How To Get Rid Of Old Scars: Top 10 Remedies - Healthline

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Skin Care

Top Treatments and Natural Options for Scar Removal

Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — Written by Scott Frothingham — Updated on September 13, 2024

Medical remedies
Natural remedies
Takeaway

Medical treatments, like laser therapy or topical ointments, may help reduce the appearance of scars, depending on the type. Natural remedies, including aloe vera, may help.

Treating an older scan can depend on its type and appearance. For example, treatments to flatten raised scars likely won’t help pitted scars. The most effective treatment can also depend on your skin color.

Scars form as part of the natural healing process following an injury. When the dermis (the second layer of skin) is damaged, your body forms collagen fibers to repair the damage, resulting in a scar.

The severity of a scar often depends on the severity of the injury or damage. Scars form differently on different parts of the body and based on the age of the injured person.

Continue reading to learn about common medical and natural remedies for scar healing and their effectiveness for different types of scars.

image of dark-skinned woman with acne scars — Healthline/Getty Images

Top 10 medical remedies for getting rid of scars

There’s no known way to erase scars completely, but many become less noticeable over time.

Some medical treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) options can help reduce the appearance of scars.

Silicone gels or sheets

Silicone gels and sheets are soft and flexible gels or sheets applied like self-adhesive dressings. They may be effective at softening skin and flattening scars.

Some types can be worn daily and washed. Be sure to follow the package directions for how long you can reuse them. You don’t need a prescription, as you can buy them over the counter at your local store.

Steroids

Corticosteroid injections can be effective at treating certain types of scars, like thick or keloid scars.

They’re injected directly into the scar tissue to help decrease the itching, skin discoloration, and burning sensations that these scars may produce. They aren’t typically used on other types of scars because if injected directly into a flat scar, they can cause a permanent indentation.

The injections reduce swelling and flatten the scar. Doctors tend to administer these injections on multiple occasions over several months. You can ask a doctor if this is something they can offer you.

Laser therapy

Also referred to as laser skin resurfacing or laser scar revision, laser therapy for scars typically works by stimulating the eventual remodeling of dermal collagen and elastin.

While it can’t eliminate the scar completely, the pulses of light can make the scar flatter, reduce discoloration, and lessen pain and itchiness.

A board certified dermatologist typically carries out laser therapy.

Dermal fillers

Injectable dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected underneath your skin.

They usually contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that organically occurs in your body. They can sometimes be used to plump pitted scars, for example, if you have deep scarring as a result of acne.

A board certified dermatologist typically injects dermal fillers.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels can treat mild scarring. The chemical solution removes the outermost layer of the skin to help increase cell turnover and reveal a smoother, less irregular complexion.

It’s best to have a chemical peel performed by a board certified dermatologist.

If you have skin of color, a glycolic acid peel may be more effective. Azelaic acid is also a good option for treating acne and pigment on the face. However, it is best to discuss these options with a dermatologist.

Regardless of skin tone, make sure to use sunscreen daily and reapply if you’re exposed to the sun, as peels make the skin extremely sensitive to light and ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Subcision

Subcision is another common aesthetic treatment used to treat acne scarring. It involves inserting a small needle into your skin to release the acne scar from the underlying tissue.

This can be particularly effective for depressed or indented scars.

This allows the skin to rise and diminish the acne scar’s appearance. It’s best to have subcision performed by a board certified physician.

Punch excision

This acne scar treatment uses a surgical tool that matches the size of the scar.

As the name suggests, the scar is removed with the tool and then stitched up. It’s one of the best ways of removing deep scars, like ice pick or boxcar scars.

You can visit a dermatology clinic to learn more.

Microneedling

Microneedling can benefit various scar types.

The treatment uses microneedles to prick the skin and create microchannels. This stimulates collagen production, which helps to restructure the skin and reduce the appearance of scars.

Esthetic or dermatology clinics normally offer microneedling.

Medicated creams

Depending on the type of scar, a doctor may be able to prescribe a medicated cream. Some prescription-only creams may be more effective than what you buy over the counter.

These products often contain a high-strength retinoid or a topical steroid to decrease itching and swelling.

Be sure to protect your skin from the sun, especially when scars are healing. Apply sunscreen daily and opt for sun-protective clothing like hats and scarves when you’re exposed to the sun.

Over-the-counter (OTC) creams

You can also try OTC options too.

These creams don’t contain active prescription-only ingredients but instead contain other alternatives that aim to reduce the size and appearance of scars and reduce skin color changes or itchiness.

Natural remedies for getting rid of scars

Several natural remedies may also help with the appearance of scars.

Aloe vera

In a 2019 review of 23 trials, researchers concluded that aloe vera may improve wound healing and help with scars when used alongside other methods.

To use it:

Remove the dark green “skin” from the flatter side of an aloe vera leaf.
Scoop out the almost clear light-green gel.
Apply the gel directly to your scar using circular motions.

Vitamin E

While people may use vitamin E for scars, most of the research on its effectiveness is still inconclusive.

Researchers in a 2016 review of studies concluded that there isn’t enough evidence that topical vitamin E has a significant beneficial effect on scars to justify its widespread use. They noted the need for more high quality studies.

Applying vitamin E to your skin may cause contact dermatitis, a skin reaction.

Honey

While honey may be beneficial for open wounds, there is no scientific evidence that it can help with scars.

One 2016 study examining manuka honey’s impact on scars found that while honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it didn’t improve scar appearance when applied topically.

Coconut oil

There’s limited scientific evidence to support the use of coconut oil to fade scars.

A 2018 review noted that coconut oil is effective at promoting wound healing by:

encouraging collagen synthesis
reducing inflammation
repairing the skin barrier
having an antibacterial and antioxidant effect

However, there is no clear evidence that coconut oil can treat scars.

Apple cider vinegar

Some people may consider using apple cider vinegar (ACV) to prevent acne scars.

However, there isn’t research available to support this method. Using ACV topically may also irritate or injure the skin.

Lavender essential oil

Some research suggests that lavender essential oil could help with wound healing.

A 2020 review of research that examined human, animal, and test-tube studies suggests topical lavender oil may have a potential therapeutic benefit for wound healing. However, none of the studies mentioned looked directly at treating scars. The researchers also noted that additional studies are still needed to determine whether this method is safe and effective.

Using lavender essential oil and other essential oils topically may cause allergic dermatitis in some people.

Lemon

There’s no solid medical evidence that lemon can help scars.

One 2018 study on mice found that topical application of lemon oil helped to reduce skin inflammation and skin damage in mice.

However, it may cause side effects if applied to the skin.

Citrus juices and oils, including lemon, lime, orange, and bergamot, are known to cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light. If you choose to use a citrus product on your face, avoid exposing your skin to UV rays for at least 12 hours, and always use sunscreen.

Potato

Limited medical evidence supports the idea that potatoes can help with scars, but one 2017 study found that potato peel may help heal minor burns.

Based on current evidence, it’s best to stick to proven methods for treating scars.

Rosehip and frankincense

One 2019 study suggests that rosehip oil significantly promoted wound healing and effectively improved scars.

A 2017 study suggests that frankincense oil may assist in the healing of human dermal fibroblasts.

However, additional research is still needed to support the use and safety of these oils for treating scars.

Before trying any topical remedies or products for treating scars, thoroughly wash and dry the scar and the area around it. Always do a patch test before trying a new product or ingredient on your skin to prevent irritation and rash. If any of these remedies cause irritation, stop use immediately.

The takeaway

If you want to make a scar look less noticeable, you may decide to try a natural remedy. However, many natural remedies can have negative side effects and require more research to determine if they are effective.

As with any home remedy, consult with your healthcare professional before starting. A doctor can offer insights and recommendations about which treatments may be most effective for you.

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Medically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD — Written by Scott Frothingham — Updated on September 13, 2024

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