How to Conceal Scars

Tips & tricks for covering scars on your face & body

Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Last Updated: December 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Even though scars fade over time, they might never look completely invisible. If you can still see a scar on a noticeable part of your body, there are a few ways you can keep it hidden. We’ll cover several options from minor cover-ups to more permanent treatments so you can reduce the appearance of your scars.

Covering a Scar

Use makeup or a scar-camouflaging kit to hide scars. Or, wear longer clothes and jewelry to cover up scars. For a more permanent option, apply a scar-reducing cream, get a tattoo, or consult your dermatologist.

1

Try a different hairstyle.

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Look for a new hairstyle you can try that conceals your scar. Keep an eye out for styles on fashion blogs, or you can also consult your stylist who will likely have suggestions on a style that suits you as well as covers the scar.

2

Hide scars under clothing.

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Choose a few pieces that are long enough to cover the scars you want to hide. Just make sure not to roll up your sleeves or pants so you don’t accidentally reveal your scar.

3

Wear jewelry.

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Find something that’s wide enough to cover your scar so it’s completely hidden. Since these are fun accessories, you can have a few different options to switch between.

4

Rub in a scar-reducing cream.

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Creams work best on flat scars that are less than 2 years old. For recent and especially light scars, you should begin with creams proven to reduce the appearance of scars. ^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} Pick a product containing healing ingredients such as quercetin, petrolatum, and vitamin C. ^{[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Equally as important is minimizing a scar’s exposure to sunlight. Scar tissue does not react to sunlight the same way as normal tissue, so exposing a fresh scar to sunlight can permanently darken a scar, making it more apparent. ^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 February 2021}

5

Apply concealing makeup.

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Match your skin tone so your scar blends in. There are various makeups available on the market that can temporarily hide a scar. Test the makeup or cream on your skin to see if you need to blend any colors for the desired effect. ^{[4]
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- Matching your skin tone can be a challenge for someone who isn’t familiar with the process. Try asking a consultant at a department or specialty store’s beauty counter for tips.
- Learning how to apply concealer can also take some practice. Follow the steps outlined at Apply Concealer to learn how.
- You can use color-correcting kits underneath the actual concealer which gives a better final result.

6

Use a scar-camouflaging kit.

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These kits form a paste to cover up deeper scars. For deeper scars or instances when you need longer-lasting concealment than regular makeup may provide, you can look into specialty scar-camouflaging kits that contain a mixture of adhesive creams and powders. These tend to last much longer than regular makeup.
- You can often find these kits sold at any beauty supply shop, drugstore, or salon.

7

Try concealing or micropore tape.

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Some thin, skin-tone specific concealing tapes are on the market as well. These products are best used by cutting the adhesive to match the general shape of your scar so that it blends in with the rest of your skin.

8

Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

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Certain older scars and especially raised or keloidal scars may require more effective cosmetic surgery to remove or reduce. Schedule an appointment so you can find the best course of action. ^{[5]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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9

Consider a chemical peel.

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A chemical peel is a basic procedure wherein a chemical mixture is applied to the affected area, causing several of the top layers of skin to dry up and peel off. The skin peels over several days, and it is considered a minor procedure. ^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
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10

Try camouflage tattooing.

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Surgeons tattoo older scars with your skin tone to match the colors. With advances in technique over the last several years, camouflage tattooing is a solid way to reduce the appearance of scars. The process is highly similar to that of getting a normal tattoo, often with imperceptible results.
- Scars should be at least two years old before undergoing camouflage tattooing to ensure they are fully healed.
- If conventional tattoos are more your style, you can cover scars with those as well. Consult your tattoo artist for the best type of design to cover your specific scar size, location, and color.

11

Get microdermabrasion.

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Like a chemical peel, this method removes the outermost layer of dead skin from the abraded area; however, instead of a chemical mixture, the process is completed with a flow of fine, medical-grade crystals. The finished product is a subtle difference, but it is effective. ^{[7]
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Research source}

How Can I Reduce The Appearance Of Injury Scars?

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What causes scars to turn dark?

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Exposing your scar to sunlight could make it darker so it stands out from your regular skin.

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Some makeups may not have the correct color to match your skin tone, so you may need to mix darker and lighter shades of various makeups to get the perfect shade.

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When using makeups or creams, products such as cotton balls, cotton swabs, and cosmetic brushes and puffs can assist you in effectively blending the makeup onto your skin.

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Always clean and dry the affected area(s) before applying any makeups, creams, or adhesives. This will prevent the makeup or adhesive from coming off easily.

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Warnings

Do not allow any hair or clothes to rub against the cream or makeup. This may smudge and ruin the effect.

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Do not apply any cosmetics without testing them first for any allergic reactions.

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How to Conceal Scars

Covering a Scar

Steps

Try a different hairstyle.

Hide scars under clothing.

Wear jewelry.

Rub in a scar-reducing cream.

Apply concealing makeup.

Use a scar-camouflaging kit.

Try concealing or micropore tape.

Consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

Consider a chemical peel.

Try camouflage tattooing.

Get microdermabrasion.

How Can I Reduce The Appearance Of Injury Scars?

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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References

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