When can I expose my scar to the sun?
Never directly expose your scar to sunlight. Make sure your scar is very well protected from sunlight when you go outside or sunbathe. This applies to all kinds of scars. Especially recent, large and severe scars. For example scars resulting from an accident, surgery or burn wounds.
Why should I not expose my scar to sunlight?
Your recently healed scar is not able to provide the necessary protection against the effects of ultraviolet radiation. As a result:
- Your skin burns more quickly
- There is a higher risk of skin cancer
- Too much radiation can cause permanent discoloration of your skin
The more recent your scar, the more important it is to protect your scar from ultraviolet radiation.
How do I protect my scar from the sun?
It is impossible to protect your scar 100% from exposure to sunlight. However, there are many things you can do to reduce exposure to the minimum:
- Cover recent and severe scars fully by wearing ample, loose-fitting clothes. Do this for at least the first month, or as long as the scar remains highly coloured (red or dark pink).
- Avoid the sun as much as possible. Seek out the shade as much as possible.
- Always put sunblock on the scar. Use at least a sun cream with factor 30 and repeat every two hours.
- Re-apply sunblock after swimming (especially in the sea), after sweating a lot and after drying yourself.
- Also use sunblock in the shade. Your scar is still exposed to ultraviolet radiation in the shade!
Note: it takes 15 to 20 minutes before sunblock provides full protection. Apply it before you go outside!
Learn everything about scars and UV protection in the Free Scar Guide.
When can I expose my scar to the sun again?
After a month you may carefully exposure your scar to the sun, or once it is light pink and barely visible. Regardless of the situation, always use at least a factor 30 sun cream. After three to four months you can usually expose your scar ‘normally’ to the sun. But consult a doctor first before exposing your scar to the sun. Your skin type, for instance, also plays a role in this. The lighter your skin, the longer you should exercise caution. In general: always sunbathe moderately. Be aware of the risks and deal with them carefully.
Can I expose my scar on a sunbed?
The advice on sunbathing also applies to sunbeds. Your scar is to a large extent defenceless against ultraviolet radiation, so be very aware of what you do. See the advice above ‘How do I protect my scar from the sun?’. PS: ALHYDRAN has a scar cream with a sun protector factor 30.
