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A scar is a sign your body is doing what it's supposed to and healing naturally. "It’s your skin's bandage," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "When your skin experiences trauma that damages its collagen, it forms a scar." Trauma includes a cut, scratch, wound, inflammation, or even a pimple (looking at you, acne scars ). Still, as much as we can appreciate the incredible system that is the human body, we also want the option to change it—or to help optimize its healing nature.

Genetics plays a role in how your scar forms. Some people can develop scars from just a minor cut, while others can experience a significant injury or inflammatory event and can heal without any scarring. "Enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases regulate collagen and the healing process," Zeichner says. "Overactivity of this process results in thick scars or keloids, a scar that extends beyond the initial area of trauma."

The best treatment for scars (especially old ones) is laser resurfacing or scar removal surgeries, says Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. However, over-the-counter scar treatments can help. "Creams containing silicone are the most effective at reducing the (newly formed) scar’s appearance," says Peredo. Silicone forms a protective seal over the skin to help retain hydration, prevent further trauma, and create an environment that encourages optimal collagen remodeling, explains Zeichner. Ahead, shop the best scar creams, according to dermatologists.

Peredo likes this serum because it "strengthens and supports the production of new collagen." It helps to heal and calm the skin, making it great for scars caused after any surgeries or procedures.

"This cream helps reduce the color of the scar and improves the texture," says Peredo. "The main ingredients are allantoin, aloe vera extract, and onion extract, which soothe and heal the scars. I recommend it for keloid and hypertrophic [or thick, raised] scars."

While it's a splurge, this treatment contains 95 percent silicone and other soothing ingredients to improve the appearance of new and recent scars. It contains allantoin to soothe, airlicium to help give a matte finish, and soline to reduce inflammation.

Zeichner likes this formula because it improves the look of new and old scars caused from surgical procedures, burns, cuts, lacerations, and even acne.

This drugstore classic penetrates deep into the skin to help lock in moisture, boost collagen production, and stimulate cell renewal to improve the look of scars.

Consider this silicone-based gel for scars on any part of your face or body. You can use it twice daily, it goes on smooth, and isn't greasy.

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

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