Scar prevention: practical steps to reduce scars after cuts, surgery, acne and burns
Scars form when the skin repairs itself after injury. The good news: how you treat the wound early and over the next months has the biggest effect on how the scar looks. Below are simple, evidence-backed steps you can use right away and later to keep scars smaller and less noticeable.
Immediate steps after injury
Clean the wound gently with soap and water. Stop the bleeding with light pressure. Avoid harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or iodine repeatedly — they can slow healing. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile dressing to keep the wound moist. Moist healing reduces scab formation and often leads to thinner scars.
Change the dressing daily or when it gets wet. Watch for infection signs: increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, or fever. If you spot these, see a doctor quickly — infected wounds heal poorly and scar more.
If the cut is deep, wide, or won’t stop bleeding, get medical care. Proper closure with stitches, strips, or surgical glue by a clinician often gives a better cosmetic result than leaving the wound to heal on its own.
Long-term care and treatments
Once the wound is closed and skin has healed, you can start measures to shape the scar as it matures. Silicone gel sheets or silicone gels are supported by clinical studies to reduce scar height, redness, and discomfort. Use them as directed for several weeks to months — scars take time to settle and often improve up to a year after the injury.
Sun protection matters. New scars darken and stand out if exposed to UV. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) or cover the area for the first year. Avoid tanning beds — they make scars worse.
Scar massage helps some people. When the skin is fully closed, gently rub the scar with a circular motion for a few minutes a couple of times daily. Massage can soften tight scars and improve flexibility, especially after surgery.
Be cautious with popular remedies: topical vitamin E often fails to improve scars and can cause irritation or contact dermatitis in some people. Over-the-counter silicone products are safer first choices.
If you notice heavy, raised, or spreading scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids), talk to a dermatologist. Effective medical options include steroid injections, pressure therapy, laser treatments, and, in selected cases, minor procedures. Early treatment of problematic scars usually gives better results than waiting.
For acne, don't pick or squeeze pimples — that’s a common cause of scarring. Treat active acne early with topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or prescription meds from a dermatologist to reduce the chance of long-term marks.
Final practical checklist: clean and protect wounds, keep them moist and covered, use silicone after healing, block sun, massage gently, and seek professional care for deep wounds or abnormal scarring. Small steps now can make a big difference in how scars look later.
