If you have a new scar, spending time in the sun may seem harmless. However, UV exposure can have a lasting impact on how a scar heals and ultimately looks.

Whether your scar is from surgery, an injury, or a cosmetic procedure, protecting it from sunlight is one of the most important steps you can take during the healing process.

Why Are New Scars More Sensitive to the Sun?

When skin is healing, it undergoes a complex remodeling process that can continue for 12 to 18 months after an injury (Monstrey et al., 2014).

During this time, the scar tissue is less mature than the surrounding skin and often lacks some of the protective characteristics of healthy skin. As a result, new scars are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Exposure to UV light can stimulate pigment-producing cells and trigger changes that make scars appear darker, more noticeable, and uneven in color (Gold et al., 2014).

What Happens If a New Scar Gets Too Much Sun?

Hyperpigmentation

One of the most common consequences of sun exposure is hyperpigmentation.

When UV rays interact with healing skin, they can increase melanin production, causing a scar to darken. This discoloration may persist long after the rest of the skin returns to its normal appearance (Gold et al., 2014).

For many people, the darkening becomes more difficult to correct than the scar itself.

Increased Redness

New scars are often pink or red because of increased blood flow and ongoing healing activity. Excessive sun exposure can worsen redness and make the scar appear more prominent (Monstrey et al., 2014).

More Noticeable Scars

A scar that becomes darker or more discolored than the surrounding skin is often easier to see. Even if the scar heals well structurally, sun damage can make it stand out for months or years.

How Long Should You Protect a Scar from the Sun?

Most scar specialists recommend protecting scars from direct sun exposure for at least 12 months after the injury or procedure (Mustoe et al., 2002).

This recommendation exists because scar remodeling continues long after the skin surface appears healed.

In some cases, especially for larger scars or individuals prone to pigmentation changes, protecting the scar for up to 18 months may be beneficial (Monstrey et al., 2014).

What's the Best Way to Protect a Scar?

Cover the Scar When Possible

Clothing, hats, and physical barriers provide some of the most effective protection against UV exposure.

If the scar is located on an area that can be covered, keeping it protected from direct sunlight is often the simplest solution.

Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

When a scar cannot be covered, daily sunscreen use is essential.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays (AAD, 2024).

Be sure to reapply sunscreen according to product directions, especially when swimming or spending extended periods outdoors.

Support the Healing Environment

In addition to sun protection, keeping the scar hydrated and protected may help support the healing process. Silicone gels and silicone sheets are widely used in scar management because they help create an optimal environment for scar maturation (Gold et al., 2014).

What If the Scar Is Already Darker?

If a scar has already developed discoloration from sun exposure, don't panic.

Some pigmentation changes may gradually fade over time as the scar continues to mature. However, prevention is far easier than correction. Consistent sun protection during the first year of healing offers the best chance of minimizing long-term discoloration (Gold et al., 2014).

The Bottom Line

New scars should not be intentionally exposed to sunlight. UV exposure can increase redness, trigger hyperpigmentation, and make scars more noticeable long after the skin has healed.

For the best cosmetic outcome, protect healing scars from the sun for at least 12 months using clothing, shade, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Combined with a consistent scar care routine, sun protection can help support a smoother, less noticeable scar over time.

Works Cited

American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Sunscreen FAQs. Referenced for sunscreen recommendations consistent with current dermatologic guidance. Link

Gold, M. H., McGuire, M., Mustoe, T. A., Pusic, A., Sachdev, M., Waibel, J., & Murcia, C. (2014). Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management. Dermatologic Surgery, 40(8), 825–831. Link

Monstrey, S., Middelkoop, E., Vranckx, J. J., Bassetto, F., Ziegler, U. E., Meaume, S., & Téot, L. (2014). Updated scar management practical guidelines: Non-invasive and invasive measures. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 67(8), 1017–1025. Link

Mustoe, T. A., Cooter, R. D., Gold, M. H., Hobbs, F. D. R., Ramelet, A. A., Shakespeare, P. G., Stella, M., Téot, L., Wood, F. M., & Ziegler, U. E. (2002). International clinical recommendations on scar management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 110(2), 560–571. Link