Nobody makes it through life without accumulating at least a few scars along the way. Whether you have a complicated history with acne, are prone to injury or have a few surgical marks, scars are nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, they're just another way of telling the story of your life.
Of course, there's also nothing wrong with wanting to improve the appearance of your scars, and you can do it at home (at least, for the most part).
To help you get started, Shop TODAY consulted seven skin care experts to better understand why scars form in the first place and what you can do about them. We also asked them when professional intervention is necessary. Lastly, we got them to share their recommendations for scar treatments you can use at home.
What are the different types of scars?
In order to learn how to treat scars, it's important to understand a few of the most common types of scars since treatment methods can vary.
Acne scars
Breakouts suck, and they often leave behind unpleasant parting gifts in the form of acne scars.
"Acne scars form when inflammation damages the deeper layers of skin, leading to uneven texture and collagen disruption. They can be some of the hardest scars to treat because the skin has lost its structural balance," Dr. Thomas Su, who has a background in internal medicine, cosmetic surgery and stem cell therapy, says.
Per Dr. Brendan Camp, who is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, acne scars often create "depressions in the skin surface."
The skin care pro, who sees patients at MDCS Dermatology, also notes that there's a difference between acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
"PIH develops as a result of inflammation on the skin and appears darker than the surrounding skin. It can take months to improve," he says.
Stretch marks
Whether you've given birth or you've simply gained or lost weight, stretch marks are more common than you may think.
"Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched faster than it can adapt, causing micro-tears in the dermis. While moisturizers can soften their appearance, lasting results require deeper regeneration," Su, who currently works at Quantum VSEL Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa, Florida, says.
According to Camp, stretch marks can also appear as a result of an "underlying medical condition." Similar to other scars, stretch marks don't all look the same.
"The skin may appear red when they first appear (striae rubra) and fade over time (striae alba)," he says.
Raised scars (keloid and hypertrophic)
Scars can sometimes take a while to form. For instance, keloid scars (a type of raised scar) can take months to a year to materialize after an injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Meanwhile, hypertrophic scars are thick, raised scars that are an "abnormal response to wound healing," per the Clinic, and can often result from trauma, burns or surgical incisions.
"These scars result from overactive healing where excess collagen is produced. Keloids extend beyond the original wound, while hypertrophic scars remain contained but raised," Su explains.
Injury or surgical scars
Whenever you experience a significant injury or undergo surgery, scars often appear afterwards. "Post-surgical scars vary depending on how the skin heals and the level of tension around the incision," Su notes.
These scars are just par for the course as your body heals. "Scars that develop from an injury or surgical procedure represent the skin’s attempt to repair itself after sustaining damage to the deeper layers of skin (the dermis)," Camp says.
The difference between treating and preventing scars
When you injure yourself, your body needs time to rest up. Similarly, scars need time to properly heal before you can assess your next steps.
What to know about preventing scars before they form
“Preventing a scar starts the moment an injury occurs. Keeping the wound clean with gentle cleansing and applying a healing ointment helps reduce inflammation and infection risk, two major causes of excess scarring,” board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal says.
Camp also suggests covering the wound with a bandage daily until it has healed.
What to know about treating scars once they form
“After an injury has healed and the skin has closed, begin the use of scar gel or scar sheets. Stretch marks can be treated as soon as they are identified, and acne lesions should be treated as soon as they are noticed to help prevent scar formation,” Camp says.
Per Badreshia-Bansal, you can typically start this process one to two weeks after a wound appears.
Best practices for treating scars at home
When you’re trying to treat or prevent a scar at home, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. While these suggestions are good to follow, it's also best to speak with your provider first ot make sure you're using the right products for you.
Do's
- Keep the wound moist and clean: "A hydrated healing environment reduces scabbing and helps skin cells migrate smoothly. (That’s science — not just skin care folklore.)," says Dr Liia Ramachandra, the CEO of EpiLynx, a clinically and dermatologically tested skin care brand.
- Start scar care early: "The magic window is after the wound has closed but before it’s totally matured — usually one to two weeks post-injury or surgery," Ramachanda says.
- Silicone, silicone, silicone: "Whether it’s a gel, sheet or tape, silicone is the gold standard for flattening and softening scars. It helps regulate collagen production," Ramachanda says.
- Massage gently once it’s healed: "A few minutes of scar massage with a hydrating cream or silicone gel helps loosen tight fibers and boost blood flow," Ramachanda says.
- Be consistent: "The best scar treatment is the one you actually use daily," Ramachanda says.
- Exfoliate regularly: "Gently exfoliating the scars with a gentle exfoliator daily once the injury is sealed can be very helpful in molding the scar," Dr. Sean Doherty, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Boston, says.
Don’ts
- Don’t start with harsh products too soon: "If your wound is still open or scabbed, skip the acids, scrubs or retinoids. You’ll just irritate it more and slow down healing," Ramachanda says.
- Don’t forget sunscreen: "UV light can darken new scars and make them last longer. I know SPF talk is boring, but trust me, sunscreen is the best 'scar cream' you’ll ever use,” Ramachanda says.
- Don’t stretch or pick the scar: "Tension (like across joints or around the mouth) can make scars widen or thicken. Picking or scratching? That’s a fast track to more texture," Ramachanda says.
- Don’t expect overnight miracles: "Collagen remodeling takes time — think months, not days. Stick with your routine for at least eight to 12 weeks before you decide if it’s helping,” Ramachanda says.
- Don't use too many scar treatments at once: "Avoid the use of multiple scar treatments. This approach is likely to be more expensive, cumbersome and may irritate already sensitive skin," Camp says.
Best products for healing new wounds before a scar forms, according to experts
After sustaining a wound, it’s important to keep it moist if you want to prevent scarring, according to Lamb. Again, make sure to speak with your provider if an injury requires additional care, shows signs of irritation or needs professional treatment. If you feel that it is safe to proceed at home, these are the products experts recommend.
According to Doherty, it's important to avoid drying out injuries since they can "scab and then take longer to heal." To prevent that, consider using a product like Vaseline, which several of the pros we polled recommend.
“This multipurpose healing ointment can be used to treat wounds. It acts as a barrier to prevent infection and improve the healing environment to encourage the re-epithelialization of skin after an injury,” Camp says.
Made of 100% pure petroleum jelly, the classic product has a triple-purified formula. Per the brand it can heal, protect and hydrate dry, cracked skin.
"Many studies show that Vaseline and Aquaphor tend to be the best (for treating wounds)," Lamb says.
Not sure how else you can help a wound heal? The skin care pro suggests using antibiotics only "if you notice signs of infection."
"Beyond that, use soap and water and petrolatum-based emollients and keep it covered," she says.
Best at-home scar and stretch mark treatments, according to experts and editors
Once your wound has healed, it's time to start preventing scars with some targeted at-home treatments. Consider these options, the pros swear by.
Best for acne scars:
Ramachanda is a fan of this "100% medical-grade silicone" that's ideal for acne scars.
"It locks in hydration, reduces redness and flattens raised scars over time," she says.
According to the brand, the product can address both old and new scars. It can also address itchiness and discomfort and improve texture.
Best for stretch marks:
Ideal for stretch marks, this cream uses a triple-action formula to moisturize skin and boost collagen production.
"Mederma has been around forever for a reason. This product's onion extract and hydrating base help calm inflammation and smooth texture," Ramachanda says.
“Along with shea butter, this cream contains Vanistryl, a proprietary ingredient thought to target multiple factors involved in the development of stretch marks,” Camp previously told us. According to the brand, for best results, apply in the morning and evening.
Best for raised scars:
“Cica-Care sheets are great if you prefer something you can stick on and forget. Bonus: the gentle pressure helps flatten scars even more,” Ramachanda says, adding that these sheets are particularly helpful for raised scars.
So, how do they work? First, clean and dry the scar and surrounding skin. Then, apply the self-adhesive sheet to the scar. It can also be attached with tape or a bandage if you want extra coverage. According to the brand, the washable, reusable sheets can work on scars up to 20 years old.
Best for surgical/injury-related scars:
“This lightweight, fragrance-free formula uses peptides and natural botanical extracts to hydrate and smooth healing skin, helping soften new and older scars,” Badreshia-Bansal says.
The skin pro notes that the cream is ideal for surgical or injury-related scars and can be applied twice daily, “once the wound is fully closed."
If you're looking to reduce the appearance of post-surgical scars, Lamb suggests giving this treatment a try, usually two weeks after surgery.
Per the brand, it can be used on the face and body to reduce scarring and pigmentation while smoothing out skin.
Best for multiple types of scars:
Su says this gel is “excellent for overall skin healing and reducing redness or irritation.”
“It contains natural resins that help strengthen the skin barrier and promote regeneration, making it especially helpful for newer scars or post-inflammatory marks,” he says.
Per the brand, the product contains soothing properties that can address dryness and firm skin.
"A long-time dermatologist favorite, this gel contains onion bulb extract, which helps improve the color and texture of both new and old scars over time. It’s best for mild to moderate scars when used consistently for several months," Badreshia-Bansal says.
According to the brand, the gel can address scars from acne, burns, surgery and injury with its triple action formula that goes deep into the skin to hydrate skin and boost collagen production.
Su calls this popular product “ideal for stretch marks and general scar softening,” saying it improves elasticity “with consistent use.”
Badreshia-Bansal is also a fan, noting that it “helps even out skin tone and improves the look of stretch marks.” The pro recommends massaging it onto clean, dry skin once or twice daily.
Per the brand, the product can also be used on scars from acne, injuries, surgery and more.
"Hyaluronic acid, a proprietary postbiotic restorative ingredient, silicones and thermal spring water are included in this scar gel that can be used to improve pain, itching, coloration thickness and pliability of scars," Camp says.
The brand recommends applying the gel twice a day on clean skin and notes that it's particularly useful for recent scars up to six months old.
Best for older scars:
"Lightweight and discrete, these water-resistant silicone gel sheets are intended for the management of old and new scars, including hypertrophic and keloid scars resulting from surgery, trauma, wounds and burns," Camp says.
Editorial Assistant Erica Marrison swears by Scaraway after using them for months: “I suffered a major arm injury a few years back, which left me with standard and hypotrophic scars in a mess all around my upper right arm. When I was in the hospital, I was fortunate to have a plastic surgery resident stop by my room who recommended Scaraway silicone patches above all other at-home treatments. I went through many boxes, wearing them for about six months."
"While my scars remain more visible then I’d like, they’re far better than they could have been because I was so diligent with my treatment. Keeping silicone on the scars, and keeping my arm covered from the sun, was key," adds Marrison.
Frequently asked questions
When it comes to scar treatment, there are a few superstar ingredients to look out for.
- Silicone: “Particularly for healing scars, silicone-based gels work well. For older and closed scars, try silicone strips/patches,” Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says.
- Tretinoin: “For redness in scars, try tretinoin 0.1%, which is prescription strength and has been proven in study after study,” Lamb says, explaining that retinoids are best used once scars are set in or indented.
- Peptides: Badreshia-Bansal says peptides can “support collagen remodeling and smooth the area” around a scar.
- Niacinamide: “For redness in acne that is healing, try niacinamide,” Lamb says.
- Exfoliating acids: Per Badreshia-Bansal, acne scars and stretch marks often “require longer-term texture repair ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids.”
- Centella Asiatica: “Products containing Centella Asiatica are thought to be helpful for wound healing and scar treatment,” Camp says.
As with anything, patience is essential while treating a scar.
“The length of time needed to heal depends on the significance of the injury. The first few weeks are the most important and this is the time that scars are most amenable to treatment. Scars can heal and mature for 12 to 24 months after injury, but interventions should be done as early as possible,” Dr. Sean Doherty, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Boston, says.
Camp suggests using a scar treatment consistently for at least three months before deciding “if it is helpful or not.”
In an ideal world, we’d be able to treat all of our skin care woes at home. And while you can do quite a bit for your scars from the comfort of home, you might need to visit a professional for trickier scars.
“Minor scars can often be improved with consistent at-home care like silicone gels, hydration and gentle exfoliation. However, deeper or more raised scars typically need professional in-office treatments,” Su says.
Not sure when you should seek professional help? Doherty offers the following tips.
“If there is any gaping, loss of tissue, significant presence of dirt or foreign body, or any concern for infection, then I recommend seeing a medical professional and then creating a good home care routine. Some in-office treatments that may be recommended are microneedling, or non-ablative laser resurfacing or even surgical scar revision,” he says.
"Older scars are tougher because they’ve already matured — the collagen is set, blood vessels have calmed down, and your skin’s basically like, 'I’m done here.' But don’t lose hope — there are things that can still help with texture and color," Ramachanda says.
The skin care pro recommends the following steps to address older, stubborn scars:
- Keep up the silicone: "Even old scars can soften and fade a bit with continued silicone gel or sheets," she says.
- Add gentle actives (when skin is stable): "Retinoids (like adapalene or tretinoin) can help remodel collagen in acne scars and stretch marks. They boost cell turnover. But start slow, since they can irritate if overused," she explains.
- Microneedling (at home or professional): "Tiny controlled micro-injuries can reactivate collagen remodeling in older scars. Just make sure your device is clean and you’re not going too deep," she says.
- Hydrate and massage: "A good peptide or growth-factor serum under your silicone gel can give skin the nutrients it needs to remodel. Daily gentle massage (with clean hands!) makes a surprising difference over time," she says.
How we chose
While compiling the list of best at-home treatments for scars, we consulted seven skin care pros, ranging from dermatologists and plastic surgeons and everyone in between. We asked them for their top picks for a variety of scars, ranging from acne and injury scars to surgical scars and stretch marks.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who works at Elite MD.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology in Midtown, NY, Commack, LI and Hampton Bays, LI.
- Dr. Sean Doherty is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Boston, MA. He specializes in breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction and more.
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She regularly appears on TODAY to share her skin care tips.
- Dr Liia Ramachandra is the CEO of EpiLynx, a clinically and dermatologically tested skin care brand.
- Dr. Thomas Su has experience in internal medicine, cosmetic surgery and stem cell therapy. He is a cosmetic surgeon at Artlipo and the founder of VSEL Stem in Tampa, FL
