice daily for up to 90 days

Although affordable, the Mederma Advanced Scar Gel doesn’t mess around. During the first five applications, we noticed that theclear, odorless gel imparts a subtle stinging sensation when applied, but we didn’t mind—it subsided within seconds and ourskin remained irritation-free. While we still aren’t sure why the sensation happened, we appreciated the fact that it never made our scars (or the skin around them) red and itchy. We’re chalking that up to the fact that it containsseveral skin-soothing ingredientslike sodium hyaluronate (which Garshick says can help improve the look of scars and help plump the skin in the process), allantoin (an ingredient that relieves skin irritation, especially in cuts and burns), and Cepalin, the brand’s proprietary blend of botanical extracts that soothe the skin. Note: You’ll need to let the gel dry completely before putting clothes or bandages on top of it. Thankfully, it dries in a few minutes, so this wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Around the week four mark, the skin around our scars began to peel—literally rubbing off some of our skin. We took this as the gel doing its job (i.e., removing the old layer of scarred skin), but we get that it can be alarming for some people, so check with your doctor if you experience extreme peeling or shedding. After the full testing period,our old, dark-colored scar appeared dramatically lighter. While it’s not totally gone, it’s much less apparent.

Who It’s For 

Due to its price and the fact that it’s available at most drugstores, this is our pick foranyone who wants a scar gel they can quickly pick up and start using right away.Because it had a subtle stinging effect and made our skin shed, you should only use thisunder a doctor’s supervision on a scar that has been fully healed(aka not on an open wound).

Price at time of publish: $23

Type of Treatment: Gel| Size: 0.70 oz | Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, Cepalin | Recommended Usage: On a clean, dry scar, apply a thin coat of gel daily for at least 8 weeks

buuk.top / Bianca Kratky

There are several sheets mentioned on this list, but in our opinion, this product takes the cake. “Each sheetmimics the natural skin barrier, providing an optimal environment for healing,” she explains. “It helps hydrate the skin andfeels comfortable and flexiblewhile you wear it.” Also nice: Not only can the silicone sheetsstay in place for up to 10 days, but they’re also completely clear, making them undetectable on the body. Upon application, the sheets feltgel-like, smooth, and hydrating, but once secure, we honestly forgot they were there, even when in the shower. Each box comes with six pre-cut sheets, but depending on the size of your scar, you can cut them even smaller for more comfortable wear and get more use out of your set. Just be sure that you take your time when removing the adhesive’s backing. If you do it too quickly, the sheet can adhere to itself, making it useless. We only had this issue once during the testing trial, however, it’s worth mentioning.

As for results, we saw a noticeable improvement in the look and feel of surgical scars

on our feet. In fact, the scars felt softer and appeared closer in color to our skin (rather than a purplish hue).

Who It’s For 

We recommend this sheet foranyone who wants a clear, undetectable scar treatment, as well as anyone who doesn’t want to be bothered by daily application.

Price at time of publish: $53

Type of Treatment: Sheet| Size: 1.5x3 in |Ingredients:Silicone| Recommended u=Usage: Apply an adhesive sheet directly onto a scar for up to 7-10 days

A medical-grade silicone gel, this formula from Cimeosil forms a thin, water-repellant layer over the skin that acts like an invisible barrier. According to the brand, it’s intended for use on keloid and hypertrophic scars (both of which are thick, raised, and sometimes pigmented scars that come from injuries and surgeries), and boy does it follow through. A tester with several keloid scars (which she described as having a mottled mauve hue with tiny red veins and thick, rippled patterns through them) tried this one out for six weeks. At the halfway point three weeks in, she noticed ahuge difference in the scar’s coloration—they appeared more flesh-colored rather than dark purple. After the entire testing period, thescars looked less veiny and felt flatter to the touch. 

The application process was great, too. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of the gel over each scar—the hardest part is remembering to apply it morning and night. It has a reallyunique saran wrap-like texturethat differentiates it from other formulas on this list, but we actually liked it quite a bit. It glides over the skin with some catch to it, depositing a seal-like protective finish over the scar. While it is water-repellant (you can see beads of water when it gets wet!), it never transfers onto clothes and stains them.

The only downside: The tube is among the smallest on the list. However, it goes a long way, allowing you to get a lot of use out of each application. We guestimate that one tube would last two to three months, depending on the size of the scar.

Who It’s For 

This is a great option for anyone seeking treatment for keloid or hypertrophic scars, aka scars that are thick, raised, and discolored. 

Price at time of publish: $36

Type of Treatment: Gel| Size: 0.5 oz| Ingredients: Silicone|Recommended Usage:On a clean, dry scar, apply a thin coat of gel twice daily 

Guess what? Whether you have a brand-new scar or an older one that’s been around for a while, this product can help address discoloration. It relies on silicone—which both doctors we spoke to recommend for scar healing—as well as vitamin C (an ingredient thatbrightens skin and addresses hyperpigmentation), squalane (an ingredient that calms down inflammation), and hydrating emu oil to helprelieve itchiness and discomfort. Because it’s 97% silicone, you can expect this formula togo on nice and smooth with lots of slip. A pea-sized amount stretches over a large area effortlessly, making application easy and ensuring thetube lasts a long time. (Note: We noticed that pilling occurred when there was excess product on the skin; to avoid this, start small and know that you can always add more if you need to.)

When we tested the gel on two old purple-colored scars, we were pleased to find that it helped tremendously. After six weeks, thecoloring of the scars faded, leaving flesh-colored marks in their place. The best part is that this formula can be used on the body and face, so it’s a good product to have in your medicine cabinet. 

Who It’s For 

We recommend this pick foranyone trying to flatten and soften raised keloids and hypertrophic scars. It’s a good choice formost people (including children), as it can be used on the face and body.

Price at time of publish: $53

Type of Treatment: Gel| Size: 1 oz | Ingredients: Silicone, vitamin C, squalane|Recommended Usage:On a clean, dry scar, apply a thin coat of gel twice to three times daily

Whether you’ve had surgery or you’ve been in an accident, scars on your face can be a menace to deal with. Enter: Scar sheets that work for your face. This set of silicone scar sheetsworked exceptionally well on a facial scar during testing, making it a no-brainer to include as our favorite for facial use (though it works for the body, too). After testing for six weeks, a tester who had a long, raised scar on his cheek (that interfered with beard growth) noticed an improvement in texture and colorand was happy to report that beard hair began growing back over the scar—aclear sign that healing was taking place. 

The sheets come in a large square shape, so you can cut them down into smaller sizes to fit your scar(s) if need be. It’s recommended that you wear the sheet for four to eight hours  per day the first few days, before gradually increasing the time to 24 hours per day. If you can do that, great; but we get it, wearing an adhesive sheet on your face isn’t realistic for most people every day. The good news: Our tester admitted that he only wore the sheet during evening hours (about eight hours a night) and stillsaw dramatic results. As for care, the sheets can be washed and re-worn, but we found that it wasn’t the most hygienic to do so. It doesn’t bother everyone, but we found the sheet to be sticky and somewhat slimy, however, it (thankfully) doesn’t leave a residue after being removed.

Who It’s For 

These scar sheets are an excellent pick for anyone with scars on their face. Keep in mind that you should only use it once your wound has fully healed.

Price at time of publish: $20

Type of Treatment: Sheet| Size: 3x1.57 in |Ingredients: Silicone | Recommended Usage: On a clean, dry scar, cut the sheet according to the size and shape of your scar; remove the adhesive backing and place directly on the scar

buuk.top / Andy Garcia

You might be wondering how a cream differs from a gel or a sheet option. Well, it’s all in the formulation. According to Garshick, a cream is slightlymore nourishing and hydrating. “Overnight creams like this often have ingredients that work exceptionally well overnight to help aid in the repair process,” she explains. “This one in particular boosts repair overnight, as it contains TripeptolTM, a skin-nourishing complex withpeptides, collagen, and antioxidants that improve the overall texture of the skin.” The results we saw lined up perfectly with this insight. On a scar that was red, raised, and tender to the touch, we saw animprovement in the appearance of irritation and texture. After using it for a month, the scar was significantly less red and was much flatter.

The cream itself is smooth and silky, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated.It’s lighter than you might expect from an overnight cream (they usually have the reputation of being super rich), but it takes a little bit to sink into the skin. As a result, it can transfer onto your clothes or sheets if you’re impatient, so try your best to let the formula dry before changing or jumping into bed.

Who It’s For 

Try this pick if you’re interested in a product that you can apply at nighttime and reap the healing benefits while you’re sleeping. It’s also a solid choiceif you have dry skin and want something a bit more nourishing than a gel or sheet. 

Price at time of publish: $24

Type of Treatment:Cream| Size: 1.7 oz | Ingredients: Peptides, collagen, antioxidants | Recommended Usage: On a clean, dry scar, apply a thin coat of cream each evening

buuk.top / Kelly Meehan Brown

A Cesarean section is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. C-section scars from this type of incision are typically located in the area below the belly button but above the bikini line. These scars are often horizontal and about four to six inches long, though some C-section scars can be vertical—it all depends on the type of incision used. Since these scars are located on a part of the body that’s constantly moving and stretching, they can take a bit longer to heal. The good news is that, like other scars, C-section scars typically respond well to silicone, which can be found in these strips specifically designed for post-C-section use.

During testing, we loved this set of strips, as they’reincredibly comfortable(we forgot we were wearing them) and effective, especially when it came down to the color of the scars. One of the testers mentioned that before the test, her scar was purple and approximately five inches in length. After the testing period, thescar’s color and texture changed dramaticallyand she admitted that she started seeing improvement after one week of use. It’s also worth noting that the strips come in eitherclear or natural(a fabric-backed option) so you can pick the one that’ll suit you and your lifestyle the best.

The strip can be cleaned and reused, but we’ll admit that it didn’t feel the most sanitary doing so. But considering the price (just under 30 dollars) and the fact that these made aconsiderable difference in our scars, we’d be willing to purchase more in the name of cleanliness.

Who It’s For 

This is a great choice for anyone who recently gave birth via a cesarean section.It’s designed specifically for the area below the belly button, where C-section scars usually are.

Price at time of publish: $53

Type of Treatment: Sheets| Size: 1.4 x 6 in| Ingredients: Silicone|Recommended Usage:

On a clean, dry scar, apply strip and pat to secure

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Article Sources

buuk.top takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

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