Shielding Scars from Sun Damage: Tips for UV Protection

Understanding Scars and Sun Damage

Scars form when the deep dermal skin layer gets damaged from injuries like burns, cuts, surgery or inflammation. Fibrous collagen tissue repairs these wounds creating scar tissue the skins natural healing response.

But scars lack usual skin structures like hair follicles and oil glands, which can leave tissue feeling tight or tender. Scars also often differ pigment-wise from surrounding skin. Ultraviolet radiation exposure worsens these issues.

There are several ways to protect both new and old scars from further sun damage to support healing and prevent complications.

New Scars are Sensitive

In the initial year after injuries, scars go through remodeling phases working to repair wounds. During maturation they are especially vulnerable to reinjury and ultraviolet ray stimulation which sparks excess melanin production.

This expedites dark, uneven hyperpigmentation and thick, inflexible, painful scar tissue formation. Guarding early scars properly aids the delicate healing trajectory.

Aged Scars Still at-Risk

Over time with repeated UV harm, old scar tissue progressively degenerates through processes like molecular fragmentation and cross-link accumulation. Weak structural integrity follows.

Ongoing exposure also destroys vitamin A needed for collagen resiliency. Plus it inhibits fibroblast function cells generating healthy scar tissue. Protecting both new and old scarring preserves integrity.

Minimizing Sun Damage on Scars

You can help scars heal optimally and maintain strength over time by shielding them from UV sunlight, especially during peak hours. Useful strategies include:

Covering Up

Wear sun protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, tightly woven long sleeve shirts and pants over healed and healing scars when possible. Tight weaves ensure minimal ray penetration.

Seeking Shade

Stay in the shade under trees, umbrellas or canopies whenever outside for long with scarred areas exposed. Diffuse, reflected rays still damage so cover up if sitting awhile.

Avoiding Peak Times

Plan outdoor scar exposing activities in early morning or late afternoon when intensity of direct rays is lower to minimize harm. High noon is worst.

Using Sunscreen on Scars

Vigilant sunscreen use is crucial for scar UV protection. Not all products are created equal choice matters.

Broad Spectrum Formulas

Ensure any sunscreen guards against both UVA and UVB rays plus visible light which also sparks pigmentation. Combination filters like zinc oxide and avobenzone provide this.

SPF 30+ Ratings

High SPF ratings of at least 30 provide sufficient scar protection, blocking over 97% of burning rays. But reapply often coverage wears off over time especially with sweating and water.

Water Resistance

Seeking waterproof/sweat-resistant formulas helps maintain protection through wetness allowing safer pool time or beach days without frequent re-coating. They withstand moisture better.

Additional Scar Sun Care Tips

Keep these extra considerations in mind for comprehensive UV defense:

Moisturize Daily

Hydrating scar tissue with gentle moisturizers preserves supple mobility so scars dont tighten up. Massage also breaks down thick collagen bands as they develop.

Reapply Sunscreen

Remember sunscreen wears off over hours. Re-coat every 2 hours of sun exposure or immediately after sweating, swimming or towel drying to maintain protective barriers.

Consider Silicone Sheeting

Applying medical grade silicone gel sheeting under sunscreen supplies added moisture and compression inhibiting overgrowth of rough, raised scars from UV damage and cross-link stimulation.

Taking a diligent, multifaceted approach builds formidable armor against excessive UV-related scar complications.

Special Considerations by Scar Type

Sun protection needs differ slightly depending on specific scar origin and traits. Account for these factors:

Surgical Scars

Long, straight, clean surgical scars often heal fast and neatly if shielded from sun during their reorganization period the first year. Deeper surgery scars need extra TLC.

Traumatic Scars

Messy, irregular traumatic scars from accidents, wounds or violence take longer stabilizing. Guard them vigilantly with compression sleeves when possible during this delicate period.

Burn Scars

Extensive burn scars lack usual skin structures that protect from UV damage escalating their risk exponentially. Keep them completely covered when out and use silicone gel.

Acne Scars

Post-acne scarring damages the dermal structure differently but still benefits from vigilant broad-spectrum sunscreen use to prevent hyperpigmentation issues.

Understanding scar origin helps customize suitable sunlight avoidance and protective measures during daily activities.

What to Avoid for Scars in the Sun

Certain products and behaviors undermine scar UV protection efforts. Steer clear of:

Tanning Oils

Oils help retain heat but offer no SPF benefits alone. The intense exposure while tanning greatly exacerbates scarring even years later. Healing scars fare the worst.

Reflective Surfaces

Water, snow and sand intensify UV ray exposure with reflective properties. If spending time around these with unclothed scars, vigilantly apply water-resistant SPF45 or higher sunscreen.

DIY Remedies

Kitchen ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil and vitamin E oil do not protect from UV damage. Rely on proper broad-spectrum sunscreen instead for scar coverage.

Managing Scar Hyperpigmentation

If scars already show dark discoloration from too much unprotected sun exposure, remedies can help lighten pigmentation.

Brightening Serums

Products containing brightening agents like vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin or niacinamide inhibit melanin production to gradually fade hyperpigmentation.

Chemical Peels

In-office chemical peels performed by dermatologists strip off pigmented upper skin layers revealing fresh scar tissue below with more even tone using exfoliating acids.

Laser Resurfacing

For substantial dark scarring not responsive to other remedies, vascular laser or pulsed light technology can destroy excess melanin deposits. Several repeat sessions may be needed for full benefit.

But ensuring adequate sun protection minimizes the need for these corrective treatments in the first place. An ounce of prevention truly outweighs the cure here!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.