When to start and how long to use a scar cream?
In this quick guide, you’ll learn when to start using a scar cream, how long to keep applying it, and why consistency is key to healthy, comfortable skin.
Start as soon as the skin is closed
You can begin using a scar cream as soon as your wound is fully healed and the skin is closed and dry. From that point, scar tissue begins to form. Starting early helps reduce the risk of visible scarring and supports the skin’s natural recovery process.
Why early care matters
When your skin is damaged, it often loses its natural barrier function. This makes it harder to retain moisture, even though hydration is essential for healthy skin regeneration.
A good scar cream works in two ways:
- It hydrates the skin.
- It prevents further moisture loss by forming a temporary protective layer.
This combination supports scar recovery and may improve scar appearance.
How long does scar healing take?
Scar maturation can take up to 24 months. During that time, the skin continues to change, the scar may become flatter, softer, and more flexible.
Even if the scar appears settled on the surface, deeper skin activity may still be ongoing. That’s why long-term scar care is so important.
How often should you apply it?
For best results, apply ALHYDRAN at least three times a day in a thin layer on clean, dry skin. Spread it gently over the scar and the surrounding area. A concentrated cream such as ALHYDRAN is effective in small amounts.
When should you stop?
You can stop using the cream when the scar:
- Is no longer red or itchy
- Feels soft and supple
- Does not feel tight or dry
For some people, this may take just a few months; for others, more than a year. Every scar is different.
When will you notice results?
Some people notice improvement within weeks, such as less itching and redness. Over time, the scar may become smoother, flatter, and less visible.
Don’t forget sun protection
Scar tissue is sensitive to UV rays, which can cause permanent discolouration and slow down healing. Always protect your scar from the sun, especially in the first months. A scar cream with SPF, such as ALHYDRAN SPF 30, helps care for your scar while also protecting it from sun damage.
In short
Start applying scar cream as soon as the wound is closed and keep going until the scar is completely calm. Be consistent and patient, that’s the key to getting the best results.
FAQ
Can I use a scar cream together with a silicone sheet?
Yes. A scar cream and a silicone sheet can be combined to support scar healing.
Silicone scar sheets provide occlusion to help the scar retain moisture. A good scar cream, such as ALHYDRAN, adds additional hydration and supports the skin barrier.
Used together, they may help reduce redness, itching, and tightness.
You can apply the cream when the sheet is not on your skin — for example, in the morning and evening — or use it on the surrounding skin if the sheet is worn continuously.
Sources
- Hoeksema, H., De Vos, M., Verbelen, J., Pirayesh, A., & Monstrey, S. (2013). Scar management by means of occlusion and hydration: A comparative study of silicones versus a hydrating gel-cream. Burns, 39(7), 1437–1448.
