But you can improve a scar’s appearance with a little time and TLC. “As part of wound healing, new blood vessels develop within the scars to effectively deliver oxygen and nutrients to the scar tissue. This is what gives a scar its red appearance,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research, department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This redness will go away on its own, usually within two years. After injury, some patients, particularly those with darker skin tones, may develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, essentially a stain in the skin rather than a true scar. This pigmentation will also go away on its own within a few years but, in some cases, lightening creams or in-office procedures may be needed to lighten the dark areas.” Here, top derms share skin-saving tips to help treat wounds to prevent scars in the first place, plus how to minimize ones that have already formed. There are topical antibiotics, but derms usually advise against them. A high incidence of allergic contact dermatitis is associated with these products, which can actually worsen a scar. If a cut is deep, see a doctor to make sure you don’t need stitches. “There’s no definitive clinical scientific research showing any of these ingredients promote less scarring,” says Zeichner. “But most of these ingredients will hydrate and protect your skin after a new wound has developed, and the earlier you can promote a healthy environment for wound healing, the better the skin can heal itself and the better a scar will look.” But some can help with wound healing: Retinol, for example, promotes cell turnover, reduces inflammation, and stimulates healthy production of collagen; while vitamin C and berry extract can fight off free radicals. “All of these ingredients can be more effective when used as part of a combination approach to improving the appearance of a scar,” adds Zeichner. Keep the area covered by applying a sunscreen with SPF 50+ at all times. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, which comes in tinted and non-tinted formulas ($35, amazon.com) or Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, which is water-resistant ($30, amazon.com). For larger scars, like stretch marks on the stomach, try a hydrating liquid body makeup that absorbs well into the skin, like Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup ($37, ulta.com). Using a blending sponge, tap the liquid over the scar, adding more product as necessary. Lock it in with a setting powder to avoid smudging and product transfer to your clothes.
Best for Acne Scars
Punch grafts are basically small cookie cutters that cut out the scar tissue and replace it with healthy skin of the same size taken from an adjacent area. The new graft is stitched into place where the scar was.
Best for Indented or Wide Scars
Excisions involve removing the skin around a scar and then closing it with stitches. The new scar heals in a straight line without any thickness.
Best for Any Type of Scar
Lasers such as Fraxel and CO2 stimulate healthy collagen production by punching microscopic holes or channels into the skin. By creating a controlled wound, the laser takes advantage of the skin’s ability to heal in a more cosmetically appealing way.
Best for Itchy Scars
Cordran tape is a topical steroid that helps soften and flatten scars, and reduces itchiness and thickness.
Best for Depressed or Acne Scars
Fillers like collagen and Bellafill are often used for acne scars that appear as craters in the skin. The filler replaces lost tissue by raising indentations and minimizing the appearance of scars.
Best for Dark-Colored Scars
Chemical peels remove dead skin cells from superficial skin layers to minimize discoloration. They create a controlled wound leading to new collagen production that can improve superficial depressed scars.
Best for Firm, Thick Scars
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to decrease the size of scar tissue. Sprayed on, it may also minimize discoloration and soften a scar. Injections of cortisone (a steroid) cause scar tissue to atrophy, resulting in a softer and flatter scar.
Best for Depressed Scars and Old, Pigmented Scars
As the name implies, microneedling uses tiny needles to make small punctures in the skin so collagen can form and even out the scar’s complexion.
