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When the skin is injured, undergoes surgery, or has a dermatological procedure, it enters a complex healing process that results in a scar. This newly formed tissue is especially sensitive and fragile, particularly when exposed to external factors like ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun exposure on a recent scar can have lasting aesthetic consequences and even worsen healing quality. Understanding why protecting it from the sun is crucial helps preserve skin health and prevent permanent marks.
The Characteristics of a Recent Scar
Skin Under Reconstruction
After an injury, the skin regenerates through several stages: inflammation, cell proliferation, and remodeling. During these phases, tissue is thinner, less pigmented, and lacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for tanning.
Increased Sensitivity to UV
Without its natural barrier against the sun, the scar is much more vulnerable. It absorbs more UV rays, increasing the risk of cellular damage and skin reactions.
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The Harmful Effects of Sun on a Scar
Persistent Hyperpigmentation
The main risk is the appearance of brown or red spots on the scar, which can become permanent. UV exposure stimulates uneven melanin production, causing irregular pigmentation that is difficult to correct.
Poor Healing
Sun exposure slows the skin’s repair process and encourages disorganized healing. The scar may thicken, become more visible, or develop into a hypertrophic or keloid scar.
Risk of Inflammation
Prolonged sun exposure can trigger inflammation in the scar area, leading to redness, itching, and increased sensitivity. This inflammation can worsen discomfort and delay healing.
Best Practices for Protecting a Scar
Avoid Direct Exposure
It’s recommended to keep it out of the sun for at least 6 to 12 months after it forms. This timeframe may vary depending on the location and depth of the wound.
Cover the Area
Clothing, protective dressings, or opaque silicone sheets are effective ways to shield a scar, especially during extended outdoor activities.
Apply High Sun Protection
If the it is exposed, applying SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential, and it should be reapplied every two hours. It’s best to choose a product formulated for sensitive or healing skin, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.
What to Do in Case of Accidental Exposure?
Act Quickly
If you accidentally expose a scar to the sun, soothe the area with a repairing, moisturizing treatment and monitor any changes in pigmentation. Avoid further exposure for several days.
Consult a Dermatologist
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If the scar darkens, becomes painful, or thickens, seek medical advice. Treatments such as depigmenting creams, laser therapy, or medical dressings can help improve the scar’s appearance.
Exposing it to the sun is far from harmless. It can compromise healing quality, cause irreversible pigmentation spots, and make the mark more noticeable. To avoid these issues, always protect scars, even if they look closed. By caring for the skin during its regeneration phase, you maximize your chances of smooth, aesthetic healing without lasting marks.
