We know how scars change lives

The Scar Free Foundation is the only medical research charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by scarring today, while working towards a future free from scars.

We’ve delivered over £50 million in pioneering research to better understand scars, reduce their impact, and accelerate new treatments.

Join our mission and help us deliver breakthroughs to the people who need them most, faster.

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Five million people in the UK live with a life-changing scar, and all the physical and emotional impacts  scars can cause.

Life with scars can be painful and debilitating, and may require years of physiotherapy, creams, injections, and surgeries that cause further scarring.

About scarring

 

How research can stop scarring

By funding the right research and backing the brightest minds, we’re accelerating breakthroughs to improve the lives of people with scarring, now and in the future.

Our research

Dr Beck Richardson stands holding a small glass tank of zebrafish, looking at them through the top of the tank.

Our research strategy is focused on three priority areas

Identify

We’re uncovering the biological pathways that lead to scarring.

Our Research

Change

We’re pioneering new treatments to improve wound healing and prevent scarring.

Our Research Strategy

Support

We’re helping people with scars live positive, independent lives.

Ambassadors

News and views

Events
Simon Wessley stands in front of a lecturn to deliver a lecture. A screen with his slides on is in the background.

The Hidden Cost of Trauma: a journey through the history of healing at the first-ever Scar Free Foundation Annual Lecture

An evening exploring trauma’s hidden costs, and how reconstruction has changed for the better, led by expert psychiatrist Professor Sir Simon Wessely

Find out more
News

SafeTea relaunched following rise in hot drink burns among children

New SafeTea campaign to mark National Burns Awareness Day 2025 aims to reinvigorate awareness, prevention, and first aid after worrying data from Children’s Burns Trust and the International Burn Injury Database

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News
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh leans down and plays with a baby in its mother's arms

Scar Free Royal Patron and Chief Investigator SPARC further support for conflict-related sexual violence survivors

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh and Professor Iain Whitaker OBE are back at Panzi Hospital to advance work on the SPARC project, supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence 📸 Aaron Chown, Chief Royal Photographer at PA

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Will you help us discover the next research breakthrough?

“With your support, we can better understand how scars form and heal. Please donate to The Scar Free Foundation today.”

Professor Janet Lord, Emeritus Professor of Immune Cell Biology University of Birmingham

Donate today

Professor Janet Lord, a scientist, sitting at a messy lab desk.

Simon’s Story

“To end up with a scar free world, wouldn’t it be wonderful?”

Our Lead Ambassador, Simon Weston CBE, survived severe burns to his face and body after his ship was attacked during the Falklands War.

READ His STORY

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