Scars can be a mark of bravery, but if you want to fade yours, there are some revolutionary new formulas worth a try.
Whether collected on the rugby field, earned in pregnancy, or acting as a mark of bravery post-operation, many of us carry a scar that tells a story.
While scars are nothing to be embarrassed about, for some people there’s an inclination to help fade them or minimise their appearance.
The scar treatment market is poised for growth, Fortune Business Insights reported in March 2026. The market research firm said the global scar treatment market was valued at US$2.9 billion ($5.1b) in 2025, and is expected to reach US$7.9b by 2034.
The reason for its rapid expansion? As more people have surgeries, caesareans or experience skin injuries or trauma (such as burns), the demand for effective scar treatments continues to rise. A study published by the National Library of Medicine indicated cosmetic surgery is significantly more popular today than in previous decades, with a 40% uplift in surgical procedures over the past four years.
Topical scar treatment products vary in texture and thickness, and are available as creams, gels or balms. Silicone strips, tapes or sheets are another avenue for consumers wanting to reduce a scar’s appearance, keeping the wound protected and limiting tension over the scar site. Not to mention the number of in-clinic treatments said to supercharge healing and fade discolouration.
Scar revision treatments
In-clinic advanced scar treatments range from laser therapies, micro-needling and injectables through to paramedical tattooing or scar revision surgeries.
Amy Saunders of Inkworks Studio specialises in two distinct treatments to address the appearance of scars and stretchmarks - camouflage tattooing and inkless skin revision (ISR).
ISR sees a specialist serum worked into the skin using a needling technique, stimulating the body’s wound healing response and promoting new collagen production.
Saunders says the formulation of new collagen improves the texture and colour of scarring, helping it to appear less prominent as the skin “begins making its own quiet repairs”.
“It’s not a cover-up, it’s a genuine skin improvement from the inside out,” Saunders says. ISR makes up 70% of her appointments, and can be started three months post-op.
Camouflage tattooing sees Saunders colour match and deposit skin tone pigment into the upper dermis, to bring the scar back in line visually with the surrounding skin. It’s best to wait a year before going down this route, Saunders says, as scars can change colour for up to a year or more. This gives a more accurate colour match on stable skin, not something that is evolving.
This technique works well for white or hypo-pigmented scars, but darker or hyper-pigmented scars require a different approach. Instead, Saunders uses a neutralising pigment to counteract excess tone - like a concealer to disguise under-eye circles.
Saunders says the best results come from using a combination of the two, with a course of 2-4 ISR treatments and 1-3 camouflage tattoo sessions spaced several weeks apart.
“When it’s done well, the scar simply stops drawing the eye. The goal is never perfection, it’s believability. If someone can’t tell anything has been done, that’s exactly when you know it worked,” she says.
Her clientele is broad, treating those with scars resulting from emergency surgery or injury, cosmetic surgery (think tummy tucks, face lifts or breast lifts), acne, stretch marks, hypo-pigmentation and non-active alopecia. There are, of course, a handful of concerns Saunders can’t treat, like keloid scarring, melasma and active alopecia.
The majority of Saunders’ bookings are to treat self-harm scars. She aims to restore confidence to those who have been dressing around their scars - avoiding short sleeves out of shame or embarrassment - and instead render marks unrecognisable.
“Self-harm revision is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a commitment, not a quick fix. Most clients will need between 4 to 6 sessions to achieve the results we are aiming for. When the outcome is giving someone back the freedom that comes with permanent, positive change, it’s always worth it,” she says.
At-home scar care
Scar revision treatments range in price from a few hundred dollars into the thousands. This financial barrier means treatments aren’t for everyone, which is where more accessible, effective and convenient at-home scar care comes in.
A topical solution to address the appearance of scars, especially after a caesarean, has always been on Pure Mama founder Lara Henderson’s radar.
Since the pregnancy and postpartum skincare brand’s inception in 2021, Henderson has waxed lyrical about her desire to formulate a serum to massage into horizontal caesarean scars to promote wound healing and repair skin.
Years in the making, Henderson says Pure Mama’s new Complex Scar Serum adopts a more holistic, targeted approach than other options on the market, which fall into two camps: purely occlusive, such as silicones, or offering basic hydration.
Instead, the scar care newbie supports the skin as a whole, rather than simply sitting on top of it. It does so with a blend of 12 bioactive ingredients to support the appearance of scars, alongside NaturePep, a bioactive peptide to promote collagen production and resilience; Acai stem cell extract to protect and revitalise; gotu kola for skin structure and elasticity; while Perfeline-Essence supports skin healing.
Ceramides support skin barrier integrity, boost hydration and support skin tone and texture.
It’s a complex formula, yes, but a product Henderson says simplifies the scar care category.
“Scar care can often feel complex, with layered routines and conflicting advice, but we’ve created a single, clinically tested topical that simplifies the process while supporting the skin’s natural repair mechanisms,” Henderson says.
Historically, scar care has adopted a medical bent, so it’s with great anticipation the industry welcomes new formulas pivoting away from that realm into a functional, results-driven body care space.
Henderson says the scar care category has remained “quite outdated” despite how common scars can be because of surgery, injury, acne, or birth.
She hopes this new launch will reposition Pure Mama as a brand relevant for all bodies, not just those experiencing pregnancy.
“Scarring is something that affects everyone, across all life stages,” she says.
It’s best to wait until the wound is fully closed and skin is intact before using any topical scar care products, Henderson says.
“For the first 10–12 weeks, we recommend using silicone strips as the initial step, as they help maintain optimal moisture levels and support the skin’s natural repair environment, which can help the scar form more evenly,“ she says. If a scar is not from a major surgery, you can use topicals earlier.
“Once the wound has fully healed, introducing topical support can help improve hydration, flexibility and the overall appearance of the scar as it matures. If in doubt, always follow your surgeon or healthcare provider’s guidance first.”
How you layer scar care with other products like silicone tape matters, Henderson says, as the latter needs to be applied to clean, dry skin to function at its best.
For best results, she advises using scar care products at a different time of day – for example, using a serum in the morning and silicone tape in the evening.
“This approach allows you to benefit from both without compromising performance,” she says.
Scar care isn’t a quick fix, Henderson says; it can be a long-term process, so it pays to be consistent with the product you choose.
“The goal isn’t to erase a scar entirely, but to support the skin so it can heal as well as possible,” she says.
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Our top picks of oils, serums and creams said to promote healing and improve the appearance of scars.
Pure Mama’s new science-backed serums couple the brand’s Ceramide Complex CLR with centella asiatica and NaturePep to strengthen the skin barrier, promote collagen synthesis and boost firmness and elasticity to support optimal scar recovery and refine the look of scar tissue.
This lightweight treatment oil is designed to address the appearance of scars, stretch marks and irritated skin with its high-performance blend of plant actives, including biotech virgin maracuja oil, marine algae, bioactive superfruits and botanical oils. Skin is left soft, luminous and visibly refined with continued use.
This multi-purpose oil can be used throughout pregnancy and beyond to boost skin elasticity, fade stretch marks and scars, soothe dryness or itchiness and restore suppleness to skin. The formula spotlights sweet almond, jojoba, rosehip, pomegranate, argan and wheat germ oils to nourish skin while supporting scar recovery.
French dermatological brand Avene claims its Scar Gel reduces the appearance of scars in as little as three weeks, when applied to scars after surgical procedures such as caesareans and orthopaedic or cosmetic surgery. As with all Avene products, this lightweight gel heroes Avene Thermal Spring Water, plus post-biotic ingredients, copper zinc sulphate, silicones and hyaluronic acid to support a healthy skin microbiome to assist with scar repair.
This smooth balm is brimming with plant-based active ingredients, including antioxidant-rich marsh mallow root and liquorice root to hydrate and soothe skin while minimising the appearance of uneven skin tone, scars and stretch marks.
Soften and flatten raised scars with this silicone-based scar gel, which serves double duty to reduce redness and skin discolouration. It can be applied to new and old scars, with its blend of essential vitamins and antioxidants said to support skin regeneration and smoothness.
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