In the quest for perfect skin, there’s nothing more pesky or existentially troubling than a scar. Whether from a minor scrape, a cooking mishap, or the random chaos of the universe, not to mention particularly aggressive breakouts, the body’s attempts to heal itself, no matter how robust and efficient, tend to leave a little reminder of the trauma. And with the recent uptick in elective surgical procedures, many of us will have to deal with a dedicated scar management protocol at least once.
To minimize scarring, whatever the source, finding the right course of treatment as early as possible is the key to maximizing efficacy. The good news, the skin care boom of the last decade has led to a focus on this very sensitive, often avoided niche of beauty and wellness. For Skin Care Wellness Awareness Month, I was very keen to speak to Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green about the basics and best practices for scar care.
1. What are the most basic and universal needs for optimizing the healing processes that lead to scars?
The best way to minimize scarring is to begin caring for the skin immediately. Keeping the wound clean, moist, and protected helps the skin repair itself more smoothly and prevents thick or raised scars from forming.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential since UV exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Products such as my MGSkinLabs Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 both protects against UV damage and maintains skin hydration during recovery.
2. Do different types of scars – post-zit, deep acne scars, cut and scrapes, burns, chemical burns, surgical wounds – require different care regimens?
Each scar type requires a customized treatment plan. Post-zit marks and discoloration often improve with the use of brightening creams, retinoids, and consistent sun protection. Deep acne scars, such as ice-pick scars, typically need in-office treatments like Fraxel laser, microneedling, chemical peels, or dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers, such as Sculptra and Restylane, help restore lost volume beneath indented scars, while devices like eMatrix, which use radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen, effectively improve skin texture.
Burns and surgical wounds often benefit from silicone gels or sheets, as well as treatments to reduce redness and roughness. Chemical burns may require careful initial wound care to prevent infection, followed by long-term treatments such as silicone dressings, resurfacing lasers, or chemical peels once the wound has healed.
While these are some treatment options available, the appropriate regimen always depends on the depth of the injury, the skin type, and how the tissue responds during recovery; therefore, it’s best to seek professional care from a board-certified dermatologist.
3. What sort of products should we all keep stocked in our medicine cabinets in case of injuries that may lead to scars?
Every household should have a gentle cleanser, an occlusive ointment or moisturizer, silicone sheets or gel, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Once wounds have healed, targeted skincare becomes valuable for addressing any residual discoloration and texture issues. My MGSkinLabs Skin Rescue moisturizer soothes irritation and repairs the skin barrier, while the SkinBright RX, a prescription-strength skin brightening cream from my skincare line, improves uneven pigmentation.
4. Why does skin respond to injury and scar differently according to placement on the Fitzpatrick scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin types from I to VI, based on the amount of melanin present and the skin’s reaction to sun exposure. Types I and II, which represent very fair to fair skin, often develop redness or thinner scars. Types III and IV, which range from light to medium brown skin tones, can experience both redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Types V and VI, which represent darker brown to deeply pigmented skin, are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and to raised scars such as keloids. These differences are the reason scar treatments and aftercare are customized for each patient, utilizing pigment-safe products and carefully selected procedures.
5. How can we tell if a scar is in need of medical intervention?
Most scars will soften and fade over time, but certain changes indicate that treatment is necessary. If a scar becomes raised, thick, painful, itchy, or continues to grow outside the original wound, it may be a hypertrophic scar or keloid and should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Depressed acne scars, persistent pigmentation, or scars that affect movement or self-confidence also benefit from medical treatment. In these cases, laser resurfacing procedures combined with targeted skincare from my MGSkinLabs product line may enhance healing.
6. What are the most common types of scars you see in your practice as a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist?
The scars most commonly seen are acne scars, post-surgical scars, and keloids. Acne scars can range from surface discoloration to deeper depression, surgical scars depend on closure and healing, and keloids are more frequent in patients with a genetic tendency, especially on the chest, shoulder, and jawline.
7. Scar management has come a long way in the past years in the form of silicon tape, serums and lasers? What are the most effective medical treatments?
Modern scar management often involves a combination of treatments. Silicone gels and sheets remain one of the most effective at-home methods for reducing raised scars. In-office options, such as Fraxel laser, Clear + Brilliant laser, subcision, dermal fillers, and steroid injections, are highly effective when selected based on the type of scar.
Combining these procedures with skincare, including my MGSkinLabs SkinBright RX for discoloration and my Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 for protection, provides the most comprehensive approach and produces the best outcomes for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Scar Care Products
Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is a recommended staple for any medicine cabinet, especially for sensitive, irritated, post-procedural skin, as well for scrapes and burns. Like all Avène products, it’s formulated with thermal spring water naturally rich in minerals and enhanced with post-biotics to soothe and moisturize the dermal layer. For thicker, deeper scars that smart and itch, Cicalfate+ Scar Gel contains silicone to light, soften, and flatten the compromised tissue.
Motivo’s approach to scar care was designed with inclusivity in mind. In addition to a cutting-edge award-winning Scar Serum and Scar Cream that combine moisturizing hyaluronic acid and silicone for post-op scars, the line includes Scar Tape to match 4 different skin tones in Fair, Tan, Cocoa, and Espresso.
Restormé Restoring Creme combines probiotics, peptides, herbal extracts, and fruit oils to soothe inflammation, combat bruising, fade discoloration, and support the healing process. The scar care as self care line, launched by the female founder who struggled with post-op scarring, can be applied to wounds immediately and is recommended two weeks before surgery for maximum benefits.
Gaman Repair Balm from Japanese-inspired Iki Skincare, supports the skin-healing process with a soothing, occlusive, anti-oxidant formulation of Coconut Oil, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Oil, Emu Oil, and Vitamin E. The super rich balm is recommended for stretch marks, burns, and dry patches.
Happy Skin Care Awareness Month. Take care of your skin!
