How to Fade Burn Scars with Skincare Products & Tools

While there is no known way to make burn scars fully disappear, they do gradually fade over time. We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to speed up this process, as well as advice on how to make burn scars less prominent.

How to Treat a Burn

If you’re unsure which category the burn you've sustained falls into—don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. “Minor first-degree burns leave the skin pink or red but don't cause blistering, oozing or crusting,” says Jennifer Hermann, MD, a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at MFC Dermatology in Beverly Hills, CA. “If redness lasts more than two weeks or any crusting or blistering develops, this may be a sign of a deeper burn that needs attention.”

How to Treat Sunburn

If you’ve gotten sunburned, your best bet for treating it is a cool compress paired with a thick, bland emollient, such as Aquaphor. As for protecting your new sunburn from the sun, either stay in the shade or use a physical (or mineral) sunscreen. “Many sunscreens, especially those that are chemical-based, may be too irritating to injured skin at this early stage of healing,” explains Dr. Hermann. Dermstore suggests SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30.

How to Treat Other Burns

How to Fade Burn Scars

While not every scar will respond well to at-home treatment, there are some things that you can try to help lighten your scar in its early phases. Dr. Hermann suggests using a scar cream as soon as the top layers of your skin have healed. “Many scar creams contain silicone, which acts to hydrate the skin,” she says. She’s a fan of DNA EGF Renewal DNA Scar Therapy since it also contains DNA enzymes, which target healing microscopically and more efficiently. In fact, we’ve compiled a whole list of our favorite scar creams further on in this article.

Ultimately, scars remodel for a year, so patience is key if you’re still unhappy. Once it stops changing, you can explore more intensive options. “If texture changes result after the burn, we can use precise resurfacing lasers to smooth skin, and if redness persists, we can use vascular lasers to fade this away more quickly,” Dr. Hermann says.

A final thing to note is while we may love the glowing effect the sun can have on our skin, it doesn’t work the same when it comes to scars. The exposure tends to make scars darker and more pronounced, sometimes culminating in skin discoloration. If this is something you’re wary of, Dr. Hermann recommends using a zinc-based sunscreen, preventing scars from hyper-pigmenting or turning brown.

Beauty Tools That Can Help with Fading Burn Scars

If you’re looking to try a treatment for your burn scar at home, rather than a clinic—microneedling could be for you. But, what is microneedling? Basically, a microneedle roller or microneedle pen (depending on your preference) is covered in fine, painless needles that signal your skin to create new collagen and elastin. In its quest to help your burn scar, the collagen boost plumps, smooths and resurfaces skin and can, in turn, regenerate a healthier and more even complexion.

You may now be wondering what the difference is between a roller and a pen. If so, a roller targets the skin at an angle, whereas a pen targets it vertically. The main difference, however, is that whereas you move a microneedling roller back and forth over the skin, a microneedling pen uses machine-powered pulses. It can therefore more precisely target harder to reach areas, such as those around the eyes, nose and upper lip. While rollers come with one setting, most pens have an adjustable needle head that lets you choose varying needle lengths depending on your needs.

How Do Scar Creams Work

Creams and other products can reduce the appearance of burn scars by hydrating and smoothing the area, reducing redness and evening out the skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, PhP, “silicone is the most effective ingredient in reducing the appearance of scars.” This is due to the fact silicone reduces collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring. As well, silicone works to flatten and fade scars by hydrating the tissue. Other ingredients that you can look out for are allantoin, vitamin E oil and retinol, which also works to improve texture and soften the skin.

Do Scar Creams Work on Burn Scars?

Scar creams can help to speed up the healing process of burn scars, as well as make them less prominent. However, it’s important to remember that certain creams are better suited to certain scar types. According to Dr. Gilbert, scars are the result of collagen fiber regrowth after a skin injury. “Most superficial injuries,” she says, “will lead to temporary changes in the color of the skin (red or white depending on skin type), whereas deeper injuries can lead to depressed scars (as in acne), raised scars or flat, shiny scars (as in deeper burn scars).” The majority, regardless of cause, will fade naturally with time, but finding the specific treatments and products for yours will be required to significantly reduce their appearance. Our recommendations below are suitable for all types of burn scars.

The Best Scar Creams and Tools

1. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen (Various Sizes)

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen (Various Sizes)

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$42.00

50ml

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Even if you've never been sunburned or have melanated skin than easily tans - everyone should use a preventative. SkinCeuticals mattifying, broad-spectrum sunscreen is the perfect solution. Suited to all skin types, it’s a must for your morning routine and adds that extra layer of protection your skin craves—all while being weightless and drying with a matte, shine-free finish. Shake well and apply to the face, neck and chest daily before makeup, reapplying as necessary.

2. SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline (0.5 oz.)

SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel with Centelline (0.5 oz.)

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If you’re looking for something to minimize the appearance of scarring caused through minor injuries, cosmetic surgery or c-sections, look no further. This gel promotes cell renewal using lactic acid that brightens and exfoliates the skin, as well as olive oil to improve tone and elasticity. Once your wound has healed, simply add a thin layer of gel twice daily to flatten the area and reduce redness.

3. Avène Cicalfate Scar Gel (1 oz.)

Avène Cicalfate Scar Gel (1 oz.)

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$34.00

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Ideal for superficial scars (think long, thin and flattened) or post-procedure scars, this gel is rich in concentrated silicones to improve efficacy in scar minimization. Other key ingredients include C+- Restore and hyaluronic acid, giving your scar high levels of hydration for smoother, softer and more comfortable skin. Apply twice daily on clean skin and massage gently.

5. Beauty ORA Face Microneedle Dermal Roller System 0.5mm - Purple/Black (1 Piece)

Beauty ORA Face Microneedle Dermal Roller System 0.5mm - Purple/Black (1 Piece)

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201 reviews

$38.00

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Microneedling may sound scary, but ORA makes sure that isn’t the case. These fine, 0.5-millimeter needles painlessly glide over skin, helping it to produce collagen and elastin. Ideal for uneven tone and texture, this device works well for acne, as well as scars and stretch marks on your body. It’s not essential, but thanks to the extra absorption this treatment allows, we’d recommend using a serum or cream afterwards for even better results.

6. Beauty ORA Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System (4 Piece)

Beauty ORA Electric Microneedle Derma Pen System (4 Piece)

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$90.00

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A microneedle dermal roller is great, but the pen takes it up a notch. The ORA pen produces controlled, precise needle strokes faster than a traditional roller. And, not only does it have four adjustable needle heads, but it also features a built-in vibration mechanism for deeper needle penetration. This works well for acne scars and burn scars, as well as fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks. Again though, we’d recommend following up with your favorite serum or cream.

7. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (3.38 fl. oz.)

COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (3.38 fl. oz.)

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369 reviews

$25.00

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If you’re looking for a fabulous glow, COSRX’s easy-to-use essence works a treat with its super lightweight formula enriched with panthenol. Well suited to anti-aging, it effectively lessens wrinkles, breakouts, scars and dehydrated skin with 96% snail mucin (yes, that is snail slime!)—a powerful ingredient for helping your skin look plump and lush, all while diminishing scars. Apply a small amount on your entire face or the affected area, and gently pat to increase absorption.