The 7 Best Scar Tapes to Erase Scars and Keloids, According to Dermatologists
They don’t have to be forever.
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If you’re already prepping for summer, there’s a chance you might have seen the recent Tik Tok trend of people applying extra layers of sunscreen to their scars to combat pigment from sun damage. And, they have the right idea to cover their scars, but scar tape is an equally and in some cases even more effective way to protect and heal old wounds. Think of the scar tapes sort of 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 with silicone the tape creates a protective occlusive layer to keep the scar hydrated helping them to soften and flatten over time.
Our top picks for the best scar tapes of 2024
Though they seem like a bit of a magic solution, clinical trials have actually shown that the patches are effective on old and new scars and keloids. But like any at home treatment, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before you try them out. But once you’re sure that scar tape is the route for you, come directly back to this page to choose from the 7 best options on the market according to experts and reviews. See the selections below.
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.”
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
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Can slip out of place if applied after using moisturizer
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”x 60”
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.”
Pros
- Breathable material
Cons
- Can lift at the edges
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 for four to six months for noticeable results.
Material: Silicone
Size: 1.6”x 60”
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very comfortable and protects your sensitive scars from fabric irritation. Very easy to apply.”
Mederma Medical Grade Silicone Scar Sheets
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.”
MyNewGel NewGel+ Advanced Silicone Scar Treatment Sheeting
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.”
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.”
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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