Flat scars and areas of discolouration from a superficial wound (such as a cut or a nasty spot) are usually temporary. Raised scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars result from an overly aggressive healing process, and they’re often permanent. Larger ones can be removed by surgery or steroid injections, but smaller keloids and hypertrophic scars can be treated at home using products containing scar-shrinking ingredients such as silicone and allantoin. What active ingredients should I look for in the best scar creams? A 2020 review of six studies found that the use of topically applied silicone was beneficial for preventing post-operative scar formation. Researchers also found that topically applied silicone sheets or gel significantly reduced scar pigmentation and height. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2002/08000/International_Clinical_Recommendations_on_Scar.31.aspx Atrophic scars don’t respond well to at-home treatments. But medical treatments such as chemical peels and soft tissue fillers can be highly effective for significantly reducing their appearance. Keloid scars EGCG is an antioxidant found in green tea. Since it is water soluble, it can’t adhere to skin or scar tissue on its own.

Scarring is a common part of healing. Scarring can be caused by cuts, burns, surgery, acne, and a host of other issues that affect skin. When you have a wound, your skin tries to close itself to shield your body from germs and bacteria. This closure leads to a scar. Syed F, et al. (2013). Ex vivo evaluation of antifibrotic compounds in skin scarring: EGCG and silencing of PAI-1 independently inhibit growth and induce keloid shrinkage.

If you want to fade dark marks, board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman M.D. suggests looking for an option that features active ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, phytic acid, l-ascorbic acid, or glycolic acid, as they brighten the skin and promote cellular turnover to reveal younger, healthier cells, fade dark spots, and improve overall skin tone. You may need to follow your scar removal regimen with a separate product to achieve both goals. Our best dark spot correctors, also tested for 12 weeks, is a great place to start your search for that. Oftentimes, if medical treatment isn’t an option, OTC scar creams can be used with other remedies, such as compression garments, skin massages, and moisturizing the skin. What else can I do for scars? Emollients such as shea butter, coconut oil and candelilla wax dramatically soften the skin and help to restore its elasticity, and also help to protect it by creating a smooth barrier to seal in moisture. As a bonus, natural emollients like these are vegan and cruelty-free alternatives to lanolin, which is derived from sheep’s wool. Silicone gel delivers results faster than most other scar-reducing treatments, but you still need to put in some work (and patience). Massage a small amount into the scar with your fingers in a circular motion for about 10 minutes, two or three times a day, every day, for a few weeks or months to help clear the scar tissue. Cho YS, et al. (2014). The effect of burn rehabilitation massage therapy on hypertrophic scar after burn: A randomized controlled trial.

After three weeks of applying the gel twice daily, we began to notice a much more natural-looking flesh tone on the scar. There was also a decrease in the thin red vertical veining running through it. Most of all, the scar that was once a quarter of an inch above the surface of the skin had visibly flattened—not completely, but enough to make us feel ecstatic. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2018/08100/Does_the_form_of_dressings_matter___A_comparison.21.aspxStudies have found that some of them, like silicone and green tea, have benefits. Others, like onion skin and aloe vera, are unproven for treating scar tissue but may have value for soothing skin. What We Love: Our stubborn scar dramatically reduced in size and color — and we had tried plenty of options over the years that were ineffective.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Draelos ZD, et al. (2012). A new proprietary onion extract gel improves the appearance of new scars. Some users may experience burning, irritation, itchiness, and redness after application. What is the best time to use scar cream?