How Do You Protect a Healing Scar From Sun Damage?

If you’re trying to improve the appearance of a scar, sun exposure is one of the biggest factors working against you.

So, how do you protect a healing scar from sun damage?

It comes down to UV protection, timing, and consistency.

Why Sun Exposure Makes Scars Worse

Healing skin is more sensitive and reactive than normal skin.

UV exposure increases melanocyte activity, which can lead to darker, more noticeable scars and prolonged discoloration (Wang et al., 2020).

Sun protection should begin once the wound has fully closed.

Applying sunscreen to open or compromised skin can cause irritation, but delaying protection increases the risk of long-term pigmentation changes.

Sunscreen helps prevent UV-induced pigmentation and protects collagen during healing.

Consistent UV protection improves long-term scar appearance (Wang et al., 2020).

Healing skin is more prone to irritation, so choosing a non-irritating sunscreen is important for consistent use.

Even with sunscreen, minimizing UV exposure is important.

UV radiation can prolong inflammation and interfere with proper scar maturation (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305417922001036).

Scar healing can take months, and so should your sun protection routine.

Long-term UV protection helps prevent:

Without proper sun protection:

UV protection is a critical part of scar care—not an optional step.

Protecting a healing scar from sun damage is one of the most important steps in improving its appearance.

Focus on:

Wang, F., et al. (2020). Silicone gel in scar management. Link

De Decker, I., et al. (2023). Occlusion and hydration of scars. Link