Best Over-The-Counter Scar Products: What Really Works (and When to See a Doctor)

All scars are different depending on their type and age. How scars fade comes down to consistency with care. Silicone based gels or sheets are normally one of the first at-home options recommended, alongside retinoids, botanical gels that include onion extract and mild exfoliants. H-Scars Formula is an OTC scar option for those who prefer a more natural approach.

Who are OTC scar solutions best for?

Over the counter products for scars may be used by adults and children (as advised by a healthcare professional) that are dealing with:

• Scars from injuries
• Keloid scars
• C-section scars
• Atrophic scars
• Facial scars
• Acne scars

OTC scar products can be used on scars that do not pose any signs of:

• Infections
• Wounding
• Constantly changing in appearance

What types of OTC scar products exist?

There are a few options out there for scars depending on where it is, how deep it is and how old it is. Options range from homeopathic products like H-Scars Formula, bio-oils, to silicone gels and sheets, exfoliants, retinoids, botanical gels with onion extracts and allantoin. Deciding on what to use really comes down to how effective the product is going to be in terms of how it absorbs and how it makes your skin feel. 

How does H-Scars Formula compare to other OTC scar products?

H-Scars Formula is a suitable option for those who prefer a natural alternative, especially if you don't like the feeling of using sticky gels. It absorbs over time, is easy to massage in, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.

How does H-Scars Formula differ:

• Helps improve skin suppleness
• Hydrates the skin
• Helps gently and safely improve the appearance of a scar
• A small amount is enough per application, it spreads easily when massaged into the skin
• Used consistently it may help improve the appearance of a scar over time

Do scar creams and oils really work?

Yes, most of them do. Healing Natural Oils scar formula has many positive reviews with a score rating of 4.7. H-Scars has helped many feel more comfortable in their skin. Deciding between an oil or cream really comes down to personal preference. 

One review that stuck out was from Vikas S, who said:

“My chest keloids are probably one of the worst cases. After getting all possible treatments done, I ended up with a surgical removal and then radio therapy sessions that my plastic surgeon and radio therapist said would work. Results - I had bigger keloids than before. I could not sleep because of the burning and itching sensation all night. I searched and found about this oil and I have been using it now for about 3 weeks and I am glad that I found it. I just gave up as the steroid injections weren't working, silicon gel wasn't working but this worked. Burning sensation and itching is gone now and the scars are also flattening. I am ordering another bottle and will continue to use with hopes that it would flatten the scars significantly (Hoping that it would disappear would be a fairy tale for me).”

How long do OTC scar products take to work, and how often should you use them?

How long scar care takes to work is influenced by various factors, including the exact method used and how old the scar is.

Oils:

• Newer scars 4-12 weeks
• Older scars 6-8 weeks

Silicone sheets and gels:

• Newer scars 3-6 months
• Older scars 6 months up to a year

Creams:

• Newer scars 2-3 months
• Older scars 3-6 months or even longer for much older scars

Scars that are 2 years or older are usually fully matured, meaning visible changes can take several months or even up to a year. 

Step-by-step guide to using OTC scar products safely at home

Before applying your product, here are a few steps you can follow to ensure a smooth application:

• Clean and dry the area of the skin
• Patch test the product by putting it either on your forearm, behind your knee or just under your jawline
• Apply a small amount and wait 24 to 48 hours and observe if there are any skin reactions
• If the skin has had no visible reaction to the product apply a thin layer of the product
• Massage the product into the skin
• If the scar is on a part of the part of the body that gets exposed to sunlight, always apply sunscreen
• Application must be done daily, applied 2-3 times a day

What to avoid:

• Over-using too many active ingredients
• Going in the sun without sunscreen over the area
• Leaving the scar or wound dry for long periods of time
• Picking and scratching at scabs on the area
• Not being consistent with your product application

How to choose the right OTC scar product for your scar type

Depending on the type of scar you have, how fresh it is, how it formed, and where it is on your body, the best scar solution will vary. Raised scars like keloids and hypertrophic scars need to be flattened and softened whereas with atrophic scars, there is a lack of tissue causing the scar to become inverted, with the goal being to fill them.
New and old scars differ in appearance. In the first year, scars may appear red, swollen and feel itchy, before flattening and fading over time. 

For hypertrophic scars (raised):

• H-Scars Formula
• Silicone sheets/gels
• Creams with active ingredients that include panthenol, allantoin
• General oils with fatty acids and vitamin E

Keloid scars (raised):

• H-Scars Formula
• Silicone gels/sheets
• Oils that include vitamin E and plant oils

Atrophic or Acne scars (inverted):

• H-Scars Formula
• Retinoids with active ingredients that include retinol or adapalene
• Chemical exfoliants that include either glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid
• Oils that contain vitamin E and fatty acids

Surgical scars (raised or flat):

• H-Scars Formula
• Silicone gels/sheets 
• Onion extract gels

When not to use at-home scar care 

You should avoid relying on at-home scar care if:

• Redness is spreading in the area
• There is an unknown growth forming on the scar
• Pus is coming out of the area
• You feel warmth in the wound

When to see a doctor or dermatologist about a scar

If your scar shows any of these signs, even while using over the counter products, it’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist:

• You can see muscle or fat in the deep wound
• There is a foul odor
• Any signs of drainage coming from the wound
• Your movements are restricted
• You are experiencing fever, chills, nausea or vomiting
• If you’re unhappy about the way it looks after 3-6 months after using at home care

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely get rid of a scar?

No, scars can fade significantly if cared for correctly, but they don’t usually disappear completely. 

Are natural oils as good as silicone gels or sheets for scars?

Yes, H-Scars Formula is a natural oil that helps fade the appearance of scars while hydrating the skin.

Can I use more than one scar product at the same time?

You can, but it's important to combine them carefully. For example, some ingredients such as retinoids (retinol) and exfoliating acids (glycolic or salicylic acid), can increase the risk of skin irritation. If you’re unsure about ingredient interactions, it’s important to consult a medical professional.

Is it too late to treat a 5 year old scar?

No, it’s not too late. Consistency over time is key for at-home scar care. 

How soon after a wound can you start scar care?

Once the wound is fully closed you can start using H-Scars Formula

Sources

1. Healing Natural Oils. H-Scars Formula product page and customer reviews
2. Healthline. Top Treatments and Natural Options for Scar Removal
3. Liv Hospital. 7 Best Medicines for Acne Scars: Top-Rated Creams & OTC Treatments 
4. OSF HealthCare. How to tell if a wound is healing or infected
5. Cleveland Clinic. Scars
6. NYU Langone Health. Medical Treatment for Scars & Keloids

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Scars showing any signs of infection, pain, restricted movement, redness, swelling, drainage, foul odor, visible muscle or fat, symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.