We’ve all got a good scar story—“Wanna hear how I got this one?”—but most of us also have at least one or two scars that, if given the chance, we’d undo happily. Nothing wrong with wearing your scars (we all should!), but certain variables like size, color, and placement make it difficult to love all of them equally. Thankfully, the best scar creams and treatments can help.

Whether you can already identify the type of scar and want to lessen its odds of sticking around, or you want to get ahead of any scarring with fast action, it helps to know a few things about the healing and recovery process. Read on for that framework, along with input from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Mislankar, founder of Cincinnati Skin Center and co-founder of Oathology Skincare. Then check out our (and Dr. Mislankar’s) picks for the best scar creams and preventative treatments.

The Best Scar Creams, According to GQThe Best Scar Treatment Overall: ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets, $15The Best Preventative Scar Cream: HealFast Silicone Scar Gel, $25The Best Scar Cream for Burns (and Other Contracture Scars): Mederma PM Overnight Scar Cream, $17The Best Scar Cream for Stretch Marks: Cicatricure Face & Body Scar Gel, $12The Best Scar Prevention Cream for Chronic Acne: Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel, $21The Best Acne Scar Prevention Treatment: Mighty Patch Variety Pack, $14The Best Retinoid Scar Treatment: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%, $14The Best Exfoliating Scar Treatment: Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment, $39The Best SPF for Shielding Scars: Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen, $36Jump to: Different Types of Scarring | Scar Treatment Stages | The Best Ingredients for Scar Healing and Prevention | Don’t Forget SunscreenThe Best Scar Treatment Overall: ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets

ScarAway

Medical Grade Clear Scar Sheets$15

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsHelps reduce existing scarsCan prevent the formation of new scarsConsCan be tricky to apply

Silicone sheets can prevent water loss and in turn boost hydration at the topmost layer of skin. This can help reduce existing scars and prevent the formation of scars, since these sheets help reduce collagen production at the wound site. (We usually celebrate collagen production in simple wound repair, but it can be detrimental in terms of hyperactive scar formation.)

The Best Preventative Scar Cream: HealFast Silicone Scar Gel

HealFast

HealFast Silicone Scar Gel$25

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsCan be used on multiple types of scarsWorks on existing and newly forming scarsConsCan take a while to dry after application

This medical-grade silicone gel formula is used on existing and forming scars alike, and is trusted by doctors on the most severe (like C-section scars and burns) but also the more minute (like mole removal).

The Best Scar Cream for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: Kelo-cote Scar Gel

Kelo-cote

Kelo-cote Scar Gel$21

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsCan reduce existing keloid and hypertrophic scarsHelps prevent formation of new scarsConsOne of the more expensive options

This scar-softening and -flattening gel can reduce existing keloid scars (thick raised scars that can extend beyond the original wound site) and hypertrophic scars (raised scars which commonly occur in taut skin areas) and prevent their formation.

The Best Scar Cream for Burns (and Other Contracture Scars): Mederma PM Overnight Scar Cream

Mederma

PM Overnight Scar Cream$18 $17

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsHelps promote collagen production and cell renewalWorks on burns, surgery scars, and acne marksConsSome reviewers say it has a strong scent

Powered by peptides and onion bulb extract, this remedy helps promote collagen production and cell renewal where it's needed, in order to treat burns, surgery scars, and acne marks.

The Best Scar Cream for Stretch Marks: Cicatricure Face & Body Scar Gel

Cicatricure

Scar Gel$13

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsReduces the appearance of non-keloid scarsAlso effective on burns and acneConsCan be sticky

Onion extract is the hero ingredient here, among other nut and herbal extracts that reduce the appearance of non-keloid scars, namely stretch marks and simple cuts.

The Best Scar Cream for Fine Line Scars: DERMA-E Scar Gel

Derma-E

Scar Gel$20 $14

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsGood for acne, small cuts, minor burns, and tattoosWorks on face and bodyConsCan be stickyHas a strong scent

Allantoin, panthenol, and onion bulb extract come together in this gel to help prevent the formation of scars at everyday sites like acne, small cuts, minor burns, tattoos, and more.

The Best Scar Prevention Cream for Chronic Acne: Differin Resurfacing Scar Gel

Differin

Acne Scar Gel$22 $20

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsGood for those with sensitive skin who can't tolerate retinoidsHelps with cellular turnoverConsOne of the more expensive options

With the retinol-alternative bakuchiol and peptide-rich kollaren at its core, this gel helps promote cellular turnover to erase acne marks and prevent lasting scarring.

The Best Occlusive Scar Ointment: Aquaphor

Aquaphor

Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy$20 $18

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsGood for folks with sensitive skinOne of the more affordable optionsConsCan feel greasy

Sometimes, the answer was in front of you all along. This is one of Mislankar's go-to suggestions for fresh wounds: Keep that thing covered with lots of occlusives and let this nourishing, petrolatum-based balm fast-track its healing process.

The Best Balm for Soothing Scars: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 UV SPF 50

La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Balm B5 UV SPF 50$20

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsA favorite of Dr. Mislankar'sIncludes a sunscreenConsNot the cheapest option

This panthenol-powered balm is a favorite of Dr. Mislankar's for its healing and soothing abilities—not to mention that generous SPF 50 shield against scar-darkening UV rays.

The Best Healing Gel for Raised Scars: ScarAway Medical Grade Silicone Scar Gel

ScarAway

Medical Grade Silicone Scar Gel$12

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsWorks on all types of scarsGood for folks with sensitive skinConsCan take a while to dryCan feel sticky

This silicone gel is terrific for preventing the formation of all different types of raised scars, and can help alleviate irritation and discomfort around the area.

The Best Acne Scar Prevention Treatment: Mighty Patch Variety Pack

Hero Cosmetics

Mighty Patch Variety Pack$14

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsComes with three different types of pimple patches for different occasionsGood for overnight breakoutsConsPricey

Pimple patches are the perfect occlusive solution for acne marks. (They're basically a blemish-sized version of medical-grade bandaging.) The hydrocolloid material traps moisture and promotes faster healing; some patches have pore-clearing ingredients for deeper/active acne, but this general variety pack from Hero loads you up with three types of patches (Original, Invisible+, and Surface) which are strictly bandaging material only.

The Best Retinoid Scar Treatment: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Differin

Adapalene Gel 0.1%$15 $13

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsCan help with acneHelps reduce risk of acne scarringConsMay cause skin irritation or discomfort

This is not only a great product for preventing acne in the long haul, but the retinoid adapalene is also terrific for expediting the turnover of post-inflammatory acne marks.

The Best Exfoliating Scar Treatment: Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

Murad

InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment$39

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsHelps with cellular turnoverCan help prevent hyperpigmentationConsCan increase your skin's sun sensitivity

This treatment uses beta hydroxy acid to improve cellular turnover at the site of the scar, while tiger grass soothes skin and vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation.

The Best SPF for Shielding Scars: Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen

Supergoop

PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen$36

Amazon

Pros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsFeels great on the skin, not greasySmells greatConsExpensive

One of the best ways to ensure a scar doesn't stick around is to double down on sun defense to avoid prolonged discoloration. Supergoop's PLAY sunscreen gives you a generous SPF 50 shield, wears featherlight on your face, and is a terrific spot-cover for any scars around your body that are exposed to the sun on a daily (or momentary) basis. Remember: Don't mess around when it comes to sun protection.

Different Types of Scarring

The best way to treat a scar is to first understand the type of scarring you are experiencing. Here are the core types of scarring, which will then point you to the best scar treatment plan:

Keloids: These raised scars are, in some ways, the result of healing too well; they are heavily textured and can spread past the original wound area.Atrophic scars: These depressed or sunken scars are often caused by acne or chicken pox, and result in thin, deep openings on the face. (Acne scars have their own dedicated treatment plan.)Contracture scars: These result from burns and other wide-spread damage (often involving skin grafts). It’s there in the name: Contracture scars “contract” the skin, often leaving a wrinkled or stretched-looking texture in their wake. They can occur in small areas, too, not just across large injuries.Hypertrophic scars: Similar to keloids, hypertrophic scars are thick and raised at the site of the injury, often in response to a small cut or surgery. But unlike keloids, they do not expand.Fine line scars: These are the “cleanest healing” scars and are most common on small and/or straight wounds. They are raised at first but will fade and heal gradually.Stretch marks: These occur when the skin rapidly expands or contracts due to a rupture in collagen. We often associate them with rapid growth spurts during childhood, quick weight gain, and childbirth.Scar Treatment Stages

There are three key stages of wound healing: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each stage dictates the action you need to take, says Mislankar.

Inflammatory: This involves the first three to five days of healing, says Mislankar. “The most important part of healing at this stage is to keep the wound clean to avoid infection.”Proliferative phase: This second phase can last several weeks, she says. “This is where one can see granulation tissue and collagen fibers starting to form in the area. A moist environment is helpful in this phase.” She suggests petroleum jelly-based products; Aquaphor and Vaseline are two of her favorites, as “they contain fewer preservatives than many others in their class.”Remodeling: Depending on the wound, remodeling can last for as long as a year. This involves collagen formation while the wounded area regains its strength. “Half of the strength is usually achieved around weeks six to eight,” says Mislankar. “But only 80% of the strength is eventually regained. Massaging techniques with emollient [lotions and creams] can be helpful during this phase.”

Scars with longer expressions (hypertrophic or keloidal) are less likely to respond to topical emollients, Mislankar says. “These may need intervention with in-office procedures such as steroid injections or laser treatments.” The earlier these interventions are started, she explains, the more likely they are to have favorable responses.

The Best Ingredients for Scar Healing and Prevention

While every type of scar treatment will take a different approach, these are some of the most common ingredients in scar creams, according to Mislankar.

Silicone: Yes, really. Silicone can help some of the largest and most embedded scars to heal, and can also prevent the formation of said mass. You can find silicone scar treatments as gels or as pressure-applying sheets.Panthenol: Panthenol, also known as Vitamin B5, prevents scar formation and helps quickly heal wounds.Allantoin: This skin soother has been known to help reduce existing lesions as well as prevent the formation of new ones.Petrolatum: This occlusive agent prevents the wounded area from drying out, thanks to its dense layer. Many products will also be emollient, to help hydrate, soften, and smooth the skin.Retinoids: These Vitamin-A derivatives help cells turn over faster, and can result in smoother, clearer skin. Regular use of retinoids can help prevent scarring, too—like if you commonly experience acne and resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have sensitive skin, Mislankar advises using bakuchiol instead.Chemical exfoliants: Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids can help get rid of rough patches, dead skin buildup, and hyperpigmentation.Don’t Forget Sunscreen

In addition to the above, Mislankar says that one of the most important post-scar ingredients is one you typically won’t find in a treatment cream: SPF 30+, applied liberally over the site at any risk of sun exposure (even if you’re sitting indoors near a window, or if it’s the middle of winter).

“Protecting a fresh wound from UV radiation is crucial for avoiding hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation,” she says. "If a fresh wound can handle sunscreen, this is ideal. If a chemical sunscreen causes any irritation, one can consider a mineral sunscreen instead. If sunscreen cannot be used, I recommend covering with a bandage in the early phases—anything to avoid exposure to UV rays.”

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Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQSkincareHealth