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Categories
Personal Care and Style
Skin Care
Scars
How to Conceal Scars Download Article Tips & tricks for covering scars on your face & body Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Try a different hairstyle. 2 Hide scars under clothing. 3 Wear jewelry. 4 Rub in a scar-reducing cream. 5 Apply concealing makeup. 6 Use a scar-camouflaging kit. 7 Try concealing or micropore tape. 8 Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. 9 Consider a chemical peel. 10 Try camouflage tattooing. 11 Get microdermabrasion. How Can I Reduce The Appearance Of Injury Scars? + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 383,138 times.
Even though scars fade over time, they might never look completely invisible. If you can still see a scar on a noticeable part of your body, there are a few ways you can keep it hidden. We’ll cover several options from minor cover-ups to more permanent treatments so you can reduce the appearance of your scars.
Covering a Scar
Use makeup or a scar-camouflaging kit to hide scars. Or, wear longer clothes and jewelry to cover up scars. For a more permanent option, apply a scar-reducing cream, get a tattoo, or consult your dermatologist.
Steps
1
Try a different hairstyle.
Download Article
Cover any scars on your forehead, ears, or neck with a new do. Look for a new hairstyle you can try that conceals your scar. Keep an eye out for styles on fashion blogs, or you can also consult your stylist who will likely have suggestions on a style that suits you as well as covers the scar.
Advertisement 2
Hide scars under clothing.
Download Article
Long sleeves and pants work for scars on your arms and legs. Choose a few pieces that are long enough to cover the scars you want to hide. Just make sure not to roll up your sleeves or pants so you don’t accidentally reveal your scar.
3
Wear jewelry.
Download Article
Bracelets, watches, and rings work well for hand or wrist scars. Find something that’s wide enough to cover your scar so it’s completely hidden. Since these are fun accessories, you can have a few different options to switch between.
Advertisement 4
Rub in a scar-reducing cream.
Download Article
Creams work best on flat scars that are less than 2 years old. For recent and especially light scars, you should begin with creams proven to reduce the appearance of scars.[1]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Pick a product containing healing ingredients such as quercetin, petrolatum, and vitamin C.[2]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Equally as important is minimizing a scar’s exposure to sunlight. Scar tissue does not react to sunlight the same way as normal tissue, so exposing a fresh scar to sunlight can permanently darken a scar, making it more apparent.[3]X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPHBoard Certified DermatologistExpert Interview
5
Apply concealing makeup.
Download Article
Match your skin tone so your scar blends in. There are various makeups available on the market that can temporarily hide a scar. Test the makeup or cream on your skin to see if you need to blend any colors for the desired effect.[4]X Trustworthy Source American Cancer SocietyNonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Matching your skin tone can be a challenge for someone who isn’t familiar with the process. Try asking a consultant at a department or specialty store’s beauty counter for tips.
Learning how to apply concealer can also take some practice. Follow the steps outlined at Apply Concealer to learn how.
You can use color-correcting kits underneath the actual concealer which gives a better final result.
Advertisement 6
Use a scar-camouflaging kit.
Download Article
These kits form a paste to cover up deeper scars. For deeper scars or instances when you need longer-lasting concealment than regular makeup may provide, you can look into specialty scar-camouflaging kits that contain a mixture of adhesive creams and powders. These tend to last much longer than regular makeup.
You can often find these kits sold at any beauty supply shop, drugstore, or salon.
7
Try concealing or micropore tape.
Download Article
This matches your skin tone and blends your scar in. Some thin, skin-tone specific concealing tapes are on the market as well. These products are best used by cutting the adhesive to match the general shape of your scar so that it blends in with the rest of your skin.
Advertisement 8
Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Download Article
A cosmetic surgeon will have several suggestions you can try. Certain older scars and especially raised or keloidal scars may require more effective cosmetic surgery to remove or reduce. Schedule an appointment so you can find the best course of action.[5]X Trustworthy Source American Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
9
Consider a chemical peel.
Download Article
Peels are especially effective for reducing acne scars. A chemical peel is a basic procedure wherein a chemical mixture is applied to the affected area, causing several of the top layers of skin to dry up and peel off. The skin peels over several days, and it is considered a minor procedure.[6]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Advertisement 10
Try camouflage tattooing.
Download Article
Surgeons tattoo older scars with your skin tone to match the colors. With advances in technique over the last several years, camouflage tattooing is a solid way to reduce the appearance of scars. The process is highly similar to that of getting a normal tattoo, often with imperceptible results.
Scars should be at least two years old before undergoing camouflage tattooing to ensure they are fully healed.
If conventional tattoos are more your style, you can cover scars with those as well. Consult your tattoo artist for the best type of design to cover your specific scar size, location, and color.
11
Get microdermabrasion.
Download Article
This works best on acne and hyperpigmented scars. Like a chemical peel, this method removes the outermost layer of dead skin from the abraded area; however, instead of a chemical mixture, the process is completed with a flow of fine, medical-grade crystals. The finished product is a subtle difference, but it is effective.[7]XResearch source
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How Can I Reduce The Appearance Of Injury Scars?
Expert Q&A
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Question What causes scars to turn dark? R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Answer Exposing your scar to sunlight could make it darker so it stands out from your regular skin. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 30
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Video
Tips
When using makeups or creams, products such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, and cosmetic brushes and puffs can assist you in effectively blending the makeup onto your skin. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 2
Always clean and dry the affected area(s) before applying any makeups, creams, or adhesives. This will prevent the makeup or adhesive from coming off easily. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
Some makeups may not have the correct color to match your skin tone, so you may need to mix darker and lighter shades of various makeups to get the perfect shade. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 5
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Do not allow any hair or clothes to rub against the cream or makeup. This may smudge and ruin the effect. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
Do not apply any cosmetics without testing them first for any allergic reactions. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4
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Co-authored by: R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. This article has been viewed 383,138 times. 18 votes - 78% Co-authors: 21Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 383,138 Categories: ScarsArticle SummaryX
To cover up a scar, try applying makeup containing healing products like quericin or vitamin C if the scar is less than 2 years old. You could also try purchasing a concealer from a department store that matches your skin tone to cover up the scar. When you're at the store, you can talk with a consultant at a beauty counter for tips on how best to apply a concealer. If your scar is deep or you want a longer-lasting solution, try purchasing a scar camouflaging kit from a drug store. Then, combine the powder and cream to make a paste, which you can apply to your scar. To learn how to get cosmetic surgery for a scar, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Sandra Fomby
Apr 10, 2023
"I have very deep scaring on my upper lip from a cleft lip and palate birth defect. I have never seen this much of information on scaring. I'm going to try some of these tips and tricks asap. Thank you all!!!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist 18 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 21Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 383,138
Sandra Fomby
Apr 10, 2023
"I have very deep scaring on my upper lip from a cleft lip and palate birth defect. I have never seen this much of information on scaring. I'm going to try some of these tips and tricks asap. Thank you all!!!"..." more
Anonymous
Feb 22, 2017
"How to apply the cream/makeup." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Tips & tricks for covering scars on your face & body Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Try a different hairstyle. 2 Hide scars under clothing. 3 Wear jewelry. 4 Rub in a scar-reducing cream. 5 Apply concealing makeup. 6 Use a scar-camouflaging kit. 7 Try concealing or micropore tape. 8 Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. 9 Consider a chemical peel. 10 Try camouflage tattooing. 11 Get microdermabrasion. How Can I Reduce The Appearance Of Injury Scars? + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH 
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Co-authored by: R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. This article has been viewed 383,138 times. 18 votes - 78% Co-authors: 21 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 383,138 Categories: Scars Article SummaryX
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Cover any scars on your forehead, ears, or neck with a new do. Look for a new hairstyle you can try that conceals your scar. Keep an eye out for styles on fashion blogs, or you can also consult your stylist who will likely have suggestions on a style that suits you as well as covers the scar. Advertisement 
Long sleeves and pants work for scars on your arms and legs. Choose a few pieces that are long enough to cover the scars you want to hide. Just make sure not to roll up your sleeves or pants so you don’t accidentally reveal your scar. 
Bracelets, watches, and rings work well for hand or wrist scars. Find something that’s wide enough to cover your scar so it’s completely hidden. Since these are fun accessories, you can have a few different options to switch between. Advertisement 
Creams work best on flat scars that are less than 2 years old. For recent and especially light scars, you should begin with creams proven to reduce the appearance of scars.[1] Pick a product containing healing ingredients such as quercetin, petrolatum, and vitamin C.[2] 
Match your skin tone so your scar blends in. There are various makeups available on the market that can temporarily hide a scar. Test the makeup or cream on your skin to see if you need to blend any colors for the desired effect.[4] 
These kits form a paste to cover up deeper scars. For deeper scars or instances when you need longer-lasting concealment than regular makeup may provide, you can look into specialty scar-camouflaging kits that contain a mixture of adhesive creams and powders. These tend to last much longer than regular makeup. 
This matches your skin tone and blends your scar in. Some thin, skin-tone specific concealing tapes are on the market as well. These products are best used by cutting the adhesive to match the general shape of your scar so that it blends in with the rest of your skin. Advertisement 
A cosmetic surgeon will have several suggestions you can try. Certain older scars and especially raised or keloidal scars may require more effective cosmetic surgery to remove or reduce. Schedule an appointment so you can find the best course of action.[5] 
Peels are especially effective for reducing acne scars. A chemical peel is a basic procedure wherein a chemical mixture is applied to the affected area, causing several of the top layers of skin to dry up and peel off. The skin peels over several days, and it is considered a minor procedure.[6] Advertisement 
Surgeons tattoo older scars with your skin tone to match the colors. With advances in technique over the last several years, camouflage tattooing is a solid way to reduce the appearance of scars. The process is highly similar to that of getting a normal tattoo, often with imperceptible results. 
This works best on acne and hyperpigmented scars. Like a chemical peel, this method removes the outermost layer of dead skin from the abraded area; however, instead of a chemical mixture, the process is completed with a flow of fine, medical-grade crystals. The finished product is a subtle difference, but it is effective.[7] Advertisement 
R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors. 
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