Scar Tape: My Go-To for Healing Scars
/By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast
Scars. We all have them, whether from surgery, accidents, or just life happening. And while they tell a story, sometimes it’s better not to have to relive whatever caused the scar when we see it. Or we’d prefer those stories be a little less visible. That’s where scar tape comes in. If you’ve never heard of it or aren’t sure how it works, here is the scoop.
I only recently discovered scar tape, and I’m so glad I did!
What Is Scar Tape Anyway?
Scar tape is a thin, flexible adhesive strip, usually made from medical-grade silicone, that you place over a scar. It’s nothing fancy-looking—it honestly just looks like a clear or skin-colored strip—but it’s one of those things where the magic is in how it works.
Silicone has been used in scar treatment for years because it helps keep the skin hydrated and protected. And when your skin is healing, hydration is key. Dry scars are more likely to become raised, thick, or itchy, but silicone creates a little barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
How Does It Actually Help Heal or Reduce Scars?
Here’s what’s going on beneath the tape:
Moisture Retention: When you slap that tape on, it helps lock in the skin’s natural moisture. This is a big deal because scars that dry out tend to get stiff and thick. Moisturized skin is more elastic, so the scar tissue can heal in a way that’s more smooth and less noticeable.
Gentle Pressure: The tape applies just enough pressure to the scar to keep things from going haywire during the healing process. When your skin gets injured, your body starts laying down collagen to repair it. Sometimes, it overdoes it, which is why some scars get bumpy or raised. The gentle compression from scar tape tells your skin to chill out and not go overboard.
Protection: If you’ve ever had a scar get irritated—whether from rubbing against clothes or exposure to the sun—you know how annoying and uncomfortable it can be. Scar tape acts like a little armor for your skin. It shields the area from friction, bacteria, and UV rays, all of which can make scars worse.
Encourages the Right Kind of Healing: Your skin is always doing its best to repair itself, but sometimes it needs a nudge in the right direction. Scar tape creates an environment that encourages the scar to flatten out and blend in better with the surrounding skin.
What I Like About Using It
For me, the best part is that it’s so low-maintenance. You just clean the area, stick the tape on, and forget about it for a few days. No constant reapplying creams or worrying if it’s working—it’s just there, doing its thing. And because it’s soft and flexible, you don’t even notice it’s on most of the time.
Plus, it’s not just for new scars. I’ve used it on older ones, and while it doesn’t erase them (nothing really does), it definitely helped smooth them out and make them less noticeable.
Does It Work for Everyone?
I’ll be honest—scar tape isn’t a miracle cure. If you’ve got really deep scars or keloids, it might not make them disappear completely, but it can still help improve the texture and color over time. And, like most things, you need to be patient. It’s not an overnight fix; it’s more of a slow and steady kind of deal.
A Few Tips if You’re New to Scar Tape
Start with clean, dry skin. Any oils or lotions will mess with how well it sticks.
Be consistent. I know it’s tempting to skip a day, but keeping the scar covered regularly makes a huge difference.
If you’re worried about irritation, test a small piece on your skin first. Good-quality tapes are usually super gentle, though.
The Bottom Line
Scar tape isn’t flashy, but it works. It’s like giving your skin the ideal environment to heal—hydrated, protected, and supported. Whether you’re dealing with a fresh scar or one you’ve had for years, it’s worth a try.
For me, it’s been one of those simple things that’s helped me feel a little more confident in my skin, and honestly, who doesn’t want that?