Reduce Old Scars at Home: 5 Easy Expert Moves 2025

Old scars don't have to be permanent reminders on your skin. With the right approach and consistent care, you can significantly reduce the appearance of even stubborn, long-term scars from the comfort of your home. Here are five expert-backed strategies that dermatologists recommend for achieving smoother, more confident skin.

1. Apply Advanced Silicone-Based Gels Daily

Silicone gel products are an effective noninvasive approach to help prevent formation of pathologic scars and improve mature scars. [1] This makes silicone-based formulations the gold standard among dermatologist recommended scar care options.

The key lies in choosing advanced formulations that go beyond basic silicone. Nuvadermis Advanced Scar Gel combines medical-grade silicone with retinol, allantoin, and vitamin E to create a comprehensive approach to scar care. It has been reported to be effective and produce 86% reduction in texture, 84% in color and 68% in height of scars. [2]

How This Works:

• Silicone creates optimal moisture balance for scar remodeling

• Retinol supports cellular renewal and skin texture improvement

• Allantoin soothes and reduces inflammation

• Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection

Apply a thin layer twice daily to clean, dry scar areas. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue, making it ideal for daily use on surgical, keloid, burn, and acne scars.

2. Use Medical-Grade Silicone Sheets for Continuous Coverage

Dr. Mohta recommends silicone gel sheets for older scars: "It's my most prescribed topical agent for any scar, whether fresh or old," [3] This approach represents one of the most effective scar removal products for long term scars.

Silicone sheets provide 24-hour occlusive care that helps maintain optimal hydration levels. In scar studies, we found a highly statistically significant reduction in stiffness that reached close to its maximum after 2 months of care, with only minor changes by extending care for 3 months [4]

Expert Application Tips:

• Clean and dry the scar area thoroughly

• Cut sheet to match scar size and shape exactly

• Apply directly to scar surface with gentle pressure

• Wear for up to 24 hours, removing only for bathing

Nuvadermis Silicone Scar Sheets offer medical-grade silicone construction with breathable design, available in multiple skin tones for discrete wear. Each sheet remains effective for up to 7 days with proper care.

3. Combine Multiple Approaches for Maximum Results

No single approach works for every scar — and layered approaches are often the most effective. [5] The most successful scar care routines combine different methods rather than relying on a single product.

Smart layering involves:

• Morning routine: Apply advanced scar gel after cleansing

• Evening routine: Use silicone sheets for overnight coverage

• Weekly care: Gentle massage to improve circulation

• Daily protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen application

They found that silicone gel significantly reduced multiple scar attributes including visual parameter pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, height, as well as symptoms of pain and itchiness compared with control wounds (p ≤ 0.02 for all). [6]

4. Maintain Consistent Daily Application

Use this cream three times daily for 8 weeks on newer scars and for 3 to 6 months on older scars. [7] Consistency proves crucial when working with mature scars, as results typically become visible after 4-8 weeks of regular care.

Building Successful Habits:

• Set daily reminders for application times

• Track progress with monthly comparison photos

• Keep products in visible locations as memory cues

• Don't skip applications, even when traveling

Old scars require patience and persistence. The cellular renewal process that helps reduce scar appearance occurs gradually, making consistent daily application essential for achieving visible improvements.

5. Protect Scars from Sun Damage

"Ultraviolet radiation damages the collagen in the skin, so it's really important with fresh new scars to use good sun protection on the wound," says Dr. Lisa Chipps, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with Moy Fincher Chipps in Los Angeles. [8]

Sun protection remains critical throughout the scar reduction process. Since scars don't contain melanin, they can't tan. This can make them more noticeable if you don't use sun protection. [9]

Daily Sun Protection Strategy:

• Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily

• Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure

• Consider covering scars with clothing when possible

• Use wide-brimmed hats for facial scar protection

Understanding What Makes Effective Scar Care Products

Not all scar care products deliver the same results. Only silicone-based products and certain prescription topicals (e.g., retinoids, corticosteroids) have consistent peer-reviewed support. [5]

Effective formulations typically contain:

• Medical-grade silicone for hydration and barrier protection

• Retinol to support cellular renewal

• Allantoin to reduce inflammation and support healing

• Vitamin E for antioxidant protection

Popular Alternatives to Traditional Products

Many people seek mederma alternatives that offer advanced formulations and better value. Nuvadermis provides several advantages over traditional options:

• Advanced retinol-enhanced formulas for faster results

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing textures without sticky residue

• More affordable pricing for long-term care routines

• Multiple product formats (gels, sheets, tapes) for comprehensive care

The Advanced Scar Gel offers comprehensive scar care in an easy-to-use pump format, while Silicone Scar Sheets provide convenient 24-hour coverage options.

When to Consider Professional Consultation

If your scars create textural changes to your skin, it is unlikely that an over-the-counter product will get rid of them completely. [10] While at-home care proves highly effective for many scars, certain situations benefit from dermatologist consultation.

Consider professional consultation for:

• Keloid or hypertrophic scars that continue growing

• Scars that worsen or change appearance over time

• Deep, pitted acne scars with significant texture changes

• Scars causing functional impairment or movement restriction

The Science Behind Silicone Scar Care

This powerful gel contains silicone, which is considered the most effective topical approach for scars. "Silicone gel improves the barrier function of the skin's outer layer," says Alpana Mohta, M.D., a dermatologist in Bikaner, India. "It creates a semi-occlusive environment over the scar, preventing excessive water loss and maintaining hydration." [3]

Hydrating the skin proves important for supporting wound healing because it helps prevent scabs (which can make scarring worse), so keeping scars hydrated supports the natural remodeling process.

Start Your Scar Reduction Journey Today

Reducing old scars at home requires patience, consistency, and the right products. By combining proven techniques like advanced silicone gel application, protective sheeting, and diligent sun protection, you can achieve significant improvement in scar appearance over time.

The best scar care products for old scars work gradually to support your skin's natural renewal process. Furthermore, the improvement was sustained after care was terminated. [4]

Ready to begin your journey toward smoother, more confident skin? Consider the Classic Scar Care Duo that combines advanced gel and silicone tape for comprehensive scar care that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.