How to Fade Scars at Home: The Exact Routine Dermatologists Recommend (Featuring Silicone Scar Gel)

December 15, 2025

Summary: Fading Scars

If you've ever looked at a healing scar and thought "Why isn't this fading?", you're not alone. Many women - especially during perimenopause and menopause - notice that scars linger longer, heal slower, and feel more visible than ever before. The frustration intensifies when products that worked in your 30s suddenly seem ineffective, leaving you wondering if your skin has simply stopped cooperating.

The truth is, hormonal changes significantly impact how your skin heals and regenerates. But with the right routine - one designed specifically for mature, menopausal skin - you can support your skin's natural healing process and regain that sense of control over your recovery.

Scars fade best with a consistent routine combining silicone gel, sun protection, and gentle massage. Research shows silicone-based treatments can reduce scar appearance by 30-50% over 8-12 weeks when used correctly. This guide provides the evidence-based protocol dermatologists recommend for home scar treatment, including realistic expectations and when professional help is needed.

What This Article Covers

Why menopausal skin needs a different scar treatment approach
The exact 5-step dermatologist-recommended routine for home use
How silicone scar gel works (and what the research shows)
Realistic timelines and expectations for scar fading
When home treatment isn't enough and professional help is needed

At-Home Scar Routine Summary Box

THE COMPLETE ROUTINE:

Cleanse (2x daily) – Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
Silicone Gel (2x daily) – Wait 4-5 minutes to dry
Massage (2-3 minutes, 2x daily) – Circular motions, gentle pressure
Sun Protection (daily) – SPF 30+ minimum, reapply every 2 hours outdoors
Evening Moisturiser (nightly) – Ceramide or peptide-based for mature skin

Timeline: 6-8 weeks for initial changes | 12-16 weeks for maximum results
Key Success Factor: Consistency matters more than perfection

Why Menopausal Skin Needs a Different Scar Treatment Routine

Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause fundamentally change how your skin heals. You may notice:

Slower wound closure – What used to heal in weeks now takes months
Reduced collagen production – Scars feel thicker and more raised
Decreased skin elasticity – Scar tissue appears more prominent
Compromised moisture barrier – Healing skin feels drier and more sensitive
Reduced sebum production – Menopausal skin produces less sebum, meaning scars dry out faster, which makes hydration-based treatments like silicone even more important

Research published in Maturitas confirms that menopausal skin experiences a 30% reduction in collagen content and significant changes in wound healing capacity. This means the generic scar routines designed for younger skin simply don't address what your skin needs now.

Your scar treatment routine needs to compensate for these hormonal changes with formulations that support hydration, collagen organisation, and barrier function—which is exactly what silicone-based protocols provide.

Why Some Scars Fade and Others Don't

Scar appearance depends on healing factors you can influence: moisture levels, collagen remodelling, and protection from sun damage. Scars that receive proper treatment within the first 6-12 months typically fade more effectively than untreated ones.

Research in Dermatologic Surgery shows that early intervention with silicone-based products may help support the skin's natural healing process, though individual results vary based on scar type, location, and skin tone.

Dermatology experts often explain that consistency is more important than the product itself - scar tissue responds slowly, and daily repetition is where results come from. Missing days here and there significantly extends your timeline and reduces effectiveness.

The Dermatologist-Recommended Home Routine for Menopausal Skin

Step 1: Cleanse (Morning and Night) Gently wash the scarred area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry—never rub healing skin. Menopausal skin is more sensitive to harsh surfactants, so avoid products with sulfates or alcohol.

Step 2: Apply Silicone Scar Treatment (Twice Daily) Silicone gel creates an optimal healing environment by maintaining hydration and protecting the scar surface. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Wait 4-5 minutes for complete drying before applying other products.

Genova Scar Gel is one evidence-based option designed specifically for mature, hormonal skin. It combines medical-grade silicone with vitamin E to support the skin's healing process while addressing the specific needs of menopausal skin experiencing slower healing and reduced collagen production.

Many women tell us this routine makes them feel more in control of their healing rather than just waiting and hoping - a sentiment that resonates deeply when you've been frustrated by slow recovery and visible scarring that won't budge.

Step 3: Massage (2-3 Minutes, Twice Daily) Once the silicone gel is dry, use circular motions to massage the scar. This may help soften tissue and improve flexibility. Apply gentle pressure - discomfort means you're pressing too hard.

Clinical reviews in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery note that gentle scar massage may improve pliability and reduce stiffness when combined with silicone therapy.

Step 4: Sun Protection (Every Day) UV exposure darkens scars and delays fading. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen over the scarred area daily, even indoors near windows. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. This step is non-negotiable for visible results.

Step 5: Evening Moisturiser (Night Only) After your evening silicone application has dried, layer a fragrance-free moisturiser to support overnight healing. Menopausal skin benefits from ceramide or peptide-based formulas that reinforce barrier function.

What the Research Says About Silicone Scar Treatment

Studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery suggest silicone gel may help reduce scar thickness, colour, and texture when used consistently for 8-12 weeks. The mechanism appears to involve hydration and occlusion, which support normal collagen organisation.

However, silicone treatments work best on newer scars (under 2 years old) and have variable results on older, established scars. Individual factors like skin type, scar location, and genetics significantly impact outcomes.

Genova Scar Gel: Key Benefits

Medical-grade silicone formulation designed for mature, menopausal skin
Quick-drying, non-greasy formula suitable under makeup or sunscreen
Fragrance-free formulation reduces irritation risk for sensitive, hormonal skin
Can be used on face and body scars

Who This Routine Is For / Who It's Not For

This routine may help if you:

Have surgical scars, acne scars, or injury scars less than 2 years old
Can commit to twice-daily application for minimum 8-12 weeks
Have realistic expectations about gradual improvement
Are experiencing slower healing due to menopausal hormonal changes

This routine is NOT suitable if you:

Have open wounds or infected scars (seek medical treatment first)
Are prone to keloid scarring (professional treatment recommended)
Have very old scars (over 5 years) - professional options may be more effective
Expect complete scar removal (fading, not erasure, is the realistic goal)

Realistic Expectations: What This Routine Can and Cannot Do

What it may help with:

Gradual reduction in scar thickness and raised texture
Softening of scar tissue for improved flexibility
Evening out of scar colour and redness over time

What it cannot do:

Completely remove established scars
Work overnight or provide instant results
Guarantee specific percentage of improvement
Replace professional treatments for severe scarring

Most people notice initial changes around week 6-8, with continued improvement through month 4-6. Scars typically lighten to within 1-2 shades of surrounding skin tone, but rarely disappear completely.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a professional if your scar:

Continues growing or changing after 6 months
Becomes painful, itchy, or shows signs of infection
Doesn't respond to 3 months of consistent home treatment
Is a keloid or hypertrophic scar requiring medical intervention

Professional treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, or steroid injections may be more appropriate for certain scar types.

FAQ

Q: Can I fade scars naturally at home? Yes, with consistent use of evidence-based methods like silicone gel, sun protection, and massage. Research shows home routines can reduce scar appearance by 30-50% over 12-16 weeks, though results vary by scar type and age.

Q: How long does it take to see results with silicone scar gel? Most people notice initial changes around 6-8 weeks with consistent twice-daily use. Maximum results typically appear by 3-4 months, though older scars may take longer.

Q: Can I use silicone scar gel on my face? Yes, silicone gel is safe for facial use and suitable under makeup once fully dried (approximately 4-5 minutes after application).

Q: How do I combine silicone gel with other scar products? Apply silicone gel first on clean, dry skin. Wait 4-5 minutes for complete drying, then layer other products like sunscreen or moisturiser. Avoid applying vitamin C serums or retinoids directly over healing scars without professional guidance.

Q: Will this work on old scars from years ago? Results vary significantly with scar age. Scars under 2 years respond best. Older scars may show modest improvement but often require professional treatments for noticeable fading.

Q: Can I use this during perimenopause or menopause? Absolutely. Genova Scar Gel is specifically formulated for mature, hormonal skin experiencing slower healing and reduced collagen production common during menopause.

Individual results vary. For significant scarring concerns or scars that don't improve with consistent home treatment, consult a dermatologist for personalised assessment and treatment options.

You're not behind. Your skin just needs different support now—and with the right routine, healing is absolutely possible.