Embrace the shade

Keeping a wound or new scar away from sunlight is critically important, doctors say. "Sun exposure can cause more superficial blood vessel formation and make scars appear redder," says Gladstone. Diligently guard your injuries from sunlight for several months, using a sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. New formulas with extra-fine particles of the sun-busting minerals don't leave thick, white streaks.

Think long-term

Scars don't completely vanish, but managed properly, they'll become less conspicuous during the healing process, says Calvert. For aftercare, Gladstone recommends gels with silicone as the active ingredient, available at online drugstores. "Silicone helps with wound healing and minimizes scarring," says Gladstone. "I have my patients use it on surgical scars, but it’s useful even with everyday scrapes." Gentle daily massage with the silicone gel should help soften and break down rigid tissue.