Scars & Tanning?

Jasper · June 17, 2005

My Doc says I should use SPF 40 on my Scars before I go tanning. I had surgery Feb 10th. Did anyone ever hear of covering your scars before tanning? If so, why?

soonergirl · June 17, 2005

This made me very curious - so I googled it and found this on a wesite about tanning:

4) Tanning booths do not dry up acne or help scars to heal and fade, in fact tanning booths can make both conditions worse over time. The drying effects of UV rays can cause your skin to overproduce oil (sebum) and this can actually make you break out more as there is now more oils on the skin waiting to clog your pores. As for scars, exposure to UV light can make new wounds scar with a darker color and can make old scars stand out even more.

I'llsucceed · June 17, 2005

I have had plastic surgery & I know you should NEVER EVER tan after a sugery because you can get Permenate dark Patches under your skin & your scars can turn very dark & not go away. A really good rule of thumb is to not tan the area that has the scars or even the surgical area for at least 6 to 9 mnths out.

Why it happens I don't know but i had Lipo on my tummy & thought I could tan it 3 months out from surgery( was going to Hawaii & it has taken nearly 7 years for the brown spots to go away on my tummy because I tanned. Its not worth it, trust me.

If you must tan-cover them very good - I personally wouldn't do it for at least 6 months & even than I would use 40 or cover them.

La_madam · June 17, 2005

The incision scars are so small, the only one you may notice some discoloration on is the port incision. Iam a professional tanner and my scar looks great with a tan!