Can I Use Scar Cream Before My Skin Has Healed?
I am a fully qualified freelance Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist. I have been working in the beauty industry for just over three years now.
Waiting for a wound to heal can take what feels like an eternity. And just when you think you're almost there, you might develop a new scab or notice redness and inflammation around the area.
It can be tempting to go ahead and apply a scar cream before a wound is completely healed. After all, a little prevention goes a long way, right?
Not so fast. A healing wound is vulnerable to infection, and infection is the enemy of scar prevention. Here's why you need to avoid active scar cream ingredients until your wound is completely healed—and what you can do while you wait.
Scar Prevention: Healing Matters
Your body doesn't begin filling in the scar with collagen until the wound is completely healed. That means anything you do to try to remove the scar before it forms is wasted effort.
Instead, your goal should be to prevent the area from becoming infected, dry, or inflamed. Infected skin takes longer to heal, and dry skin heals more slowly.
Inflammation due to scab-picking is also problematic, since your skin can become infected. The act of picking may further damage the dermis, forcing your skin to spend more time and energy healing.
What to Use Instead of Scar Cream
The fact that you can't use scar cream yet doesn't mean you're helpless to prevent scars. Keeping the scar moist, without introducing skin irritants, can speed the healing process and reduce the risk of scars.
Try Alpha-H Vitamin E 25ml for skin-friendly, hypoallergenic moisture. Wait until a scab forms to apply any product, though, since introducing anything directly into an open wound can increase the risk of infection.
When the scab falls and the wound closes, a red or white mark may be left behind. It's still too early to apply scar cream, since the skin is just beginning to heal.
Alpha-H Vitamin E 25ml
Vitamin E also assists in softening the appearance of post-blemish markings on the skin, and can be used before any invasive procedures to assist the healing process. Suitable for all skin types, although dry, ageing skin will likely see the most improvement. The skin’s radiance will be restored, for a brighter, clearer, healthier looking complexion.
But protecting your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays can reduce your risk of a pronounced scar. Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ 50mL is ideal for all skin types.
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ is an award-winning daily moisturiser and sunscreen, designed to both nourish and hydrate your skin whilst also protecting it from environmental aggressors. With its non-greasy formulation and matte finish, this potent skincare protector is a must-have in your anti-aging beauty skin care cabinet.
When Can I Use Scar Cream?
If your wound was very deep, sutured, or infected, talk to your doctor before applying any topical treatment. In some cases, prescription treatments are safer and more effective. If the wound was relatively minor, you can begin applying scar cream once all of the following criteria have been met:
- The wound no longer hurts or itches.
- The wound is not swollen or inflamed and is not consistently changing colour or shape.
- The wound is completely closed, and a scab is no longer present.
- You've finished your course of antibiotics (if applicable).
