Best Scar Gels for Acne Scabs, Wounds & Scar Prevention

The best way to prevent a pimple scab from leaving a scar is to keep the area moist, protected, and free from irritation. Apply a thin layer of a wound-healing ointment or gel to prevent the scab from drying out and cracking. Use one with SPF when going outside. Avoid picking the scab or applying irritating ingredients such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating acids directly to the open or scabbed area. Would healing scar gels help protect the wounded area from friction, sun exposure (If they have SPF), and speed healing.

If your wound is still bleeding or oozing, the first step is to gently clean the area and keep it protected with an appropriate wound care ointment and dressing. An antimicrobial ointment may be recommended in certain circumstances, but it is not necessary for most clean, minor wounds. Once the wound stops oozing and the skin surface has closed, you can begin using a silicone scar prevention gel. Some silicone-containing wound care products can also be applied over a dry scab, but check the product instructions because many traditional silicone scar gels are intended only for fully closed skin. Silicone scar gels form a flexible, protective film that maintains hydration, reduces moisture loss, and protects healing skin from friction. These effects may help regulate collagen production and reduce the risk of raised hypertrophic scars. Use the silicone gel consistently according to the manufacturer's directions, often for several months, for the best results.

Yes. Studies have shown that silicone scar gels can help prevent and improve raised scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids. A 2020 meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials involving 375 patients found that topical silicone gel significantly improved scar height after 6 to 8 months of treatment. Silicone gels form a thin, flexible protective film over healing skin that maintains hydration, reduces moisture loss, and may help regulate excessive collagen production during scar formation. These effects can help scars heal flatter, softer, and less noticeably. Silicone scar gels are particularly useful for preventing hypertrophic scars, although they cannot reliably prevent keloids in people who are genetically prone to developing them. For best results, begin using a silicone scar prevention gel when the wound is ready for treatment and continue applying it consistently for several months. Ref: Wang F, Li X, Wang X, Jiang X. Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int Wound J. 2020 Jun;17(3):765-773.

The best way to prevent a wound or pimple scab from leaving a dark mark is to minimize inflammation while the skin heals and protect the area from the sun. When skin is injured, inflammation can stimulate melanocytes to produce excess melanin, causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is why picking pimples or removing scabs prematurely can make dark marks worse. While the wound is open or oozing, keep it clean, moist, and protected. Once the skin has closed, begin using sunscreen every day because UV exposure can make dark marks darker and cause them to last longer.

Silicone scar gels that contain sunscreen are especially useful for newly healed wounds because they help prevent raised scars while protecting against UV-induced discoloration. Two options available at Skin Type Solutions are BIOCORNEUM Advanced Scar Treatment SPF 30 and Silagen 100% Pure Silicone Gel + SPF 30. Both combine silicone with broad-spectrum sun protection. These products are particularly useful for scars on sun-exposed areas such as the face, chest, arms, and hands. Silicone helps prevent raised scars, while sunscreen helps prevent dark marks. If PIH has already developed, additional skin-lightening ingredients may be needed.