Got a scar you want to fade? Good news: many scars improve a lot with the right routine. Pick one or two evidence-based steps and stick with them for months—scar tissue takes time to change. Below I’ll walk you through what works for fresh wounds and older scars, what to use at home, and when to see a dermatologist.
If your injury is fresh, the first rule is keep it clean and moist. Use a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a silicone dressing so the wound can heal without scabbing. Scabs slow healing and increase visible scarring. Once closed, use sunscreen every day. UV exposure darkens scars and locks in pigment—use SPF 30+ and reapply outdoors.
Silicone sheets or silicone gel are the best first-line option for raised or red scars. Use them daily for several hours or overnight for at least 8–12 weeks. They can flatten and soften scars and are low-risk. If the scar itches or grows, talk to your doctor—some scars benefit from steroid injections or other clinic treatments.
Retinoids (like tretinoin) help with texture and pigment on older scars by speeding skin turnover. Use at night and expect gradual results over months. For dark scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), try azelaic acid or a gentle hydroquinone protocol under doctor guidance. Niacinamide can reduce redness and support skin barrier repair.
Avoid unproven home remedies such as lemon juice or harsh acids applied without guidance—these can irritate skin and make scars worse. Vitamin E is commonly suggested, but it often causes contact dermatitis and may not help. Stick to ingredients with clinical support: silicone, retinoids, azelaic acid, and sunscreen.
If the scar is from acne and looks pitted (icepick, boxcar, rolling), in-office options work best: microneedling, subcision, fillers for volume loss, and lasers for resurfacing. For red or vascular scars, pulsed-dye laser helps. These procedures usually need several sessions and carry downtime.
Keloids and hypertrophic scars need special care. Don’t pick or try aggressive home treatments. A dermatologist can offer steroid injections, cryotherapy, laser, or combination therapy. Early treatment of raised scars gives the best chance of flattening them.
Realistic timeline: you’ll see early softening in weeks, clearer changes over 3 months, and major remodeling can take 9–18 months. Be patient, protect from sun, and follow a simple daily routine: gentle cleanse, sunscreen AM, silicone or retinoid/azelaic product PM, and follow up with a dermatologist for stubborn or symptomatic scars.
If a scar is painful, growing, limits movement, or really affects how you feel about yourself, see a professional. There are reliable medical options beyond creams, and a quick consult can save months of guessing.
In my recent blog post, I shared some effective home remedies to help fade scars naturally. I discussed how aloe vera, honey, and lemon juice can work wonders for reducing scar appearance. Additionally, I mentioned the importance of staying consistent with these remedies and incorporating gentle exfoliation to achieve the best results. Don't forget to check it out for more details on how to improve your skin's appearance using these simple, yet powerful ingredients. Together, let's embrace our skin and work towards a more confident and radiant self!
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