{"id":24058,"date":"2025-07-07T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.doctoraso.es\/blog\/how-to-protect-a-scar-from-the-sun-sunscreen-dressings-and-timing\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T20:31:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T20:31:51","slug":"how-to-protect-a-scar-from-the-sun-sunscreen-dressings-and-timing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doctoraso.es\/en\/blog\/how-to-protect-a-scar-from-the-sun-sunscreen-dressings-and-timing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect a Scar from the Sun: Sunscreen, Dressings, and Timing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sun protection after surgery or an injury<\/div>\n

A scar needs especially careful sun protection for at least 12 months and until it is completely pale or hypopigmented, which can take 18 months.<\/strong> If the wound is not fully closed, do not expose it to the sun, even with sunscreen or a dressing: it needs shade and a physical covering.<\/p>\n

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Open wound<\/strong>No direct sun, even with sunscreen<\/span><\/div>\n
Closed scar<\/strong>SPF 50+ with UVA and UVB protection<\/span><\/div>\n
At least 12 months<\/strong>Continue until the scar is completely pale<\/span><\/div>\n
Every 2 hours<\/strong>Reapply after swimming, sweating, or towel drying<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/header>\n
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The short answer: let it close first, then protect it<\/h2>\n

The risk does not depend only on how many days have passed. Before applying sunscreen or exposing the area, the wound must be completely closed and covered with intact skin.<\/strong> In our practice, this usually takes at least the first month and can take considerably longer after some breast lifts, breast reductions, or wounds with corners and areas under tension.<\/p>\n

Once it has closed, we combine broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen<\/strong> with clothing, shade, or a dressing with verified ultraviolet protection. The AEMPS<\/a> , Spain’s medicines and medical devices agency, explains that effective sun protection requires more than a single measure: the amount applied, reapplication, and avoiding the middle of the day also matter.<\/p>\n