We tested 30 scar creams in total. We rated the products based on their overall effectiveness, how they felt on our skin, if they had any scent, how easy they were to use, and what we thought their value was based on their cost and how well they worked. We also paid close attention to our scars during the testing process—to see if they were changing—and did a photo-based comparison at the end of our testing to get an objective look at any significant reduction in scarring. Scars can be beautiful, of course. A C-section scar gave life to a child, and wound scars show that you survived an injury. But scars can also really affect your confidence. So we’re very happy to discover that many scar creams really do work, with active ingredients such as medical-grade silicone gel, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and allantoin working in different ways to fade and heal different types of scar, and prevent scars from forming after injury or surgery.

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? Even though we only used the sheets at night, the scar lightened a bit in color and improved in texture. In fact, the scar flattened and smoothed out enough that hair began growing again over the scar for the first time in years. It is important to maintain realistic expectations with the treatment of scars,” says Paul M. Friedman, M.D., director of Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. “There are many options to improve the appearance of a scar and make it less apparent, but those may not be able to completely eliminate the scar depending on the scar type.”No matter how careful you are, scars happen. Environmental exposures, infections, injuries—the possibilities for acquiring scars are endless. While some scars are small and inconspicuous enough to go unnoticed, others may be larger, darker, rougher, or in a highly visible location. If you have a more noticeable scar, you may have considered using a scar cream to help repair it faster. Scar creams can not only speed the healing process but also moisturize the skin, which further promotes health and regrowth. Core ingredients: Water, Aloe Vera Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Glucan, Glycerin, Carbomer Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil: This oil was super hydrating, but also kind of messy. And while it helped clear up our mild scabbing, it didn’t do much in terms of changing the appearance of our scars. Dr. Brazzo says allantoin can hydrate the skin, soften keratin, and promote healing. You might also see hyaluronic acid in some scar treatments for the same reason. Allantoin and hyaluronic acid together stimulate collagen production, notes Dr. Brazzo, which restores the skin’s natural architecture and leads to smoother skin with normal elasticity and color. Sometimes you need the protection of our advanced formula silicone treatment, but your scar is either too large, too hard to reach or is sensitive to the touch – like a burn scar, for example. If that sounds like you, take a look at our KELO-COTE® Spray. Made with the same clinically-proven formula as our Scar Gel and designed to offer the same level of treatment and protection, our Spray comes in a self-drying formula that’s specially designed to lightly cover larger or more sensitive scars. And as with our Gel, it’s clinically-proven to both improve the appearance of existing hypertrophic and keloid scars in around 82% of patients AND help prevent abnormal scarring in up to 67% of surgery patients after just four months of twice-daily treatment. KELO-COTE® is effective on a range of scars younger than four years old including: - Surgical scars - C-section scars - Cosmetic Surgery - Burns Scars - Children's scars Warning or Restrictions

These scars heal with either extra or not enough melanin or hemosiderin present, explains Dr. Friedman. He says, hyperpigmented scars appear darker than surrounding skin while hypopigmented scars will heal lighter in color. Remedies to Get Rid of Scars Silicone A month of continued use of the ProRegen™ Medical Scar Removal Spray immensely helped in improving the overall texture and tone of my scars. They seem flattened out and are no longer as red and raised as they are prior to using this product. Overall, I like the formula and I will continue using this. The fact that I got results in less than a month gives me an assurance that it will completely diminish the post-surgical scars with continued application. I highly recommend!Any cut in the skin, whether it’s from a surgery or an accident, can result in this type of scar, says Dr. Friedman. It most often heals into a line shape. Erythematous scars Derma E Scar Gel: We liked the ease of application with this gel, but the lavender scent was overpowering and the small amount you get for the cost seemed a little unreasonable since it didn’t have a hugely noticeable effect on our scars. 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.

Adalyser sets this cookie to determine whether there is an active session and which conversions have taken place in this session to prevent duplicates, stores a list of events in this session.Our editors who tested these scar creams had a wide range of experience in using scar treatments, with some being prior users and others never having treated a scar with an OTC product before. The products were also tested on a variety of scars; some old and some new, some raised and others flat or sunken. When a large area of skin is damaged and has to join together again in the healing process, it can create a scar that not only feels tight but can cause problems with your muscles and tendons. These scars often require surgical intervention, so you should see a dermatologist if you’re interested in treating a contracture scar. Ingredients Silicone Lastly, you might find an unusual ingredient in many scar creams—onion extract. This ingredient has been shown to be an effective complementary treatment to many more common scar-healing ingredients like allantoin and petroleum-based ointments.