In theory, this all sounds promising. But how well these sticky strips will work for you depends on the type of skin issue you’re dealing with. Again, Dr. Hu recommends them only for raised marks like hypertrophic, keloid, and post-surgical scars (resulting from a C-section, for example, or skin cancer removal). But silicone sheets may not improve the look of flatter blemishes, like dark spots from popped pimples. (In these cases, the issue isn’t collagen buildup; it’s hyperpigmentation—and for that, you’d be better off trying brightening treatments instead.)
The same goes for a wound that isn’t fully healed or closed yet. “When it’s still open or draining, silicone scar sheets could increase your risk of infection,” Dr. Hu says, by potentially trapping bacteria and other irritants into the broken skin. On the flip side, she cautions that “they’re unlikely to do much for old scars you’ve had for more than 8–12 months.” By this point, the healing process is basically complete and collagen production has slowed, so silicone won’t have a noticeable effect.
So if you’re dealing with a keloid or some other raised scar, silicone sheets (and tapes) are definitely worth a shot, according to Dr. Hu. They’re relatively affordable (around $10-$15) and generally well-tolerated (certain ingredients in scar gels, Bio-Oil, and other OTC topical treatments may aggravate sensitive skin). That said, she recommends sticking with just medical-grade silicone—especially if you’re dealing with a newly healed wound—and avoiding potentially irritating additives, just to be safe.
You may have also read that scar sheets are reusable, which is technically true—you just rinse them under lukewarm water, wash with mild soap, and air dry overnight. But even if you follow these instructions, Dr. Hu warns there’s still a risk of bacteria or dead skin cells lingering on the strip, which could trigger breakouts, irritation, or even an infection. Plus, the cleaning process can wear down the adhesive, making the sheet less sticky and more likely to slip off. So, you’re probably better off just cutting a fresh piece after each use, she says.
Speaking of best practices, proper application is important, too: Start with freshly cleansed, completely dry skin, “then cut the sheet to a square that’s large enough to cover the spot” she adds. Above all else, you’ll need to keep the adhesive on for at least 12 hours—though Dr. Hu recommends wearing it all day for, uh, at least 8 to 12 weeks if you can. (It can take several months for the silicone to regulate and lower collagen production, she explains.)
Obviously, this long-term commitment might be disappointing, especially if you were dreaming of an overnight miracle. But here’s the silver lining: Since silicone sheets are transparent, they blend into your skin, making them surprisingly easy to wear every day without drawing attention. And with time, consistency, and a little patience, Dr. Hu says you should start seeing a significantly flatter, less noticeable mark.
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