How to Remove Scars on Legs

Identify the type of scar you have. Before choosing a treatment, it’s essential to know the type of scar you’re dealing with, as certain treatments only work for specific scar types. Consulting a dermatologist before starting any treatment is also recommended. The main types of scars include:

• Keloid scars: These are large, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound due to excessive healing. Keloids can expand over time and may recur even after surgical removal. They are more common in individuals with darker skin tones.
• Hypertrophic scars: These are raised, red or pink scars that fade over time. They often result from burns or surgeries and can be itchy.
• Atrophic scars: These are sunken scars caused by severe acne or chickenpox, leaving depressions in the skin.
• Stretch marks: These are thin, reddish-purple scars that appear due to rapid weight gain or loss. They are common during pregnancy and fade to a white hue over time.
• Contracture scars: These scars result from severe burns and can cover large areas of skin. They tighten the skin, especially around joints, potentially limiting mobility.
• Dark spots: These are not true scars but rather post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often caused by insect bites or skin inflammation.

Start treating scars as soon as they appear. You should address scars—using creams or appropriate treatments—immediately after the wound has fully healed. Most scar treatments are far more effective when applied to fresh scars, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Exfoliate regularly. Most scars will gradually fade as the skin regenerates—shedding old layers and growing new ones. You can speed up this process by regularly exfoliating during showers using a stiff-bristled brush or pumice stone.

• Avoid exfoliating fresh or healing wounds. Harsh scrubbing can slow the healing process or worsen the injury.

Apply sunscreen. This is one of the most overlooked tips, yet it can significantly help fade scars. Many people don’t realize that new scars are highly sensitive to UVA rays, and sun exposure can darken them. Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to scarred areas can greatly reduce discoloration.

• If you have a large scar or one in a sun-exposed area, you may need to use sunscreen consistently for up to a year while monitoring the healing process.

Massage your legs. Regular leg massages can help break down fibrous tissue causing scars. Massaging also improves blood circulation, which prevents discoloration. You can massage your legs in the shower using a scrub brush or your hands with circular motions.

Use concealer. Concealer can work wonders for covering leg scars. Choose one that matches your skin tone and blend it well to match the surrounding area. Waterproof concealer is ideal for unpredictable weather, and professional makeup (much thicker than regular cosmetics) is excellent for very noticeable scars.

Apply Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E has long been used in various health and beauty treatments, with many claiming its effectiveness in scar reduction. Vitamin E oil moisturizes and contains powerful antioxidants that help repair skin and improve damaged tissue.

• You can take Vitamin E capsules or apply the oil directly by piercing a capsule and spreading it on the affected area.
• Test a small amount first, as Vitamin E oil can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, requiring dermatological consultation.
• Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dosage, whether applied topically or taken orally.

Try cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a natural product that can fade scars by moisturizing and softening the outer and middle layers of the skin, smoothing its surface. Use pure cocoa butter or lotions containing it, applying to scarred areas 2-4 times daily.

• Massage cocoa butter into the skin using circular motions to ensure absorption.
• Note that cocoa butter works better on newer scars but can still improve the appearance of older ones.

Apply lemon juice. Lemon juice is a popular home remedy for scars, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. It is believed to lighten scars through its bleaching properties, reducing redness and promoting skin renewal. However, dermatologists often discourage its use due to its harshness and drying effects, as it lacks scientific backing for scar removal.

• If using lemon juice, cut a small slice and apply directly to scars. Leave it on overnight or for several hours, but limit application to once daily.
• For sensitive skin, dilute lemon juice with water or mix with cucumber puree to reduce its intensity.

Use aloe vera. Aloe vera is renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties. Commonly used for burns, it also serves as an effective natural scar treatment. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities make it ideal for newer scars (avoid applying to open wounds). Aloe vera soothes and promotes skin regeneration, gradually fading scars over time.

• Break off an aloe vera leaf and apply the gel-like sap directly to scarred areas. Massage in circular motions for absorption. Aloe vera is gentle, allowing up to four applications daily.
• If fresh aloe vera isn’t available, many creams and lotions containing aloe vera extract offer similar benefits.

Try olive oil. Olive oil is another natural remedy that can improve the appearance of scars. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is believed to yield the best results due to its higher acid content, as well as elevated levels of vitamins E and K. Olive oil softens and moisturizes the skin, slows scar tissue growth, and its acidic properties help exfoliate dead skin cells.

• Apply a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to the scarred area and massage in circular motions until absorbed. You can also use olive oil for exfoliation by mixing it with a teaspoon of baking soda, massaging it onto the scars, and rinsing with warm water.
• Enhance the effectiveness of this remedy by blending it with another oil. Combine two parts olive oil with one part rosehip, chamomile, or calendula oil, then apply the mixture to the scars. The added oils will amplify the soothing effects of olive oil.

Try cucumber. Cucumber is a natural remedy believed to break down scar tissue while cooling and soothing the inflamed skin around the scar. Like other remedies, cucumber works best on newer scars. Peel a cucumber, cut it into chunks, and blend into a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer to the scarred area and leave it overnight, or apply a thicker layer and rinse after 20 minutes.

• Leftover cucumber paste can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Continue applying it to the scarred area nightly.
• Boost the effectiveness of this remedy by mixing the cucumber paste with other treatments like lemon juice, olive oil, or aloe vera.

Try scar-fading creams or gels. Numerous over-the-counter products available at pharmacies claim to fade or even remove scars. Their effectiveness depends on the type and severity of the scar.

• While medical professionals are skeptical about the success rates of these creams, many users find products like Mederma and Vita-K effective.
• Mederma works well on stretch marks and other scars when applied consistently 3-4 times daily for six months. It softens and smoothens scars on the legs or any other part of the body.

Use silicone scar sheets. Silicone scar sheets are an innovative method for treating scars, especially unsightly ones. These self-adhesive silicone sheets stick to the skin, and the silicone technology provides moisture, softens, and fades scars. You can purchase silicone scar sheets over-the-counter at pharmacies or online, with each box typically providing enough sheets for 8-12 weeks of use.

• Silicone sheets have been proven effective for scar treatment but require time and patience to see noticeable results. They should be worn daily for 12 hours over 2-3 months to gradually diminish scars.

Try bleaching creams. Bleaching creams, such as those containing hydroquinone, can fade scars like stretch marks and dark spots by addressing hyperpigmentation, which causes scars to appear dark brown, black, bright red, or purple. These creams lighten the scar's color, making it less noticeable over time.

• Note that hydroquinone-based creams, while effective, are banned in the European Union due to concerns about potential carcinogenic effects and increased skin cancer risks.
• Hydroquinone products are still available in the U.S. at concentrations up to 2%. Higher concentrations require a prescription.

Try dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is a method that exfoliates the skin using a rotating metal brush or diamond-tipped tool to remove the outer layer of skin around the scar. Over the following weeks, new skin grows back, and the scar becomes less visible. This method is commonly used for acne scars and facial scars but can also treat leg scars when performed by a skilled surgeon. Dermabrasion on the legs is a delicate procedure due to the thin skin, and improper execution can cause more harm than good.

• Dermabrasion on the legs is typically reserved for dark spots or pitted scars caused by insect bites, etc. Raised or hypertrophic scars are not suitable for this method.
• Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your scar and determine if dermabrasion is appropriate. Note that insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures.

Chemical peels. Chemical peels can treat shallow scars, particularly those on the legs caused by hyperpigmentation. During the procedure, a dermatologist applies an acid solution to the scarred area and leaves it for about two minutes. You may feel a burning sensation, which subsides once the acid is neutralized and washed off. Two weeks post-treatment, the top layers of skin peel away, revealing smoother skin underneath.

• Depending on the scar's severity, multiple sessions may be needed to see significant improvement.
• Post-peel, the new skin is highly sensitive; avoid sun exposure and use high-SPF sunscreen for several weeks.

Try laser therapy. Laser therapy is an excellent option for deeper scars that dermabrasion or chemical peels cannot address. The laser burns away scar tissue, allowing new skin to grow and replace the scarred surface. The area is numbed with a special cream beforehand, making the procedure painless. Another advantage is the laser's precision, which minimizes damage to surrounding skin.

• Laser therapy should only be performed at reputable hospitals by trained professionals, as improper use can be dangerous.
• Multiple sessions may be required to fully remove the scar. The downside is the high cost, ranging from several million to hundreds of millions of VND, depending on the scar's size and depth.

Steroid injections. Steroid injections are used to treat keloid scars, which are notoriously difficult to address. For small keloids, steroid injections containing substances like hydrocortisone are injected directly into the scar tissue. Larger keloids may be cut and frozen before steroid injections are administered.

• Steroid injection therapy is a process rather than a one-time procedure, requiring visits every two to three weeks for repeated injections.
• This treatment has a high success rate but can be costly and may cause skin discoloration, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Consult a plastic surgeon to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

Try collagen or other fillers. Collagen or other filler injections can be highly effective in improving deep scars, such as pitted scars from chickenpox. Collagen, a natural animal protein, is injected into the skin using fine needles to fill in depressed scars. While effective, collagen treatments are not permanent, as the body naturally absorbs the collagen. Repeat treatments are needed approximately every four months.

• Each collagen injection costs around 5 million VND, making the treatment process quite expensive.
• An allergy test is required before collagen injections to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

• Ensure you are not allergic before applying any treatment to your legs. Test a small amount first to confirm there are no allergic reactions.