Scars: how to care for them and reduce their appearance

Published: December 2019

Last Reviewed: November 2025

Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, forming whenever the skin or deeper tissue is damaged. While they are a normal response to injuries such as cuts, burns, acne, or surgery, many people prefer to reduce their appearance or prevent them from forming in the first place. 

Proper care during and after wound healing can significantly affect how a scar looks over time. Using Elastoplast products such as Scar Reducer Plasters, Hydrocolloid Plasters, Wound Spray, and Wound Healing Ointment can support the healing process, protect the skin, and help reduce visible scarring. Learn more below about how to prevent scars from forming and reduce their visibility. 

Scars form when the deeper layer of skin, called the dermis, is damaged. Superficial cuts that affect only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) usually heal without leaving a permanent mark. However, injuries that reach the dermis trigger rapid collagen production. This collagen forms fibrous scar tissue, which is thicker and irregularly structured compared to normal skin, resulting in a visible scar.

Almost everyone will develop a scar at some point. Scar tissue forms quickly to reseal the skin and protect against infection, which is why scars are a natural part of the body’s immune response.

Scarring is very common and can happen as a result of a wide range of injuries:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Surgical incisions
• Burns, including ice burns
• Abrasions like friction burns
• Acne or other skin conditions
• Illness or trauma

Not all scars are the same, and understanding the type of scar you have can help inform the most appropriate treatment and care:

• Atrophic scars: Indentations or pits, often caused by acne or chickenpox. These scars may improve over time with gentle massage, moisturisers, or professional treatments like microneedling or chemical peels.
• Hypertrophic scars: Raised and red, resulting from excess collagen within the wound boundary. Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches can support a smoother, flatter hypertrophic scars appearance.

• Keloid scars: Raised like hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the original wound area. Early protection with Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plasters can help reduce the risk of keloid formation. Established keloids may require medical treatments.
• C-section and surgical scars: Surgical scars can be minimised with careful aftercare, keeping wounds clean, protected with suitable dressings, and avoiding tension on the incision. Once the wound is fully healed, Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches can help reduce appearance of surgical scars. 
• Stretch marks: Occur when skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. They can be improved with moisturisers, topical retinoid creams (such as tretinoin), and professional treatments like laser therapy or microneedling. 

Scar formation occurs during the final stage of wound healing, and each phase of the process plays an important role in how a scar develops. Providing the right care at each stage helps optimise healing and reduce visible scarring: 

1. Inflammatory phase: The first few days after injury, the wound may appear red or swollen as the body cleans damaged tissue and prevents infection. This stage usually lasts several days. Keeping the area clean with Elastoplast Wound Spray and covered with Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plasters supports a healthy healing environment. 
2. Proliferative phase: New tissue forms, and collagen production increases. This stage can last for several weeks. Protecting the wound with appropriate dressings or plasters prevents friction and infection, creating ideal conditions for smooth scar formation.
3. Maturation phase: Over months to years, the scar tissue remodels and gradually becomes flatter, softer, and closer in colour to the surrounding skin. Gentle massage and ongoing protection with Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches can improve the scar’s final appearance.

Scar prevention is much easier than reducing one once it has formed. Early wound care is essential to reduce the chances and severity of scarring:

• Clean the wound thoroughly: Use Elastoplast Wound Spray to remove dirt and bacteria without stinging or damaging tissue.
• Keep the wound covered: Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plasters maintain a moist environment, protect against germs, and support faster healing.
• Avoid scab picking: Disturbing the healing tissue can worsen scars.
• Protect from sun exposure: UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable.
• Avoid tension on the wound: Pressure or stretching increases the risk of raised or widened scars.
• Maintain good nutrition: Protein, vitamin C, and vitamin D support collagen production and tissue repair.
• Follow medical guidance: Avoid removing stitches too early and follow your doctor’s instructions for surgical wounds.

While scars cannot be completely removed, their appearance can be minimised over time. Effective strategies include:

• Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches: Applied to healed wounds, these plasters create a protective barrier and maintain optimal healing conditions, promoting smoother, flatter scars.
• Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plasters: For newly healing wounds, these plasters keep the area moist and reduce friction, which helps prevent raised or discoloured scars.
• Gentle massage: Once the wound has healed, massaging the scar improves blood flow and flexibility.
• Sun protection: Using sunscreen on healed scars prevents them from darkening.

For more advanced or persistent scars, certain medical treatments may be recommended by a healthcare professional:

• Silicone gel sheets
• Laser therapy
• Microneedling
• Steroid injections 

Healthy lifestyle choices can support the body’s natural healing processes and improve the appearance of scars over time:

• Nutrition: Protein-rich foods and vitamins C and D improve collagen formation.
• Hydration: Keeps skin flexible and resilient.
• Avoid smoking: Nicotine impairs circulation and slows healing.
• Gentle exercise: Boosts circulation, delivering nutrients to the wound site.
• Avoid trauma: Don’t apply pressure or stretch healing scars.

Surgical scars often require slightly more specialised care than minor cuts or abrasions to ensure optimal healing and minimise long-term visibility:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.
• Clean the wound gently with Elastoplast Wound Spray
• Protect the area with an appropriate dressing like Elastoplast Sensitive Dressing XXL to prevent friction and infection.
• Avoid stretching or applying pressure to the wound.
• Remove stitches only as advised and avoid removing them early.
• Once fully healed, Elastoplast Scar Reducer XL Patches can improve the scar’s appearance.

Once your wound is stable, continuing careful care can reduce the risk of long-term scarring.

Taking care of a surgical wound in the weeks following surgery can significantly reduce the risk of prominent scarring:

• Keep surgical wounds clean and covered.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or stretching the incision.
• Protect scars from the sun for several months after surgery.

Healthy habits can help surgical scars heal more efficiently and improve their final appearance:

• Gentle massage after wound closure.
• Maintain a healthy diet with sufficient protein and vitamins.
• Stay hydrated and avoid smoking.

Consult a healthcare professional if:

• Scars are unusually raised, thick, or extend beyond the wound (possible keloids).
• The scar is painful, red, swollen, or oozing, indicating infection.
• Scars interfere with mobility or function (e.g., contracture scars).

Always follow a doctor’s advice for post-surgical scars or any complex wounds.

Scars are a natural part of the healing process, but early and consistent care can significantly improve their appearance. It’s important to keep wounds clean, protected, and moisturised to support optimal healing. Elastoplast products such as Elastoplast Second Skin Protection Hydrocolloid Advanced Plasters and Elastoplast Wound Spray protect the wound and support healing, while Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches, can help reduce visible scarring.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and hydration, and protecting scars from sun exposure can further enhance results and support smoother, more resilient skin.