Burn scars

Helping a burn scar soften and fade.

Burns can leave scars that feel tight, raised, or discolored. Once the skin has fully healed, consistent topical care can help a burn scar become softer, flatter, and less noticeable over time.

Reviewed by Raed Salah, Pharmacist and Technical DirectorLast reviewed September 2026

What a burn scar is

A burn scar forms as the skin repairs after a burn injury. Deeper burns produce more collagen during healing, which can leave scars that are raised, tight, or discolored.

Once a burn has fully healed, the scar continues to remodel for months. Supportive care during this period helps improve its texture and appearance.

What affects a burn scar

How a burn scar develops depends on:

Burn depth. Deeper burns tend to produce thicker, more raised scars.

Healing time. Burns that take longer to heal are more likely to scar noticeably.

Location and movement. Scars over joints or areas of stretch can tighten and restrict movement.

Healed burn scars often show:

  • Raised, thickened, or firm tissue
  • Tightness that can limit movement (contracture)
  • Redness or changes in skin color
  • Itching or sensitivity
  • Dry, fragile skin over the scar

Once healed, keeping the scar hydrated and protected supports softer, more flexible tissue.

Caring for a burn scar

Once the burn has fully healed, a consistent routine helps the scar soften and flatten:

Keep it hydrated. Burn scars are prone to dryness; a topical silicone gel locks in moisture and supports softer tissue.

Apply consistently. Burn scars remodel over many weeks; daily care over a full course matters.

Protect from the sun. Healing skin burns and darkens easily; keep the scar shielded.

Begin only when healed. Apply only to fully healed skin — never to an open or weeping burn.

When to seek care

See a doctor if

Burn scars sometimes need specialist care. Seek advice if you notice:

A scar that tightens enough to limit movement
Signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, or discharge
A scar that keeps thickening or growing
Skin over the scar that repeatedly breaks down

How Scarless helps

How Scarless helps burn scars

On a suitable, fully healed burn scar, Scarless forms a thin silicone layer that may reduce moisture loss from the surface. Regular use may help improve the scar's pliability, texture, and appearance, but it does not treat the burn, remove pigmentation, or reverse contracture.

  • The silicone barrier hydrates tight, dry burn-scar tissue and reduces water loss.
  • Squalane replenishes moisture and keeps fragile skin comfortable.
  • Gentle — suitable for sensitive, healed skin.
Learn about the ingredientsSee how it worksSee how the gel helpsRead the published researchSilicone gel or silicone sheets: how to choose

Where to next

A few ways forward

A burn scar does best with patient, consistent care once healed. Here's where to start.

  • Order Online

    Available at pharmacies across our markets — or order online.

    Order Online

  • Ask us directly

    Not sure if Scarless suits your burn scar? Reach us directly.

    Open WhatsApp

  • For Healthcare Professionals

    Mechanism, evidence and safety for healthcare professionals.

    Open the HCP resource