How to Fade Scars: The Complete Silicone Scar Gel Guide
Quick summary
You cannot remove a scar entirely, but you can soften, flatten and fade how it looks. Silicone gel is the most studied, dermatologist-recommended at-home option, and it works for raised, red and old scars. Apply it twice a day to clean, dry skin, protect the scar from the sun, and give it 8 to 12 weeks to start showing change, with fuller results over 3 to 6 months. Start early on new scars once the wound has closed, but old scars can still improve. This guide covers what works, how to use it, and what to expect by scar type.
The short version: a scar is permanent, but its appearance is not fixed. The texture, colour and height of a scar can all improve with the right daily care. The single most evidence-backed at-home step is silicone, used consistently and paired with sun protection.
This is the hub for everything Genova has written on scars. Use the contents below to jump to your scar type or question, and follow the links through to the detailed guides.
In this guide
What is a scar, and can you really fade one?
A scar is the body's repair tissue. When skin is injured past the surface layer, it knits itself back together with collagen laid down in a different pattern from normal skin, which is why a scar looks and feels different. You cannot make that tissue disappear, but you can improve how raised, red and rough it looks.
Scars fall into a few broad types, and they respond differently:
- Flat and discoloured: pink, red, brown or pale marks that are level with the skin. These usually fade most over time.
- Raised (hypertrophic): firm, raised scars that stay within the wound's borders. Silicone is a first-line option here.
- Keloid: raised scars that grow beyond the original wound. These are stubborn and often need professional care. See our guide to keloid versus hypertrophic scars.
- Sunken (atrophic): pitted scars, common after acne. We cover these in acne scars by type.
Do silicone scar gels actually work?
Yes. Silicone is widely recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons as a first-line, non-invasive option for managing scars, especially raised and red ones. It works by holding hydration at the skin's surface and creating a protective layer, which helps signal the scar to settle.
The published research is encouraging. Clinical reviews of silicone scar treatment report meaningful improvements in scar texture, colour and height with consistent use over several months. It is drug-free, suits all skin types, and can be worn under sunscreen and makeup.
The Genova Silicone Scar Gel uses silicone plus Vanistryl peptide technology, dries clear in about 30 seconds, and is made in Australia. Most people see a visible difference in the look and feel of their scar within 8 to 12 weeks of twice-daily use. For the deeper science, see the science behind silicone scar gel.
Silicone plus Vanistryl peptide to fade, flatten and soften scars. Dries clear. Made in Australia. 8-week money-back trial.
How long does it take a scar to fade?
Scars fade on a timeline of months, not days, because the tissue remodels slowly. Here is a realistic guide. For the full version, see how long scars take to fade by type.
| Stage | What is happening | What you may notice |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 0 to 2 | Wound has closed; early repair | Scar often red or raised; start silicone once skin is intact |
| Weeks 2 to 8 | Active remodelling | Softer feel, less itch and tightness |
| Weeks 8 to 12 | Visible change builds | Flatter, less red, smoother look |
| 3 to 6 months | Continued maturation | Fuller results; colour keeps settling |
How to apply silicone scar gel
Application is simple, and consistency matters more than amount. Here is the routine, with the full walk-through in our 5-step silicone gel method.
- Clean and dry the area. The scar must be fully healed, with no open skin.
- Apply a thin layer of gel over the scar. A little goes a long way.
- Let it dry for about 30 seconds until it turns clear.
- Use it twice a day, morning and night, for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Add SPF over the top in the morning. Sun is a scar's biggest enemy.
What else helps a scar fade?
Silicone does the heavy lifting, but a few habits support it:
- Daily SPF on the scar. UV darkens scars and can make discolouration permanent. This is non-negotiable, especially in Australia.
- Gentle scar massage once healed, to soften tissue and improve flexibility. See how to massage a scar.
- Patience and consistency. Stopping at week 3 is the most common reason people think nothing is working.
- Leave it alone. Picking, scratching or re-injuring a scar restarts the process. If yours stays red, our guide on why scars stay red explains why.
Scar care by type
Different scars need slightly different care. Find yours below:
- Surgical and skin cancer scars: surgical and skin cancer scar care and when to start scar gel after surgery.
- C-section scars: a stage-by-stage C-section healing guide.
- Hysterectomy and knee replacement scars: hysterectomy scar care and knee replacement scar care.
- Acne scars: acne scars by type.
- Old scars and itchy scars: can you improve an old scar and why scars itch years later.
- Comparing options: silicone gel versus scar tape, silicone sheets, Bio-Oil and vitamin E.
Realistic expectations: Silicone scar care softens and fades how a scar looks and feels. It cannot remove a scar, lift a deeply sunken acne scar, or replace professional treatment for a large keloid. Results build over months and vary from person to person. For scars that are growing, painful or changing, see a doctor.
Who silicone scar gel is for (and who it is not for)
A good fit if you:
- Have a healed surgical, C-section, injury or acne scar you want to soften and fade
- Want a simple, drug-free daily step you can keep up for a few months
- Are realistic about gradual change rather than instant results
Probably not the right fit if you:
- Have an open or unhealed wound (wait until the skin has closed)
- Have a large or growing keloid that needs medical treatment
- Expect a scar to disappear completely
Frequently asked questions
Can you ever get rid of a scar completely?
No. Scar tissue is permanent, but its appearance can improve a lot. Silicone, sun protection and time can make a scar flatter, softer and less noticeable.
When should I start using silicone scar gel?
As soon as the wound has fully closed and there is no scab or open skin, usually a few weeks after surgery or injury. Starting early gives the best results, but old scars can still improve.
How long until I see results?
Most people notice a softer, less red, flatter scar within 8 to 12 weeks of twice-daily use, with fuller results over 3 to 6 months. Results vary.
Does silicone gel work on old scars?
It can. Old scars respond more slowly than new ones, but consistent silicone use plus sun protection can still improve texture and colour over several months.
Can I wear it under sunscreen and makeup?
Yes. A good silicone gel dries clear in about 30 seconds and sits comfortably under SPF and makeup, which makes twice-daily use easy to stick to.
Start fading your scar today
The daily silicone step, or the full skin-repair routine for scars and stretch marks.
Skin Repair Package
Scar gel plus support for stretch marks and elasticity.
Genova Silicone Scar Gel comes with an 8-week money-back trial.
References
- Puri N, Talwar A. The efficacy of silicone gel for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2009.
- Bleasdale B, et al. The role of silicone in scar management. Advances in Wound Care, reviewed evidence on silicone for scar texture, colour and height.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Genova Silicone Scar Gel is a cosmetic product designed to support the appearance of scars and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Results vary from person to person. For scars that are growing, painful, changing or causing concern, please see a qualified healthcare professional.
