SCAR CARE:
WHY YOU SHOULD PROTECT SCARS
FROM THE SUN

Article Read Duration 7 min read

Skin trauma and inflammation (for example surgery or severe acne) can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark brown. Exposure to ultraviolet light can make the condition worse. This discoloration can last for years, so especially during the 1st year, broad-spectrum, high SPF sun protection is essential to care for your scar.

WHY ARE SCARS
VULNERABLE TO SUN?

And do I need to take precautions?

Fresh scars (still pink and healing) are highly vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) light, and can easily burn. This is because the tissue is still actively repairing itself and healing. At this stage, multiple inflammatory mediators (chemical messengers) are released in the skin, which can stimulate the activity of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. If you had sun or UV exposure into the mix, you may end up with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

WHAT IS POST-INFLAMMATORY
HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Inflammation or trauma may trigger increased production of pigment in the skin.

  • Some causes of skin inflammation: Acne, eczema, or allergic reactions.
  • Some causes of skin trauma: Surgery, or procedures such as laser, chemical peel, or microdermabrasion.

This discoloration can last months or even years, so protection is important from the word go.

It's important to note that people with darker skins are more prone to discolouration caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

HOW CAN I PROTECT
MY SCAR?

During your scar’s first year or so, special care is definitely required. Before you head out of the house, make sure you protect your scar with a broad-spectrum, high sun protection product (SPF50+ is ideal). Trying to tan skin to hide your scar is never a good idea, and will most likely lead to a more marked appearance.

Some creams are extra-convenient because they combine active pro-recovery ingredients with very high sun protection factors. Ask your pharmacist about soothing creams with SPF to boost your scar’s recovery and protect it from the sun.

Remember, all forms of skin injury can develop excessive pigmentation when exposed to the sun. No matter what the injury, your buzzword is protection.

It goes without saying that sun exposure without adequate protection carries the risk of skin cancer.

La Roche-Posay, the dermatologists' partner brand, has created the ANTHELIOS range, specially formulated for sensitive skin. ANTHELIOS offers SPF 50+ broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and comes in three different textures adapted to your skin type:

 

Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50 plus for normal and combination skin.

ANTHELIOS XL Anti Shine SPF 50+  [ANTHELIOS XL ANTI SHINE SPF 50+] for oily or blemish-prone skin.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SCAR
IS BROWN OR BLACK?

If your scar has turned brown or black, sometimes with a dark 'halo' around it, you probably have a hyperpigmented scar. This is usually caused by sun exposure while the scar was still fresh and healing. Since this dark appearance can last years, some people turn to a dermatologist for in-office procedures (laser, depigmenting agents, or surgical revision). All such treatments will take time to work – and they don’t come cheap – so the old adage “prevention is better than cure” is doubly relevant.

 

Click HERE to find out more about the different types of scar.
Learn how to check your scar is healing well HERE.

TRUE
OR FALSE

True or False Visual 1

YOUR SKIN GET DRYER
WHEN YOU'RE SICK.

TRUE  "True" answer image

Colds and flus suck moisture out of our skin leaving it feeling dry and dull. The illnesses themselves, coupled with the medications we are taking, and the fact that many of us are bedridden, leads to skin being deprived of moisture.
Learn More
True or False Visual 2

A 1ST DEGREE BURN
IS JUST LIKE SUNBURN.

TRUE  "True" answer image

A 1st degree burn is just like a sunburn. It affects the outermost layer of skin only and causes the affected area to turn red and painful. Superficial skin burns also often itch due to histamine release.
Learn More
True or False Visual 3

CHEILITIS IS THE SCIENTIFIC
WORD FOR CHAPPED LIPS.

TRUE  "True" answer image

Cheilitis is another name for chapped lips. The lips become dry and flaky, and painful vertical cracks can develop. The skin around the lips sometimes becomes irritated too. This dryness causes unpleasant burning sensations.
Learn More
True or False Visual 2

LICKING CHAPPED
LIPS IS A GOOD IDEA.

FALSE  "False" question image

People with dry and chapped lips often lick them frequently, and pick or bite off flaking skin. It’s so tempting isn’t it, but this only aggravates the situation by ridding skin of its natural protective layer and triggering a vicious cycle.
Learn More
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Did you
know?

woman holding a jar of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, with a blue background

CICAPLAST BAUME B5 has been shown to be effective on 21 skin conditions in over 9,739 patients/nearly 10,000 patients.

Source: Moyal D, Seite S. An international observational study on the management of epidermal wound healing. EADV 2016 poster.

WE ALSO HAVE
A RANGE FOR THAT

ANTHELIOS is a pioneering player in the suncare market. Its broad-spectrum, very high protection is the result of almost 30 years of advanced clinical research into Suncare and sensitive skin.

OUR SAFETY
COMMITMENTS

Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.

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100% PRODUCTS
ALLERGY TESTED

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One Prerequisite = Zero Allergic reactions
If we detect a single case, we go back to the labs and reformulate
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JUST THE ESSENTIAL,
AT THE RIGHT ACTIVE DOSE

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Developed in collaboration with dermatologist and toxicologist, our products contain only the necessary ingredients, at the right active dose.
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TESTED
ON VERY SENSITIVE
 SKIN

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Our products' tolerance is verified on the most sensitive skin: reactive, allergic, acne-prone, atopic, damaged or weakened by cancer treatments.
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FORMULA PROTECTION
OVER TIME

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We select the most protective packaging associated with only the necessary preservatives, to guarantee intact tolerance and efficacy over time.