Silicone tape is a thin, flexible strip of medical-grade silicone placed over scars to flatten, soften, and fade them. It works by mimicking the barrier function of healthy skin, keeping the scar hydrated so the body doesn’t overproduce the collagen that makes scars thick and raised. It’s widely considered the first-line non-invasive treatment for both hypertrophic (raised) and keloid scars.
How Silicone Tape Works on Scars
When skin is injured, the outer protective layer that forms over a healing wound is thinner and less developed than normal skin. This immature barrier loses moisture quickly. When the skin senses that dryness, it triggers a chain reaction: surface skin cells release signaling molecules that tell deeper cells called fibroblasts to produce extra collagen. That extra collagen is what makes scars raised, firm, and discolored.
Silicone tape interrupts this cycle through two mechanisms: occlusion and hydration. The tape seals the scar site the way healthy, intact skin would, preventing water loss through the surface. With moisture levels restored to normal, the skin no longer sends distress signals, and collagen production slows to a normal rate. Unlike other wound dressings, silicone provides a level of occlusion closely matching that of undamaged skin, which is why it specifically normalizes scar tissue rather than simply protecting the wound.
What the Clinical Evidence Shows
Pooled data from clinical trials shows silicone tape and sheeting can cut the risk of hypertrophic scarring roughly in half for people prone to abnormal scarring. For existing scars, studies found statistically significant reductions in scar thickness and meaningful improvements in color, with treated scars about 3.5 times more likely to show improvement in redness compared to untreated scars. Scar elasticity also improved significantly, with treated scars roughly three times more likely to become softer and more pliable.
That said, the quality of evidence has limitations. Many studies were small and susceptible to bias. And for keloid scars specifically, silicone tape is less effective than steroid injections. In one trial, only 12% of people using silicone sheeting saw at least a 50% reduction in keloid size, compared to 94% of those receiving steroid injections. Silicone tape works best as a preventive measure or for treating moderately raised scars rather than large, established keloids.
Silicone Tape vs. Silicone Gel
Silicone scar products come in two main formats: adhesive tape (or sheets) and a spreadable gel that dries into a thin film. Clinical trials comparing the two have found no significant difference in outcomes for scar thickness, stiffness, or irregularity at one-year follow-up. Both deliver silicone to the scar surface and work through the same hydration mechanism.
The choice comes down to practicality. Tape stays in place on its own, making it a good fit for flat areas like the chest, abdomen, or limbs. Gel is easier to apply on joints, the face, or irregular surfaces where tape won’t adhere well. In hot, humid climates, some people find tape uncomfortable due to sweating and moisture buildup underneath. Gel may be easier to tolerate in those conditions, though it needs reapplication throughout the day.
How to Use It
Silicone tape is worn directly over a closed, fully healed scar for as many hours per day as you can manage. Most treatment protocols call for wearing it throughout the day and night, removing it only to clean the tape and the skin underneath. Results depend on consistency: expect to use it daily for several weeks to several months before seeing noticeable improvement. Newer scars generally respond faster than older ones.
Each strip is reusable. After removing it, wash the tape gently with warm water and mild soap, using your fingers or a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing, which can break down the silicone. Let it air dry completely before reapplying. A single piece typically lasts two to three weeks before the adhesive wears out and needs replacing.
Possible Side Effects
Silicone tape is generally well tolerated, but side effects are common enough to be aware of. A study tracking patients in a hot climate found that 80% experienced persistent itching under the tape, 28% developed a skin rash, and 16% had skin maceration (where the skin becomes overly soft and white from trapped moisture). About 8% experienced actual skin breakdown.
Most of these issues resolved with simple adjustments: taking a break from the tape for a day or two, washing the strip and the underlying skin more frequently, or switching to a different brand. Only one patient in the study had to stop treatment entirely. If you notice a rash or significant itching, removing the tape for a short period and improving skin hygiene underneath is usually enough to get back on track. People in hot or humid environments may need to clean and reapply more frequently than those in cooler climates.
What Silicone Tape Won’t Do
Silicone tape is not a treatment for open wounds. It should only be applied after the skin has fully closed. It also won’t eliminate a scar entirely. What it does is reduce the thickness, redness, and stiffness of raised scars, bringing them closer to the texture and color of surrounding skin. For deep or severe keloid scarring, it works better as one part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.