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In this article, we provide information about the ingredients in some of the most common gels available, as well as some suggestions on how to apply them. I’ve included a list of our recommended products you can use as a starting point when trying to pick the best scar gels for your needs.
Depending on their age, scars require varying degrees of care. Some scars do not go away with time. They can remain as a thin line or a discolored spot on the skin, or they can be raised and bumpy. Scarring is a normal part of the healing from surgery or injury, but it can be worse than the original problem.
People deal with scars in different ways, but some may choose to try scar gels. Scar gels are available without a prescription and contain silicone gel or micronized titanium which is intended to flatten out the appearance of ridges that remain after surgery. It may look like regular moisturizing cream, but it is meant to be used on scars after surgery or injury.
Scar creams are designed to help scars heal faster, soften the scar tissue and protect them from sunlight. Silicone gel is believed to work by creating a barrier that protects the skin from irritation. Micronized titanium may have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling or redness of new scars.
You should always read the labels on these products to make sure they do not have a problem with any of the ingredients before using them on their scars. People should also check with their doctors before using them if they have any concerns about the ingredients.
Best Scar Gels
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kelo-Cote Advanced Skincare Formula Scar Gel | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Vitamin C Scar Cream- face & body scars, 0.5 oz | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | DERMA E Scar Gel – Therapeutic gel with Panthenol & Allantoin | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Cicatricure Face & Body Scar Gel, 1 Ounce | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | ScarAway Advanced Skincare 100 Percent Medical-Grade Silicone Scar Gel | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mederma Advanced Scar Gel | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | AWD Medical Grade Soft Silicone Gel Tape for Scar Removal | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Mederma Advanced Scar Gel 1x Daily | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Advanced Medical Silicone Scar Gel – Topical Gel for Scar Treatment | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Scar Gel silicone scar gel from C-Section, Stretch Marks, Acne, Surgery | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 31st March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Scar Gels
Kelo-Cote Advanced Skincare Formula Scar Gel
- WORKS ON OLD and NEW SCARS: Kelo-cote is a clinically-tested silicone scar gel that reduces the appearance of scars resulting from surgery, injury, burns, acne, insect bites, cuts and scrapes. Reduces redness, softens and flattens raised scars.
- EFFECTIVE SCAR PREVENTION: >80% of patients rated Kelo-cote’s patented technology effectiveness as good/very good on a wide range of scars. Sepehrmanesh M, Komp Dermatologie 2006;1:30-32
- PATIENT PREFERRED: Kelo-cote is self-drying, colorless, odorless, silky smooth, non-greasy and water resistant. Once dry, can be worn under makeup. Suitable for kids and those with sensitive skin. Works to diminish the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
- AM | PM: Kelo-cote is effective 24 hours a day with twice daily application. Treatment duration will vary from person to person and from scar to scar. Individual results will vary. Recommended duration of treatment is 60-90 days.
- ADVANCED SILICONE TECHNOLOGY: Kelo-cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel’s unique blend of silicones cross-links & binds to skin to form a flexible, breathable layer that helps reduce redness, softens and flattens raised scars for a less noticeable appearance.
Last update on 31st March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A great option is a product from ScarAway, the Kelo-cote gel is able to treat scars from burns, wounds, and surgeries, designed to be used on closed wounds only. Make sure that the area is clean and dry before applying the gel. Designed to be used twice daily for 60-90 days and once dry you can use your makeup and sunscreen over it. This is a great option for its price, clinically tested that can help you improve the appearance of your scars in minimal time.
Vitamin C Scar Cream- face & body scars, 0.5 oz
- Safe, easy to use gel that helps improve the appearance of scars.
- Made in the usa under strict gmp compliance
- Safe and effective for all skin types and all ages – latex & drug free
- Helps improve the appearance of all types of scars.
- Recommended by leading physicians.
Last update on 31st March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The product from Scarfade is another great alternative, designed for topical treatment. It can help reduce the size and intensity of a scar, improving the overall appearance quickly. It includes a blend of dimethicones, known for their effectiveness on cuts, burns and surgical scars, and traumas. It is easy to apply but not intended for use on open wounds. It should be used twice a day and once it is dry you can apply makeup and cosmetics. This is among the lower-priced options in the market, so if you are on a limited budget this one is your best bet.
DERMA E Scar Gel – Therapeutic gel with Panthenol & Allantoin
- SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES scar texture, color, & overall appearance for healthier-looking skin
- SCAR GEL can be used to soothe burns,sunburns, & tattoos and improve the appearance of stretch marks
- CLINICALLY PROVEN Results showed 100% improvement in skin color 85% improvement in skin texture
- EXTRA BRIGHTENING: For more brightening power combine with DERMA E’s Skin Brighten
- PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN AND ONION BULB EXTRACT help to hydrate, soothe and encourage self-healing
Last update on 31st March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last but not least the product from Derma-e is another recommendation that can help improve the texture and color of your scars for smooth and healthy skin. Its ingredients include Allicin and Allantoin, for improving the appearance of scars, and Panthenol pro-vitamin to moisturize your skin. This is an all-natural 100% vegan and cruelty-free product that don’t contain parabens, gluten, or GMOs. It is designed to be applied multiple times per day for up to an 8 weeks period for maximum benefits. You will find the product in 2oz packages at a very attractive price compared to its competitors, so it is a great option for its price.
How Well Do Scar Creams Work?
Scar creams and gels may not be able to get rid of a scar completely, but they can help diminish the appearance of scars. There are not many studies to show how well they work, but some people have reported that these products help reduce the discoloration of their scars. They can also make scars look smoother and less noticeable.
Most people who use scar gels notice results after a couple of weeks of using the products. In some cases, it may take up to six months before results are noticed.
It is best to use a scar cream on your new scars as soon as they are healed enough so you should start them as soon as possible after a surgery or injury. Newer scars should be less than a year old and should have smooth, even edges for the creams to work.
Scar creams work for some people, but they may not be effective on older scars with rough-textured skin. Their ingredients do help make new scars softer and smoother during the early stages of healing, but the older scars just seem to look the same.
What to consider when looking for the best scar gels?
Scar creams can be found in drug stores, online, and in specialty catalogs. The cost of a product may vary from one company to the next depending on the ingredients and quantities used. People who use scar creams will need to try several different ones to see how well they work for their own personal scars.
Ingredients
Scar creams are not all the same so it is important to look closely at their ingredients. Some people can have problems with certain ingredients, so they need to choose gels that do not contain anything that could cause a problem.
Many scar gels are made by combining silicone gel or micronized titanium with other ingredients that help the gel work better. Other products contain just titanium or just silicone, but they may also add in other things such as vitamin E oil to help the gel spread out easily and soften scars faster.
Other ingredients to look for in a scar cream are allantoin, vitamin C, Vitamin E, and aloe vera. Allantoin is an anti-irritant that is believed to keep skin smooth and soft. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E helps the skin heal faster after surgery or injury and aloe vera can help reduce the redness of scars.
How to Apply Scar Gels
Creams are applied onto the skin two or three times a day using the pads of your fingers. You can apply them directly to new scars before they are fully healed, but it is best to wait until their edges are smooth and soft for about six months. It may take up to six weeks for the cream to start working after your first application.
Since these products are not regulated by any agency, you should look at the label of your product to see how often you need to apply it. They can be used with cosmetics and other skin products without causing a problem, but some people do prefer to use them before bedtime when they do not have to worry about touching their scars.
Side Effects and Allergic Reactions
Since there are numerous scar creams on the market, people should check with their doctor before using them. Though they are effective, there are potential drawbacks. They may cause unwanted side effects and aren’t suitable for everyone. People who suffer from allergies or other health conditions should first consult with their doctor about the cream they want to apply.
Since scar creams do not need to be approved by the FDA, it is a good idea for people to check online or with a pharmacist before using them. They should make sure that their scar cream does not contain any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction or interact with other medications they are taking.
Most companies will tell you not to use their product if you have open sores or wounds on your skin. It is best to talk with a doctor before using some of these products, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Although there are many scar creams on the market, people should not use more than one at a time unless they have talked with their doctor first. Some ingredients may interact with each other and cause additional problems that could happen when using these products.
How Long Do Scars Take to Improve?
You should start to notice some changes in your scars after using the creams on a regular basis for two or three weeks, but it may take longer before you see results. The older and deeper the scar, the longer it will take before you will see results.
It usually takes several months before you notice a big difference in how your scars look and feel. Your doctor will probably recommend that you take a picture of your car before and after using the cream so you can see how much it has improved by looking at them side-by-side. It might take six months or more for you to notice a major difference if you stop using the product.
Using sunscreen every day while you are using your scar cream is a good idea. Scars can be more sensitive to the sun, so wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen every time you go outside. This will help keep your skin from getting darker and it will also help reduce any redness that may appear because of the light.
Since each person’s body reacts differently to these products, people should not get discouraged if they do not see results after using them for a couple of weeks. You may need to try different brands or change the way you are applying the cream before you will notice any changes in how your scars look and feel.
