The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen (Especially for Your Scar)

We all know we should wear sunscreen to protect against the suns harmful UV rays. Each year in the U.S., there are more than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer treated in more than 3.3 million people, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. But in addition to the threat of skin cancer, there are other reasons to wear sunscreen when you venture outside. You can enjoy younger looking skin with fewer wrinkles, you can help limit brown spots and discolorations, and you can reduce the appearance of scars.

Let’s go into more detail on that last one. Why is sunscreen important if you have a scar?

The American Academy of Dermatology says that scars are more sensitive to sunlight than regular, non-scarred skin. Your scar may be reddish in appearance if it is relatively new; or it could be white if it is old. Either way, exposing your scars to sunlight can make them stand out even more. Scars don’t tan like the rest of your skin, and that’s because they tend to become discolored due to hyperpigmentation.

Choosing the right sunscreen is key. Look for a scar-friendly sun screen with an SPF of 30 or more. You may see products with SPFs between 50 and 150. While this may sound great (the higher the better, right?), this may be overkill. Many of these high SPF products contain extra chemical ingredients that can easily irritate your skin or spur an allergic reaction.  In addition, choose a Broad Spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

There are sunscreen products out there that are specially designed for sensitive skin. If you can’t find them over the counter, ask your dermatologist.

Once you have the right sunscreen, it’s important to apply it early and often. If you go in the water or sweat a lot, re-apply. You should apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to venturing out in the sun. Concentrate on your scarred areas, making sure to get extra coverage.

Sunscreen is also important for healthy, young-looking, evenly toned skin. Increased exposure to the sun can cause premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles and small brown spots – commonly referred to as sun spots.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in this country. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent this, as well as covering up with a hat, sunglasses and light clothing when in direct sunlight.

Lastly, it’s important to maintain a regular routine of scar treatment with a topical product such as Scarfade Scar Gel. Scarfade is the most effective topical scar gel available.  It helps to protect, heal and reduce the appearance of scars of all kinds by regulating the body’s production of Collagen.  Pick up a tube today as we head into the summer season.