Scars are proof that your skin survived something: a kitchen mishap, a surgery, a breakout that behaved like a tiny villain, or that one time you confidently walked into the corner of a coffee table. The good news? While no scar cream can wave a magic wand and erase skin history overnight, the right scar treatment can help improve texture, color, thickness, dryness, and overall appearance when used consistently.
The best scar creams and treatments depend on the type of scar you have. A raised surgical scar may respond well to silicone sheets. A dark post-acne mark may need sunscreen and brightening ingredients. A pitted acne scar may require professional treatments rather than a tube from the drugstore. In other words, scar care is less “one miracle jar” and more “choose the right tool for the scar’s personality.”
Below is a practical, dermatologist-informed guide to the 7 best scar creams and treatments, including who they are best for, how to use them, and what expectations are actually realistic.
How Scar Creams and Treatments Work
Before buying anything, it helps to know what scar products can and cannot do. Scar creams usually work by hydrating the area, protecting the skin barrier, softening thickened tissue, reducing irritation, or improving the look of discoloration. Silicone-based products are often recommended for raised scars because they create a flexible, protective layer that helps keep the scar hydrated and may reduce excessive collagen buildup.
However, creams cannot fully rebuild deep skin indentations. For pitted acne scars, ice-pick scars, rolling scars, or scars that pull the skin inward, professional treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, subcision, or fillers may be more effective. That does not mean over-the-counter products are useless. It simply means the best scar treatment is the one matched to the scar type.
Quick Guide: Match the Treatment to the Scar
- Raised scars: Silicone gel sheets, silicone scar gel, pressure therapy, dermatologist injections, laser therapy.
- New surgical scars: Silicone sheets or gel after the wound fully closes, plus sunscreen.
- Dark acne marks: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, niacinamide, vitamin C, gentle exfoliation, retinoids when appropriate.
- Pitted acne scars: Microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, subcision, fillers, or dermatologist-led procedures.
- Dry or irritated healing skin: Petroleum-based ointment and gentle wound care before moving to scar treatment.
1. Silicone Scar Sheets: Best Overall for Raised Scars
If scar treatments had a sensible older sibling, silicone scar sheets would be it. They are not flashy, they do not smell like a flower garden, and they will not promise to make a 10-year-old scar vanish by Tuesday. But for raised scars, hypertrophic scars, and some keloid-prone areas, silicone sheets are among the most widely recommended over-the-counter options.
Why They Stand Out
Silicone scar sheets form a soft, flexible covering over a healed scar. This helps maintain hydration and may reduce scar thickness, redness, and discomfort over time. They are especially useful for surgical scars, C-section scars, injury scars, and scars on flatter body areas where a sheet can stay in place without doing gymnastics.
Examples to Consider
Popular options include Biodermis Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets and ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets. These products are commonly chosen because they are reusable, cuttable, and designed for closed, healed skin.
Best For
Silicone sheets are best for raised scars, newer healed scars, surgical scars, and scars in areas where the sheet can stay attached. They are not ideal for open wounds, infected skin, or very hairy areas unless you enjoy the world’s least pleasant peel-off experience.
How to Use
Apply silicone sheets only after the wound is completely closed. Clean and dry the skin first, then wear the sheet for several hours daily according to product instructions. Many people need consistent use for several weeks to months before seeing improvement.
2. Silicone Scar Gel: Best for Face, Joints, and Awkward Areas
Silicone scar gel is the cousin of silicone sheets, but with better flexibility. It dries into a thin, transparent layer, making it useful for scars on the face, neck, elbows, knees, hands, or other places where sheets may roll up, slide off, or make you look like you lost a fight with office tape.
Why It Works
Silicone gel helps create a protective barrier over the scar. It can soften, flatten, and smooth raised scars when used consistently. Because it dries clear, it is usually easier to wear during the day, under clothing, or in visible areas.
Examples to Consider
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel is a well-known option that dries clear and is designed for visible or hard-to-cover scars. Kelo-Cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel is another silicone-based product often used for raised scars, surgical scars, burns, cuts, and other closed-skin scars.
Best For
Silicone gel is best for raised scars in curved, visible, or high-movement areas. It is also convenient for people who do not want to wear a physical sheet during the day.
How to Use
Apply a very thin layer to clean, dry, closed skin. More gel does not mean faster results; it usually just means a sticky shirt. Let it dry completely before sunscreen, makeup, or clothing. Use daily as directed for at least two to three months for the best chance of visible improvement.
3. Mederma Advanced Scar Gel: Best Drugstore Scar Cream for Older Marks
Mederma is probably the scar cream your friend, aunt, neighbor, or suspiciously confident coworker has mentioned at least once. Its Advanced Scar Gel uses allantoin as an active skin protectant, along with onion bulb extract, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, and other ingredients designed to moisturize and improve the look of scars over time.
Why It Stands Out
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel is widely available, relatively easy to use, and popular for people who prefer a traditional gel instead of silicone sheets. It is often used for old and new scars, though results vary depending on scar age, depth, and consistency of use.
Best For
This is a reasonable option for people who want an easy drugstore scar gel for minor scars, older marks, or areas where daily application is simple. It may be especially appealing for people who dislike the feel of silicone sheets.
What to Know
Mederma can help improve the appearance of some scars, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed eraser. Raised scars may still do better with silicone-based therapy. Deep pitted scars generally need professional treatments. Also, because some formulas contain fragrance or alcohol, sensitive skin types should patch test first.
4. CeraVe Healing Ointment or Plain Petroleum Jelly: Best for Early Wound Care
Here is the unglamorous truth: some of the best scar prevention begins before the scar has fully formed. When a minor cut, scrape, or surgical incision is still healing, your goal is not to attack it with strong scar cream. Your goal is to keep it clean, moist, protected, and calm. Skin does not heal better when it is dry and crusty, despite what playground folklore may have taught us.
Why It Helps
Petroleum-based ointments help keep healing skin moist and protected. This can reduce the chance of the wound drying out, cracking, or forming a thick scab. Moist wound care may help prevent a scar from becoming larger, deeper, or itchier.
Examples to Consider
CeraVe Healing Ointment contains petrolatum, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Plain petroleum jelly is another simple option. Neither is glamorous, but both are practical. Think of them as the sweatpants of skin care: not fancy, very useful.
Best For
This approach is best for fresh minor wounds, dry healing skin, and post-procedure areas when a healthcare professional recommends ointment care. It is not a treatment for fully mature deep scars, but it can support better-looking healing from the beginning.
How to Use
Gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply a thin layer of ointment, and cover with a clean bandage if needed. Do not use scar gels, retinoids, acids, or brightening treatments on open wounds.
5. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Best for Preventing Scar Darkening
Sunscreen may not sound like a scar treatment, but it deserves a front-row seat. UV exposure can darken scars and post-inflammatory marks, making them more noticeable and slower to fade. If your scar care routine skips sunscreen, it is like brushing your teeth while eating a cookie. Admirable effort, questionable strategy.
Why It Matters
New scars and acne marks are especially vulnerable to discoloration. Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, which can worsen uneven tone and delay visible fading. For scars on the face, neck, chest, arms, or hands, sunscreen is not optional if the goal is a smoother, less noticeable mark.
Best For
Sunscreen is essential for dark scars, red scars, post-acne marks, surgical scars exposed to daylight, and any scar in a visible area. It is also important when using exfoliating acids, retinoids, or brightening ingredients.
What to Look For
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily use. If your skin is acne-prone, look for non-comedogenic formulas. If your scar is on the body, consider protective clothing as well, especially during long outdoor exposure.
6. Retinoids, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Gentle Exfoliants: Best for Acne Marks and Uneven Tone
Not every “scar” is technically a scar. Many people call dark spots after pimples “acne scars,” but these are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are flat marks, not dents or raised tissue. That distinction matters because flat discoloration usually responds better to pigment-focused skin care than to silicone scar sheets.
Why They Help
Retinoids can support cell turnover and improve uneven texture over time. Vitamin C may help brighten the look of dull or uneven skin. Niacinamide can support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven tone. Gentle chemical exfoliants, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, may help smooth roughness and encourage a fresher-looking surface.
Best For
These ingredients are best for flat dark marks, mild textural unevenness, and post-acne discoloration. They are not the best solution for raised keloids or deep pitted acne scars.
How to Use Safely
Start slowly. Use one active ingredient at a time, two or three nights per week, and increase only if your skin tolerates it. Always pair these ingredients with sunscreen during the day. Do not apply strong actives to broken skin, irritated skin, or fresh wounds.
7. Professional Scar Treatments: Best for Deep, Thick, or Stubborn Scars
Sometimes the best scar treatment is not a cream at all. This is especially true for deep acne scars, large keloids, thick hypertrophic scars, burn scars, and scars that itch, hurt, grow, or limit movement. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons have tools that can remodel scar tissue more effectively than over-the-counter products.
Common Professional Options
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to stimulate collagen remodeling and is often used for acne scars. Laser resurfacing can improve texture, redness, and unevenness depending on the laser type and skin tone. Chemical peels may help with mild acne scarring and discoloration. Corticosteroid injections can help flatten some thick raised scars. Fillers may lift certain depressed scars. Subcision can release tethered rolling scars beneath the skin.
Best For
Professional treatments are best for scars that are deep, thick, painful, itchy, growing, or emotionally distressing. They are also useful when over-the-counter scar creams have been used consistently but results have stalled.
What to Expect
Most professional scar treatments require a series of sessions. Results are gradual, not instant. A dermatologist will consider your scar type, skin tone, medical history, budget, downtime tolerance, and risk of pigmentation changes before recommending a plan.
How to Choose the Best Scar Cream or Treatment
Choosing scar care does not need to feel like decoding a secret skincare scroll. Start with the scar type. If it is raised, look at silicone sheets or gel first. If it is flat and dark, focus on sunscreen and tone-evening ingredients. If it is indented, consider a dermatologist consultation. If the wound is still open, skip scar creams and focus on gentle wound care.
Check the Scar’s Age
Newer scars are usually more responsive than older scars. That does not mean older scars cannot improve, but they often need more patience. A fresh healed surgical scar may improve noticeably with silicone and sunscreen, while a years-old raised scar may need professional help.
Consider the Location
Sheets work well on flat areas like the abdomen, chest, or upper arm. Gels work better on the face, hands, knees, elbows, and places that move a lot. Sunscreen is crucial for any scar exposed to daylight, even if you are “just running errands.” The sun does not care that you are only going to buy oat milk.
Patch Test First
Scarred skin can be sensitive. Apply a small amount of product to a nearby area for a day or two before committing. Stop using a product if it causes burning, rash, swelling, or worsening irritation.
Common Mistakes That Make Scars Look Worse
The first mistake is treating an open wound like a mature scar. Do not apply silicone scar gel, retinoids, acids, or brightening serums to broken skin. The second mistake is skipping sunscreen. Even a great scar cream cannot outwork repeated UV exposure. The third mistake is giving up after one week. Scar remodeling is slow, and most products need consistent use for months.
Another common mistake is over-treating. Scrubbing, picking, harsh exfoliation, and stacking five active ingredients can irritate the skin and make discoloration worse. Scar care rewards patience. It is not a sprint; it is a very slow walk wearing sensible shoes.
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if your scar is painful, itchy, growing, thick, darkening quickly, restricting movement, or causing significant distress. You should also seek professional advice for keloids, burn scars, deep acne scars, or scars on the face that are not improving with careful home treatment.
A dermatologist can confirm whether you are dealing with a scar, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, active acne, or another skin condition. That diagnosis matters because the best treatment for each one is different.
Real-Life Experience: What Using Scar Creams and Treatments Actually Feels Like
Using scar treatments in real life is less glamorous than the product ads suggest. Nobody shows the part where you are standing in the bathroom, waiting for silicone gel to dry while your sleeve hovers in midair like you are performing modern dance. But consistency is where the magic, or at least the visible improvement, tends to happen.
One common experience with silicone sheets is the learning curve. At first, they may feel odd, especially if you are wearing them under clothing. The edges can lift. The sheet may collect lint. If the scar is near a joint, the sheet may shift when you move. But once you find the right size and routine, sheets can be surprisingly easy. Many people prefer using them at night because they can apply the sheet, forget about it, and let it do its quiet little job while they sleep.
Silicone gel feels more convenient during the day, especially on visible areas. It usually takes only a small amount. The trick is not to overapply. Too much gel can remain tacky, attract fabric, or pill under sunscreen. A thin layer is the goal. If it looks like you frosted a cupcake, you have gone too far.
For acne marks, the experience is different. There is often a temptation to use every brightening ingredient at once: vitamin C in the morning, retinoid at night, exfoliating acid whenever impatience strikes, and maybe a random mask because the internet said so. That usually backfires. A calmer plan works better: sunscreen every morning, one treatment product at night, moisturizer, and time. Dark marks often fade slowly, especially on deeper skin tones, so progress photos every few weeks can be more useful than daily mirror inspections under bathroom lighting, which is basically emotional sabotage.
Petroleum-based ointments are another underappreciated part of scar care. During early healing, they may feel too simple to matter. But keeping a minor wound moist and protected can make a real difference in how comfortable the area feels. The key is using a thin layer and keeping the wound clean. More ointment does not equal more healing; it just means everything you own becomes slightly shiny.
Professional treatments come with their own reality check. Microneedling, laser resurfacing, peels, and injections can be helpful, but they require planning, downtime, money, and the right provider. Results are rarely instant. After a session, the skin may look red, dry, swollen, or flaky before it improves. This is why consultation matters. A good dermatologist will explain what is realistic, how many sessions may be needed, and what risks apply to your skin tone and scar type.
The biggest lesson from scar care is patience. A scar may continue changing for a year or longer. Some flatten. Some fade. Some need help. Some become part of your skin’s story and stop bothering you as much as they once did. The goal of scar treatment is not always perfection. Often, it is comfort, confidence, smoother texture, softer color, and feeling less distracted by the mark when you look in the mirror.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Scar Treatment?
The best scar treatment is the one that matches your scar. For raised scars, silicone sheets or silicone gel are strong first choices. For fresh healing skin, gentle wound care and petroleum-based ointment matter. For dark marks, sunscreen is non-negotiable. For acne discoloration, ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, retinoids, and gentle exfoliants may help. For deep or stubborn scars, professional treatments often deliver the most meaningful results.
No cream can erase every scar, and any product promising overnight transformation deserves a raised eyebrow. But with the right approach, consistent use, and realistic expectations, many scars can become flatter, softer, lighter, and less noticeable. Your skin has done the hard work of healing. Scar care is simply helping it finish the job with a little more polish.
