Medical approaches, such as laser treatments or topical prescription products, can lessen how visible scars are depending on the scar type. Home and natural methods, like aloe vera, might also offer benefits.
Managing an older scar depends on its kind and look. For instance, therapies that flatten raised scars usually won’t improve pitted or depressed scars. The best option can also vary with your skin tone.
Scars develop as part of the body’s repair process after an injury. When the dermis (the second skin layer) is harmed, your body creates collagen fibers to mend the area, which leads to a scar.
How severe a scar becomes often relates to the severity of the initial injury. Scars form differently on various parts of the body and can vary by the age of the person who was injured.
Keep reading to discover common medical and natural approaches for improving scar appearance and how well they work for different scar types.
Top 10 medical treatments for reducing scars
There’s no guaranteed method to erase scars entirely, but many scars fade and become less noticeable with time.
Certain medical procedures and over-the-counter (OTC) products can help make scars less visible.
Silicone gels or sheets
Silicone gels and sheets are soft, flexible materials applied like adhesive dressings. They’re effective at softening tissue and flattening scars.
Some varieties can be worn every day and cleaned. Follow package instructions on reuse and wear time. These are available without a prescription at most stores.
Steroids
Corticosteroid injections can work well for specific scars, such as hypertrophic or keloid scars.
They are injected into the scar tissue to reduce itching, discoloration, and burning sensations that these scars may cause. They’re not usually used for flat scars because injecting them into an already-flat area can result in a permanent indentation.
The injections decrease swelling and flatten the scar. Physicians typically give these injections several times over months. Ask your doctor whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Laser therapy
Also called laser skin resurfacing or laser scar revision, laser treatments for scars generally promote remodeling of dermal collagen and elastin.
Although they can’t remove scars completely, light pulses can flatten the scar, reduce discoloration, and ease pain or itching.
Laser therapy is usually performed by a board-certified dermatologist. For more on that approach, see options like laser treatment for scars.
Dermal fillers
Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like products placed beneath the skin.
They often contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. Fillers can be used to lift depressed scars, such as deep acne scarring.
A board-certified dermatologist typically administers dermal fillers.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels can address mild scarring. The chemical solution strips away the outer skin layer to boost cell turnover and reveal a smoother complexion.
It’s best to have a chemical peel performed by a board-certified dermatologist.
For darker skin tones, a glycolic acid peel may be more suitable. Azelaic acid is another option for treating acne and facial pigmentation, but discuss these choices with a dermatologist first.
No matter your skin tone, use sunscreen daily and reapply during sun exposure, since peels make your skin highly sensitive to light and UV rays.
Subcision
Subcision is a cosmetic procedure commonly used for acne scarring. It involves inserting a small needle under the skin to free the scar from underlying tissue.
This approach is especially helpful for depressed or indented scars.
By releasing the tethered tissue, the skin can lift and the scar appear less noticeable. Subcision should be done by a board-certified clinician.
Punch excision
This acne scar treatment uses a surgical punch tool sized to the scar.
As the name indicates, the scar is removed with the instrument and the wound is stitched closed. It’s an effective method for eliminating deep scars, like ice pick or boxcar scars.
Consult a dermatology clinic for details.
Microneedling
Microneedling can help multiple scar types.
The procedure uses tiny needles to create microchannels in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and helps remodel the skin to reduce scar visibility.
Esthetic or dermatology clinics usually provide microneedling treatments.
Medicated creams
Depending on the scar, a physician may prescribe a medicated topical. Some prescription-strength creams can be more effective than OTC products.
These often contain higher-strength retinoids or topical steroids to reduce itching and swelling.
Protect healing scars from sun exposure. Apply sunscreen daily and wear sun-protective clothing such as hats and scarves when outdoors.
Over-the-counter (OTC) creams
OTC options are another possibility.
These creams don’t include prescription-only actives but contain ingredients intended to minimize scar size and appearance and relieve discoloration or itching. For advice on topical options, you may find reviews of the best scar cream helpful.
Natural remedies for reducing scars
Several natural approaches might also assist with scar appearance.
Aloe vera
A review of 23 trials found that aloe vera may support wound healing and aid scars when combined with other treatments.
How to apply:
- Cut away the dark green skin from the flat side of an aloe vera leaf.
- Scoop out the nearly clear, light-green gel.
- Massage the gel onto your scar using circular motions.
Vitamin E
Although vitamin E is commonly used for scars, most research remains inconclusive about its benefits.
A 2016 review concluded there isn’t sufficient evidence that topical vitamin E meaningfully improves scars and called for higher-quality studies.
Topical vitamin E can cause contact dermatitis in some people.
Honey
While honey may help open wounds, there’s no solid evidence that it improves existing scars.
A study on manuka honey’s effects on scars found that despite honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions, it didn’t enhance scar appearance when applied topically.
Coconut oil
Evidence supporting coconut oil’s ability to fade scars is limited.
A review noted coconut oil can promote wound healing by:
- encouraging collagen formation
- reducing inflammation
- repairing the skin barrier
- exerting antibacterial and antioxidant effects
However, clear proof that coconut oil treats scars is lacking.
Apple cider vinegar
Some people try apple cider vinegar (ACV) to prevent acne scarring.
There’s no research to back this use, and applying ACV to the skin may irritate or damage it.
Lavender essential oil
Some studies indicate lavender oil could aid wound healing.
A review of human, animal, and lab studies suggests topical lavender may have therapeutic effects on wound healing, but none of the included studies specifically assessed scar treatment. More research is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Topical essential oils, including lavender, can trigger allergic dermatitis in some individuals.
Lemon
There’s no convincing medical evidence that lemon improves scars.
A 2018 animal study found that topical lemon oil reduced skin inflammation and damage in mice.
However, lemon can cause adverse effects when applied to skin.
Citrus juices and oils (lemon, lime, orange, bergamot) can increase photosensitivity. If you use a citrus product on your face, avoid UV exposure for at least 12 hours and always apply sunscreen.
Potato
Medical support for using potatoes on scars is minimal, but a 2017 study suggested potato peel might help heal minor burns.
Given current evidence, it’s wiser to rely on proven scar treatments.
Rosehip and frankincense
One study indicates rosehip oil promoted wound healing and improved scars.
Another review suggests frankincense oil may aid the healing of human dermal fibroblasts.
Further research is necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of these oils for scar treatment.
Before applying any topical remedies to a scar, clean and dry the area thoroughly. Perform a patch test with any new product to check for irritation. Discontinue use if you develop redness, itching, or a rash.
The takeaway
If your goal is to make a scar less obvious, you might try a natural remedy, but many natural options can carry side effects and need more evidence to prove effectiveness.
Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning any home treatment. A doctor can advise which therapies are most appropriate for your specific scar.
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