Scar reduction works best with clinician-backed silicone and practical topical options you’ll actually use. For 2026, top picks include durable silicone sheets, once-daily collagen-supporting gels, discreet silicone tape, moisturizing dimethicone creams, and silicone-plus-SPF gels. These products suit fresh and older scars, different body locations, and varied daily routines.
Read on for specifics to match a treatment to your scar type and schedule.
| ScarAway Advanced Clear Silicone Scar Sheets (6 Pack) |
| Best For Discreet Wear | Intended use: Treats and prevents surgical, burn, body, hypertrophic, keloid, acne, cut scars | Active silicone component: Medical‑grade silicone sheets | Suitable for old and new scars: Effective on newly healed wounds and older visible scars | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Mederma Advanced Scar Gel (50g) |
| Dermatologist Trusted | Intended use: Treats old and new scars from acne, stitches, burns, injury, surgery | Active silicone component: Silicone-based gel formulation (advanced scar gel) | Suitable for old and new scars: Indicated for both old and new scars (use times differ) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Silicone Scar Tape Roll for Surgical and Keloid Scars |
| Best For Large Areas | Intended use: Treats surgical scars, C-section, tummy tuck, keloid, acne scars | Active silicone component: 100% medical‑grade silicone tape/roll | Suitable for old and new scars: Clinically proven to improve appearance of old and new scars | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Reatoy Silicone Scar Cream with 3% Dimethicone (55ml) |
| Best For Sensitive Skin | Intended use: Treats surgical, C-section, acne, burn, stretch mark, keloid, injury scars | Active silicone component: 3% medical‑grade dimethicone (silicone complex) | Suitable for old and new scars: Suitable for old and new scars (face and body) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Biocorneum Advanced Silicone Scar Gel SPF 30 |
| Best With Sun Protection | Intended use: Treats face and body scars including keloid, hypertrophic, burns, hyperpigmentation | Active silicone component: Silishield® crosslinked silicone gel (SPF 30) | Suitable for old and new scars: Shown effective on new scars (60 days) and old scars (90 days) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ScarAway Advanced Clear Silicone Scar Sheets (6 Pack)
Provided you want a low‑maintenance, doctor‑recommended option for treating new or older scars, ScarAway Advanced Clear Silicone Scar Sheets are a strong choice — they’re medical‑grade silicone strips you stick on the skin to soften, flatten, and fade surgical, burn, acne, or injury scars, and each clear, cuttable sheet lasts up to 10 days so you can wear them through showers and daily life. You’ll get six 1.5″ x 3″ clear sheets that cut to fit small scars or sit side‑by‑side for larger areas. Clinically supported, they reduce redness, itching, and discomfort; with consistent use, visible improvement appears in 4–8 weeks.
- Intended use:Treats and prevents surgical, burn, body, hypertrophic, keloid, acne, cut scars
- Active silicone component:Medical‑grade silicone sheets
- Suitable for old and new scars:Effective on newly healed wounds and older visible scars
- Clinically or professionally supported:Clinically supported; recommended by doctors/plastic surgeons
- Wear/application format:Self‑adhesive clear silicone sheets (1.5″ x 3″, 6 pack)
- Visible improvement timeframe:Visible results typically within 4–8 weeks
- Additional Feature:Cuttable for custom sizing
- Additional Feature:Water-resistant adhesive
- Additional Feature:Durable up to 10 days
Mederma Advanced Scar Gel (50g)
Provided you’re looking to minimize the look of both new and old scars—from acne, surgery, burns, or injuries—Mederma Advanced Scar Gel (50g) is a practical choice that works with your skin’s natural healing through supporting collagen renewal and sealing in moisture. You’ll apply it once daily; it absorbs quickly, isn’t sticky, and suits daily routines. Its triple-action formula penetrates beneath the skin, seals in moisture, and supports cell renewal. Clinically shown to reduce scar appearance, use at least eight weeks for new scars and three to six months for existing scars. It’s HSA/FSA eligible and trusted across U.S. clinicians.
- Intended use:Treats old and new scars from acne, stitches, burns, injury, surgery
- Active silicone component:Silicone-based gel formulation (advanced scar gel)
- Suitable for old and new scars:Indicated for both old and new scars (use times differ)
- Clinically or professionally supported:Clinically shown; trusted by physicians and specialists (survey)
- Wear/application format:Topical gel tube (50 g) applied once daily
- Visible improvement timeframe:New scars: at least 8 weeks; existing scars: 3–6 months
- Additional Feature:Triple-action penetrating formula
- Additional Feature:Fast-absorbing, non-sticky
- Additional Feature:HSA/FSA eligible
Silicone Scar Tape Roll for Surgical and Keloid Scars
In case you’re managing surgical, C-section, or keloid scars and want a discreet, doctor-recommended option, silicone scar tape rolls are a strong choice — they’re ultra-thin, medical‑grade silicone that conforms to skin and can be worn day and night to soften, flatten, and fade scars while regulating collagen and keeping the area hydrated. You’ll get a 1.6″ x 158″ roll safe for all skin types, free of latex and harsh additives. Clinically proven and favored by surgeons, it’s reusable (washable, each sheet lasts up to two weeks), comfortable, discreet under clothing, non-irritating, and cost-effective in place of single-use alternatives.
- Intended use:Treats surgical scars, C-section, tummy tuck, keloid, acne scars
- Active silicone component:100% medical‑grade silicone tape/roll
- Suitable for old and new scars:Clinically proven to improve appearance of old and new scars
- Clinically or professionally supported:Clinically proven; recommended by plastic surgeons/dermatologists; used in clinics
- Wear/application format:Silicone tape roll (1.6″ x 158″) cut-to-size, adherent strip
- Visible improvement timeframe:Clinically shown improvement (timing not precisely specified in summary)
- Additional Feature:Long 4-meter roll
- Additional Feature:Washable and reusable
- Additional Feature:Ultra-thin, discreet wear
Reatoy Silicone Scar Cream with 3% Dimethicone (55ml)
Provided that you want a portable, clinic-grade option for both new and old scars, choose Reatoy Silicone Scar Cream with 3% medical‑grade dimethicone — it’s formulated to reduce thickness, color and texture irregularities and won’t feel greasy on your skin. You’ll get a 55 mL tube combining dimethicone with aloe vera, centella and vitamin E in a breathable base. Use it twice daily on surgical, C-section, acne, burn, stretch mark or keloid scars on face and body. Clinical studies show visible improvement in 4–6 weeks and up to 20–40% thickness reduction in 8–12 weeks. It’s dermatologist‑approved, FDA registered and refundable.
- Intended use:Treats surgical, C-section, acne, burn, stretch mark, keloid, injury scars
- Active silicone component:3% medical‑grade dimethicone (silicone complex)
- Suitable for old and new scars:Suitable for old and new scars (face and body)
- Clinically or professionally supported:Dermatologist‑approved; clinical test results cited; FDA registered NDC
- Wear/application format:Topical cream tube (55 mL) applied twice daily
- Visible improvement timeframe:Visible improvement in 4–6 weeks; greater changes by 8–12 weeks
- Additional Feature:Contains centella and aloe
- Additional Feature:FDA-registered with NDC
- Additional Feature:Refund guarantee offered
Biocorneum Advanced Silicone Scar Gel SPF 30
Provided you want a fast‑drying, surgeon‑recommended silicone gel that also shields new scars from sun damage, Biocorneum Advanced Silicone Scar Gel SPF 30 is a top choice. You’ll get Silishield® crosslinked silicone plus broad‑spectrum SPF 30 in a 10 g tube made in the USA. It’s professional‑grade and the #1 surgeon‑recommended silicone gel among U.S. plastic surgeons. Suitable for kids over six months, it treats face and body scars, including keloids, hypertrophic scars, burns, and dog bites. Apply morning and evening; expect visible improvement for new scars in about 60 days and older scars within 90 days.
- Intended use:Treats face and body scars including keloid, hypertrophic, burns, hyperpigmentation
- Active silicone component:Silishield® crosslinked silicone gel (SPF 30)
- Suitable for old and new scars:Shown effective on new scars (60 days) and old scars (90 days)
- Clinically or professionally supported:Surgeon‑recommended (#1 among US plastic surgeons); professional-grade
- Wear/application format:Fast‑drying silicone gel (10 g) applied morning and evening (includes SPF)
- Visible improvement timeframe:New scars: within 60 days; old scars: within 90 days
- Additional Feature:Built-in SPF 30 protection
- Additional Feature:Silishield crosslinked silicone
- Additional Feature:Child-safe from 6 months
Factors to Consider When Choosing Scar Reducing Treatments
When choosing a scar treatment, consider the scar’s type and age because fresh scars often respond differently than older ones. Consider about where the scar sits, how the treatment works, and whether your skin is sensitive to certain ingredients. Also weigh safety, how long results last, and how convenient the regimen will be for your routine.
Scar Type & Age
Because scars differ in type, age, depth, and location, choosing the right treatment means matching the therapy to those specific features rather than using a universal approach. In case your scar is recent (weeks to a few months), expect faster responses—silicone gels or sheets often show visible improvement within 4–12 weeks. Mature scars usually need months of consistent therapy. Raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid) respond better to pressure, silicone, or steroid-based interventions; depressed atrophic scars often need resurfacing or fillers. Color matters: erythematous or hyperpigmented scars benefit from prompt treatment and strict sun protection to prevent worsening. Also confirm the wound fully epithelialized and bear in mind wound depth—treatments work best on closed wounds without deep subcutaneous loss.
Scar Location Impact
Although scar appearance is shaped through biology, the location of your scar strongly dictates which treatments will work best. Scars on high-tension sites (chest, shoulders, joints) tend to hypertrophy, so you’ll need longer silicone or pressure therapy and close monitoring. Sun-exposed areas like the face and forearms risk hyperpigmentation, so include strict sun protection and UV-blocking measures alongside treatments. Facial scars usually have better blood supply and respond faster to topicals, whereas dense scars on the back or torso often require prolonged or adjunctive approaches. Areas that move frequently (knees, elbows, mouth) benefit from longer wear times or flexible materials to prevent widening. Finally, consider accessibility: hard-to-reach sites need alternate delivery methods or assistance to maintain consistent care.
Treatment Mechanism Matters
Location informs a lot about which approaches will work, but you also need to match the treatment to how it actually affects scar biology. You’ll choose differently for raised versus superficial scars: therapies that modulate collagen synthesis—silicone occlusion, sustained pressure, or steroid injections—work best for hypertrophic and keloid scars by softening, flattening, and reducing redness. Silicone-based gels and sheets hydrate tissue and regulate collagen, with visible improvement often in 4–12 weeks. Topical gels or creams that form an occlusive film or contain dimethicone lock in moisture and encourage organized remodeling during maturation. Combining occlusion with UV protection helps prevent hyperpigmentation as scars heal. Recall that consistent, long-duration application—daily use for weeks to months—is essential because remodeling is a slow biological process.
Safety And Skin Sensitivity
During choosing a scar treatment, consider how your skin reacts and any conditions that raise sensitivity. Patch-test medical‑grade silicone (sheets, tapes, gels) on a small area for 24–48 hours to check for adhesive or ingredient reactions. Should you have very sensitive skin, eczema, broken or infected wounds, or are pregnant, breastfeeding, an infant, or immunosuppressed, consult a dermatologist before starting therapy—occlusive products can worsen irritation or trap bacteria. Watch for allergic contact dermatitis from adhesives, fragrances, preservatives, or botanicals; stop use and seek care should you get redness, itching, blisters, or increasing pain. Use consistent sun protection on treated scars, since UV exposure increases hyperpigmentation and sensitivity, especially when agents that thin or remodel skin are used.
Durability And Convenience
While choosing a scar product, consider about how long it will actually stay effective and how it fits into your daily life—does a single silicone sheet last 7–14 days or will a gel need daily reapplication, and will the dressing hold through showers, sweat, and movement? Check labeled wear time and water resistance so treatments stay put during activity. Prefer reusable, washable silicone sheets that can be used for one to two weeks each should you want fewer changes, or choose single‑use options in case hygiene and convenience matter more. Look for small, cuttable strips and fast‑drying, non‑sticky gels for awkward areas and travel. Finally, pick ultra‑thin, breathable materials that you’ll actually wear consistently over the weeks or months needed for results.
Cost And Value
Because price alone can be misleading, compare cost per treatment-day or per usable unit to judge true value and estimate how much you’ll actually spend over the full course of therapy. Calculate expected treatment duration and daily application frequency to estimate total quantity needed, then divide package price by usable days. Account for reusability and lifespan—reusable devices might cost more upfront but lower long‑term expense. Add indirect costs like dermatologist visits, prescriptions, and any follow-up procedures to your total. Finally, weigh clinical effectiveness: use time‑to‑visible improvement and percent scar reduction to compute cost‑per‑percent improvement or cost‑per‑outcome. That lets you compare therapies objectively so you choose a solution that balances affordability with proven benefit.
Sun Protection Needs
Although scar treatments can improve texture and flattening, you still need reliable sun protection to prevent darkening and widening during the initial year of healing. UV exposure increases pigmentation and widens scars, so use broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection throughout scar maturation—up to 12 months. Apply at least SPF 30 to scars every morning and reapply every two hours whenever you’re in the sun; that routine markedly lowers hyperpigmentation risk and helps preserve treatment results. Keep in mind that silicone gels or sheets don’t block UV, so pair them with sunscreen or physical barriers. Clothing, bandages, or continuous silicone sheets work well where sunscreen rubs off or for sensitive skin and infants. Prioritize consistent protection to maintain color and texture gains.