You Can Fade (Not Erase) Scars, Thanks to These Derm-Backed Scar Tapes
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There's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating scars, as they develop in different ways. While they're a natural part of the healing process, you can minimize their appearance without rushing to a dermatologist's office yet, with a simple solution: scar tape.
Think of scar tape like pimple patches. "Scar tape is an adhesive product applied to a wound to facilitate healing and minimize the appearance of a scar," says Dr. Brendan Camp , a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology, at MDCS Dermatology . Usually made of silicone, the tape creates a protective, occlusive layer to keep the scar hydrated, helping it soften and flatten over time. Used in conjunction with scar creams, the hyperpigmentation left behind by scars can lighten or become unnoticeable altogether.
Though they seem like a bit of a magic solution, clinical trials have shown that the patches are effective for both old and new scars, as well as keloids. However, as with any at-home treatment, it's best to consult your dermatologist before trying them. Once you're sure scar tape is right for you, come back to this page to choose from the seven best options on the market, according to experts and reviews. See the selections below.
1) Nuvadermis Silicone Scar Sheets
Scar tapes used to be one flesh-toned color. Now, they come in all shades to camouflage your scars without being too noticeable. This Amazon bestseller offers light, medium, and dark shades that can be easily cut and trimmed to fit even the smallest scars.
Material: Silicone
Size: 5.7 inches x 1.57 inches
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says : "I am prone to keloids, so I try to be very careful when doing anything. One time, I sliced my hand while washing dishes because someone forgot to toss a broken glass, and one of the shards ended up cutting me deep. With meticulous stitching from my nurse, the best scar creams, and these scar tapes, I managed to heal seamlessly—no bulging keloid in sight."—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
- Blends with deeper skin tones
- Brightens scar marks
- Some users note the adhesive could be stronger
2) ScarAway Clear Silicone Scar Sheets
Both our dermatologists named ScarAway's scar tape as one of their top choices. "Made with medical-grade silicone technology, these scar sheets are available in opaque and translucent varieties to make scars flatter, softer, and less visible," Dr. Camp says. Dr. Rambhia agrees, pointing out that the silicone sheets shield the skin from irritating external substances or clothing, and allow you to heal properly by preserving moisture in the skin.
Material:Silicone
Size:1.5 inches x 3 inches
Amazon rating:4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: "I have keloid-prone skin, so I'm very careful when treating wounds to avoid hyperpigmentation. I follow a dermatologist on Instagram who suggested this scar tape—perhaps one of the best on the market—, and I ran through the box after developing a long scar on my arm. Not only did it heal easily, but you can barely notice where the scar begins and ends."—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
- Clear
- Pre-cut in smaller sizes
- Can wrinkle during wear
3) Hibiclens Mepiform with Safetac Technology
Because these sheets from Mepiform are so thin and flexible, they'll move with your body without lifting or bunching up. "They provide gentle pressure and hydration to promote scar improvement," says Dr. Rambhia. Customers rave about its ability to flatten and fade keloids that have been around for years.
Material:Silicone
Size:4 inches x 7 inches
Amazon rating:4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: "Let me tell you—I am not the kind of person who writes reviews all the time, but I had to do it with this product. This is awesome. I have been using it for my C-section since the birth of my baby, and I have noticed my scar improving in appearance. It's almost the color of my skin and a fine line, so you won't even notice I have a scar. So pleased with this product."
- Waterproof
- Can be used on children
- Does not match all skin tones
4) Gowgaw Medical Grade Silicone Scar Sheets
Don't worry about running out of your tapes too quickly—because of the soft, waterproof material, you can wash and reuse these tapes multiple times. Latex- and Teflon-free, these tapes work on both old and new scars to help fade darkness and texture.
Material:Silicone
Size:1.6 inches x 60 inches
Amazon rating:4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:
"Love these silicone scar sheets! I use them every night on my face for wrinkles. They stay on great and are reusable. I also recently had a biopsy on my breast and it left about an inch long scar. These have been great in helping the scar fade. Purchased three times now."
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Can slip out of place if applied after using moisturizer
5) Oujealee Silicone Scar Tape
Whether it's a small scratch or a significant scar or keloid, these patches are totally customizable to fit your needs. The thin material is seamless and moves with your body to ensure all-day comfort without scratchiness. For the best results on newer scars, use the patches consistently for six to eight weeks. For older scars, use them for four to six months for noticeable results.
Material:Silicone
Size:1.6 inches x 60 inches
Amazon rating:4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: " Very comfortable and protects your sensitive scars from fabric irritation. Very easy to apply."
- Breathable material
- Can lift at the edges
6) Mederma Medical Grade Silicone Scar Sheets
"The silicone used in these sheets is formulated to make them soft, pliable, breathable, and effective at treating scars related to keloids, injuries, burns, and minor surgeries," explains Dr. Camp. Something that also makes them stand out is that they offer UPF 50 protection—in other words, only about two percent of UV rays can pass through the silicone and make contact with your skin. By warding off that exposure, the scar tape helps prevent any extra pigmentation issues.
Material:Silicone
Size:1.4 inches x 3 inches
Amazon rating:4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: "They are easy to apply, stay securely in place and are comfortable to wear throughout the day. I've noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my scars after just a few weeks of consistent use—the edges are smoother, and the discoloration has faded considerably."
- Breathable
- Can be cut into even smaller strips
- Some report that the adhesive can be weak
7) MyNewGel NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Scar Treatment Sheeting
These conveniently shaped, clear strips are an Amazon favorite and were developed with the help of doctors to ensure their efficacy. If you'd like to reuse them, gently wash them with a mild cleanser and leave them out to dry before reapplying.
Material:Silicone
Size:1 inch x 6 inches
Amazon rating:4.1/5 stars
ELLE editor review: "I had Mohs surgery for basal cell on my face a few months back and used the NewGel+ product religiously – twice a day as instructed. Today, the scar is imperceptible; it is incredible, but I can barely see it myself, and I know exactly where to look! Honestly, the silicone gel is game-changing. When I mentioned using it to the doctor, she was stunned—she didn't think I knew about silicone gels. But she fully endorsed it and said the biggest mistake people make is not being disciplined and using it twice a day."—Meredith Ashley, Hearst licensing senior sales manager
- Clear
- Reusable
- May not stick on as well as others
8) Meet the Experts
Dr. Pooja Rambhia is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery at Union Derm in New York City and Greenwich, CT.
Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology .
9) How do you use scar tape?
According to our experts, you should always clean and dry the skin before use and make sure that any stitches have been removed and that the wound has completely closed. "Gently wash with mild soap, rinse, and pat dry," says Dr. Rambhia. "Cut the tape so it extends about 1/4 inch beyond the scar on all sides, or use pre-cut strips if available. With clean hands, remove the protective backing and apply the tape directly over the scar, smoothing out air bubbles from the center outward."
10) How long should you use scar tape?
You can wear scar tape for 12 to 23 hours each time, just make sure to let the area get some air before you apply a new sheet. In terms of how long you'll have to keep applying the scar tape, Dr. Camp says that it's "generally used for a period of three months, but the length of recommended use may vary." Dr. Rambhia also recommends using it for at least two or three months for fresh scars, but she does emphasize that you'll probably see the best results after consistently applying it for about six to 12 months. "There's no strict time limit for using scar tape if your skin tolerates it well," she says. "Older or more stubborn scars, such as keloids, will require longer treatment. Monitor your scar's progress and adjust the duration based on its response and your treatment goals."
11) Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted dermatologists about scar tapes and how they work. Lee also searched the internet for the top-rated scar tapes, perused sites for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on its features and customer reviews.
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