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When pimple patches came out, we all probably thought a little sticker that supposedly draws out all the gunk and helps it heal was a ludicrous claim. Turns out, it wasn’t so ludicrous after all. Scar tape, even though it’s been around for a very long time, kind of feels like that. If you’ve questioned whether applying silicone scar sheets can help heal and flatten scars, you’re not alone. According to dermatologists, they totally can.
“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. Although Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist Union Derm in New York City and Greenwich, CT, admits that we still don’t exactly know why or how it works, “clinical studies have shown their effectiveness, particularly for hypertrophic scars and keloids,” she says. “Silicone is believed to create a protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and helping to soften and flatten raised scars over time. Additionally, the gentle pressure the adhesive applies may help regulate collagen production, minimizing excessive scar tissue formation.” Often, exposure to UV rays and things like friction can make scars look worse, and scar tape protects against those environmental factors, too.
Our top picks for the best scar tapes of 2024
Of course, it may be the case that silicone strips aren’t able to entirely heal your scar on their own—you may have to also consult your dermatologist and try other treatments as well, including microneedling, laser treatments, and steroid injections, according to Dr. Rambhia. However, it’s true that scar tape can and will help, as proven by the aforementioned clinical studies and countless anecdotes we found online. After consulting two board-certified dermatologists and reading through hundreds of customer reviews, we provided a comprehensive guide to the six best scar tapes that’ll help delete your scars and keloids.
Pros
Reusable
Easy to cut
Cons
Edges may lose adhesive more quickly
“Known for its strong adherence, flexibility, and ability to reduce scar size and discoloration, Cica-Care is a reliable option for both old and new scars with consistent use,” says Dr. Rambhia. Its large size allows you to cut it into whatever size or shape you need to properly cover your scar.
Material: Silicone
Size: 4.75” X 6”
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My scars are about eight years old now. The scars I have are lighter than the surrounding skin, and raised. The texture of the scars alone made them stand out. I knew my scars were not fresh, but I decided to give it a try anyway. I cut my sheet into six squares, and have been using one single square for a few weeks now. For the first two weeks, I was only using the sheet at night when I went to bed. I saw slight improvement, but very minimal. I decided to then wear it for as long as I can. This is when I began to notice greater improvement. The scars are still visible, but definitely not as obvious as they once were. They are not as discolored as they were before. I was most impressed by the improvement of texture. The scar tissue has smoothed out, and they are less raised. Currently, I only remove the sheet when I shower or when I rinse it off. They’re still quite sticky, but not as sticky as they were when I first received them.”
Pros
Waterproof
Can be used on children
Cons
Does not match all skin tones
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” X 7”
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 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.”
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Pros
Clear
Pre-cut into smaller size
Cons
Can wrinkle during wear
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” X 3”
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I had a double mastectomy, and this product was suggested by my plastic surgeon during recovery. I have been using it for a few months now, and I think it has helped make my scars soft and pliable like the surrounding tissue. I will continue to use this for a couple of months and expect that the scars will continue to soften and fade. I am a pretty skeptical consumer, and as an anatomy and physiology instructor, I would never have bought these, but I am so glad I did! I am really amazed at the results.”
Pros
Breathable
Can be cut into even smaller strips
Cons
Some report that the adhesive can be weak
“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” X 3”
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.”
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5
Best Scar Tape Strips
MyNewGel NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Scar Treatment Sheeting
Now 23% Off
Pros
Clear
Reusable
Cons
May not stick on as well as others
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” X 6”
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I got a pack of these sheets and used them on both a new scar and an old scar. I wash my skin twice a day and pat dry with a clean towel, then apply the sheets. So far, the new one is healing way faster than scars usually heal for me, and the old one’s even looking a little better after a few weeks. I’ve tried other scar gels and strips, and none worked quite this fast or well. I’m not excited about the price, but I don’t want to use anything else because these work so well.”
Pros
Can be used on the face and body
A little goes a long way
Cons
Must be used consistently for best results
If keeping silicone patches on your skin for most of the day still isn’t all that appealing to you, we bring you an alternative: Strataderm’s scar therapy gel. It’s also made with silicone and designed to give you many of the same results as traditional scar tapes. Plus, you can use your fingers to spread a little bit of it onto your scars, whether they’re on your face, stomach, feet, or anywhere else. “Its gel formulation is easy to apply to larger areas and is effective for both new and old scars,” adds Dr. Rambhia.
Key ingredients: Polydimethylsiloxanes, siloxanes, alkylmethyl silicones
Size: 0.35 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I had skin cancer on my nose, and my surgeon recommended Strataderm to help with scarring. This gel has worked wonders. I never thought I’d want to go out in public again with a big scar on my nose and cheek, but if you use this gel consistently, you’ll be amazed at how much better scars can get. It only takes a tiny amount, so the tube will last a while. This is most definitely worth the money. Just don’t forget to use it as indicated.”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Pooja Rambhia is a board-certified dermatologist with specialized fellowship training in cosmeticdermatology 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 atMDCS Dermatology.
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.”
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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.”
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 the 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 their features and customer reviews.
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