On already damaged skin, exposure to the sun triggers an inflammatory reaction, and scars can leave permanent marks on the skin. How to protect your scar from the sun Why shouldn't you expose your scar to the sun? Our answers to your questions about caring for your skin and scars.
Why do scars leave a bigger mark in the sun?
Your skin tells the story of your life, which can include little injuries as well as big accidents. Scars are rarely pleasant, but they are a fact of life. These lesions, which can be more or less deep, can take time to heal. The epidermis, which is thinner and more fragile at the site of the scar, is very sensitive to UV rays during the entire skin restore process. When exposed to the sun's rays, damaged skin works hard to protect itself by producing more melanin. This can lead to the appearance of small brown spots (dermatologists call this post-scarring hyperpigmentation).
The colour of a scar is a good indicator of how long it will last and where it is in its healing process.
Pink or red scar
A pink or red scar is a "fresh" scar less than 6 months old. Not yet fully restored, the skin will brown easily in the sun. The solution, if possible, is not to expose your scar at all by protecting it with a garment or dressing, and, if necessary, with a high SPF (at least SPF 50).
White scar
A white scar is a mature scar which has completed its restore process. While there is no longer a risk of pigmentation, your scar may still react to the sun. It is therefore best to continue applying a high SPF sun cream to your scar, even at this stage.
Good habits for protecting your scars from the sun
Applying SPF protection on your scar all year round
As for the rest of the body, avoid peak hours of sun exposure from 11am to 4pm
In summer, use a high SPF when the sun is at its hottest.
In winter, replace this with a lighter SPF, but avoid going below SPF 15. In the mountains, use a sun cream of at least SPF 30 and do not go below this, even if you think you have tanned enough.
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What if it's too late?
The damage is done and your scar has turned brown or is circled with brown... Now you just have to let time do its work. Some pigment marks may fade over time, although this usually takes years rather than months. If you can't stand the sight of your scar on a daily basis, you might want to consider more extensive medical solutions, such as depigmenting products, laser or surgery.
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