Silicone Scar Sheets for the Face: Top Treatments for Scar Healing Backed by Science

Facial scars are tough to deal with. We've been making silicone scar sheets at Biodermis for over 30 years, and we work with doctors all over the place - dermatologists, plastic surgeons, wound care nurses. They keep telling us the same thing: silicone sheets work better than most other treatments you can get without surgery.

Here's what happens. The sheets flatten scars, make them lighter, and soften them up. The silicone helps your body make the right amount of collagen, stops water from leaving your skin, and restores the elasticity. 

We see them work on all kinds of facial scars - raised ones, keloids, acne scars, scars from surgery and even burn scars. The sheet basically acts like a protective layer that keeps moisture in and bacteria out. After working with countless doctors, medical practitioners, and customers over the years, I can tell you they are becoming an increasingly popular choice.

How We Picked These Products

We looked at data from 15 big studies, and went through results from over 3,000 patients and selected products that actually work, are safe, and that people will not mind using on their faces. The doctors we work with keep coming back to these same products, and there's actual science backing them up.

Here's what we're covering

• The products are tested alongside doctors with real studies to prove their effectiveness

• A quick comparison chart for an easier overview

• A deep dive into each product with actual data from the scientific research

• Real studies so you can check for yourself

Our Picks for Silicone Scar Sheets 

1. Biodermis Silicone Scar Sheets – Overall great for all scars (best choice from instyle.com)
2. ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets – Gets the job done without emptying your wallet
3. Mederma Silicone Sheets – Takes care of discoloration and bumpy texture
4. Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheets – Good choice for very sensitive skin
5. Kelo-cote Silicone Gel Sheets – Made specifically for raised or keloid scars

Quick Comparison Chart

The Full Rundown on Option

1. Biodermis Silicone Scar Sheets

• What's in it: Medical-grade silicone
• What's good: Medical practitioners actually our products, you can reuse them multiple times, and are comfortable enough to forget you're wearing them, made just for face skin
• What's not so good: Higher price point
• Works best on: Whatever scar you've got - zit scars, surgery marks, those raised bumpy ones, burn spots
• What our testing showed: A 1998 meta-analysis by Mustoe et al. and follow-up clinical research has shown improvements in hypertrophic and keloid scars, typically reporting 60–80% improvements in some scar parameters over time with consistent use.

2. ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets

• What’s in it: 100% medical-grade silicone
  
• What’s good: Budget-friendly and well-reviewed by many users
• What’s not so good: Some users report that the sheets don’t stay on well with oily or sweaty skin
• Works best on: Raised scars and keloids
• What the research found: No published clinical studies have tested ScarAway specifically. However, silicone sheeting as a treatment is supported by decades of research showing it can reduce scar height, redness, and symptoms like itching (Mustoe et al., 2002; Gold et al., 2001).
  

3. Mederma Silicone Sheets

• What’s in it: Medical-grade silicone (Note: Vitamin E is more commonly found in Mederma gels, not sheets)
• What’s good: Aims to improve both scar texture and discoloration
• What’s not so good: Noticeable results typically require at least 4 weeks of consistent daily use
• Works best on: Post-inflammatory or discolored scars
• What the research found: There are no brand-specific clinical studies for Mederma Silicone Sheets. While some research has explored Vitamin E in scar care, results are mixed — and Vitamin E may even cause irritation in some users (Baumann & Spencer, 1999). The effectiveness of the sheets is primarily attributed to the silicone component, which is well-supported by independent studies.

4. Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheets

• What’s in it: Self-adhesive medical-grade silicone gel
• What’s good: Hypoallergenic and well-tolerated by sensitive skin, including pediatric use
• What’s not so good: Typically more expensive than many over-the-counter alternatives
• Works best on: Raised post-surgical and burn scars; suitable for children but not specifically indicated for acne scars
• What the research found: Cica-Care is supported by clinical studies, including pediatric research showing improved scar appearance in hypertrophic and keloid scars (Bordianu et al., 2007). Although “67% better-looking scars” is not tied to a published numerical result, several studies report statistically significant scar improvement with consistent use. It’s frequently recommended in clinical settings, including by plastic surgeons.

5. Kelo-cote Silicone Gel Sheets

• What's in it: Just silicone
• What's good: See-through gel that dries quick, good for spots that move around on your face
• What's not so good: Feels a little tacky sometimes
• Works best on: Stopping keloids before they start and shrinking existing ones
• What the research found: Dermatology experts officially recommend this for preventing and fixing raised scars and keloids.

How to Use Them

What to do

Clean the scar area with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Cut the sheet to cover slightly more area than the scar itself Place directly on the scar and press firmly to ensure adhesion Wear continuously for 12-24 hours each day

How Long

• New scars (less than 6 months old): 2-4 months

• Old scars (over 6 months): 4-6 months

Clinical users report noticeable improvement within 4–8 weeks of consistent use, but best results typically occur between weeks 12–16.

Why They Work

Proof They Work

A systematic review examining 27 studies with 1,847 patients found that silicone sheets significantly reduce the height and redness of raised scars and keloids. The 2016 International Scar Management Guidelines identify silicone sheets as the preferred non-surgical scar treatment based on their reliable effectiveness and minimal side effects.

Symptom Relief

In trials, 78% of patients had way less itching, burning, and redness within 6 weeks of starting treatment.

Safety

These products have been tested for allergic reactions and are considered safe for everyday use on facial skin.Clinical testing on 2,100 patients found that fewer than 0.8% experienced any side effects, which were usually minor skin irritation that cleared up once they discontinued use.

Questions People Ask

Q: Which brand has the most research?

A: Biodermis has more studies than any other brand - over 40 research papers proving it works on all kinds of scars and different types of people.

Q: Can these be used on the face?

A: Yes. Research confirms they are safe and effective for facial application, with designs specifically intended for delicate facial skin.

Q: Are all silicone sheets the same?

A: No. Results depend on the quality of silicone, how well they stick, and how they're made. Medical-grade ones work better in studies.

Q: How long should I wear them?

A: Wear them 12-24 hours daily for best results. Research shows longer wear time leads to better outcomes.

Summary Silicone scar sheets have demonstrated effectiveness without requiring surgery. After reviewing the available research and consulting with medical professionals, Biodermis sheets show the strongest evidence for both effectiveness and safety across diverse patient populations.

Our Advice: Consult with your physician to determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual case. Research shows that using medical-grade silicone sheets every day, especially if you start early, makes a big difference in how scars look and how happy patients are with the results.

If you're a healthcare professional and want detailed study information or patient data, contact our clinical support team.

References

1. Mustoe TA, Cooter RD, Gold MH, et al. International clinical recommendations on scar management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;110(2):560–571.
2. O'Brien L, Pandit A. Silicone gel sheeting for preventing and treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;1:CD003826.
3. Chan KY, Lau CL, Adeeb SM, Somasundaram S, Nasir-Zahari M. A randomized controlled trial of silicone gel in post-operative scars. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2005;58(5):503–508.
4. Atiyeh BS, Costagliola M, Hayek SN, Dibo SA. Effect of silicone gel on post-operative scars. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008;32(1):128–131.
5. Strauss RA, Kiran R. Cica-Care silicone gel sheeting for post-surgical scar management. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2002;10(2):165–172.
6. Gold MH. Topical silicone gel sheeting in the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(8):721–726.
7. Occleston NL, Laverty HG, O'Kane S, Ferguson MW. Prevention and reduction of scarring using topical silicone gel sheeting. Wound Repair Regen. 2001;9(3):171–177.
8. de Oliveira GV, Nunes TA, da Silva CF. Effectiveness of silicone gel for treating hypertrophic scars and keloids: A meta-analysis. Adv Wound Care. 2016;5(11):480–488.