Best scar removal cream for stretch marks, acne scarring and keloid scars

When caring for scars, there’s no magic potion that will get rid of them entirely.

However there are certain products over time can reduce the redness and dryness, or discolouration to help flatten a scar that is elevated and make them overall less visible.

The NHS recommends “massaging a moisturiser like E45 into the scar will stop it becoming dry and help make it supple. You should also apply sunscreen to your scar as it may be particularly sensitive to the sun.”

The types of raised scar that result after an injury or surgery, are hypertrophic or keloid scars.

Both are the result of excess collagen production, but keloid scars are more serious as they tend to grow beyond the original site of the wound (these tend to occur more often in darker skin tones).

Acne scars are another common type, which can give the skin a pitted or uneven appearance, or can result in discolouration. (The latter are the only type that products will make a difference to, while any textured acne scarring would require advice or intervention from a dermatologist).

Certain scars can be so severe that professional intervention is key. “Hypertrophic scars often fade over time and treatment is usually not required,” notes Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. “Keloid scars are more challenging to treat but several approaches can be used. In the clinic, we treat these scars with silicone gel or silicone gel sheets, which must be used regularly to see an improvement.”

“Prescription-only steroid ointments or steroid tape can also be effective, but again, diligent use is necessary," she continues.

“We can also inject keloid scars with steroids, however this is best done by a trained dermatologist or surgeon, as it can be painful and there are risks including pigmentation change. Advanced treatments include removal of the scar by surgery, which can be followed by radiotherapy to prevent recurrence. Further information is available from the British Skin Foundation website.”

You can find a registered dermatologist by visiting bad.org.uk. In the meantime, here are some of the best products to help treat mild to moderate scarring.

NESSA Scar Saviour

Best for: a natural approach to treating stretch marks

Specially formulated for C-section scars and stretch marks, this hydrating, natural and vegan balm contains turmeric (said to help particularly well with this type of scarring), while liquorice and marshmallow roots work to renew the skin and reduce redness. The texture itself is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, while being completely fragrance-free.

£25 | Nessa Organics | Buy it now

E45 Cream

Best for: minor burns and reliable results

As mentioned above, this family favourite has been recommended by medical professionals for years, such as Guy’s and St Thomas’s who include it on their scar care leaflet, highlighting the fact that it’s non-perfumed, so less likely to irritate fragile scarred skin. It’s especially good for use on burns and skin grafts when massaged in twice a day (always ask your GP or consultant for advice beforehand).

£11.99 | Superdrug | Buy it now

Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet

Best for: treating and preventing keloid scars

According to Dr. Maruthappu “Darker skins are 15-20 times more prone to developing hypertrophic and keloids scars. If you plan to have a surgical procedure and are concerned about forming keloids, a silicone gel bandage can be used after the wound has healed for two to three months.” This gel sheet hydrates and moisturises the scarred area, helping to appear flatter and more faded over time.

£22.99 | Chemist Direct | Buy it now

VENN Advanced Multi-Perfection Red Oil Serum

Best for: acne scarring

This new K-Beauty line is co-founded by a former nuclear physicist and combines high-tech wizardry with ancient Korean remedies.

Their multi-correctional face oil serum is formulated from a 17^th Century skincare prescription, written during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. It contains rosehip and sacha inchi oil, which can both help with the appearance of mild acne scars.

£95 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Best for: newly scarred skin

While newly scarred skin is prone to irritation, this contains 5 per cent panthenol to calm any redness and speed up the healing process. Its antibacterial properties make it good to use on razor nicks and acne scabs to prevent infection and long-term scarring.

£11.99 | Escentual | Buy it now

Also available at Feel Unique

Dr Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Best for: soothing and reducing redness

Aloe vera is renowned for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it’s often the first port of call when it comes to irritated skin and sunburn.

This cooling gel contains a bioactive, double-strength dose of the stuff, which helps to soothe itchy scar tissue and minimise redness.

£2.95 | Holland & Barrett | Buy it now

Trilogy 100% Natural Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Best for: hyperpigmentation

Rosehip oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid and Vitamin C both of which help battle with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a type of scarring caused primarily by acne and sun exposure, which leaves dark patches on the skin. It also helps to regulate oil production, to help clear up active acne and prevent it from returning.

£17.45 | FeelUnique | Buy it now

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

Best for: post-surgery scars

A celebrity favourite, this all-natural balm is highly prized among plastic surgeons in LA for healing post-cosmetic surgery scars.

As the legend goes, it’s the same formula for a cream found in ancient Egyptian tombs – whether you believe that or not, it’s definitely has a reputation as a cult buy and comprises a nourishing concoction of olive oil, beeswax, royal jelly, pollen and propolis.

£29 | Liberty | Buy it now

Ecooking Vitamin A Serum Capsules

Best for: treating older scars and preventing new ones

Vitamin A is partly comprised of retinol, which works to exfoliate and renew skin – which is the reason why quite a few dermatologists recommend it for treating post-acne red marks and pigmentation.

It can also help clear up current acne conditions and work on fine lines around the mouth and eyes too. Ecooking’s version is encapsulated for maximum potency. Just twist off the top to open the capsule and gently squeeze the serum into the palms of your hands before applying.

£43 | Feel Unique | Buy it now

Lyonsleaf 100% Natural Calendula Cream

Best for: a top-notch vegan formula

Having scooped up multiple awards, this completely natural, vegan cream stars calendula, a potent anti-inflammatory to help minimise recent scarring. (Sufferers of the skin condition lichen sclerosus also swear by this stuff to help alleviate symptoms.)

£10.95 | Lyonsleaf | Buy it now

Verdict:

If you’ve been unlucky enough to sustain a scar, you might as well treat yourself to a product you enjoy having to use on a regular basis. Nessa Scar Saviour ticks every ‘green beauty’ box and is easy to apply. The fact that it’s specially formulated to work on scars is another plus point.

And while they don’t look as snazzy on a bathroom shelf, Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheets work on scars that are up to 20 years old and can make a real impact when used regularly. (For more severe scars, consult your GP or dermatologist prior to use.)

Jessica Reynolds // Shopping editor