New scar - when can I use my skincare?

[FrancesFlute]

I had an accident which resulted in a deep laceration on my chin about 10 days ago. I had stitches put in and these were removed after five days.

It's healing nicely although the whole chin is still very red, bruised and sore. I'm lucky that I've not got to go back to work until this week so have just been leaving my skin bare and using my normal Avene moisturiser.

Does anyone know how long I should leave it before using products such as glycolic acid (Pixi Glow Tonic) salicylic acid and niacinamide/zinc on the area? I use the acids in pm once or twice a week usually. Am early 30s with normal/spot prone skin which can be a bit red on my nose/chin

I don't know, but might it be worth speaking to a pharmacist? Better to heal the scar first, how about silicone gel or bio oil or something?

Thanks @Autumncosycoupe, I'd not thought of that!

I had almost an identical injury last October after an accident. I did nothing to the scar for the first month then used some bio oil for about 4 weeks after that. It's now virtually invisible. Hope you're ok.

I'd be looking at specific silicone gel or patches and wouldn't use anything else on the scar at all for a very long time.

Thank you, @surlycurly, sorry to hear about your accident but great to hear your scar is hardly visible now. The paramedic and the nurse who stitched me both sucked their teeth and told me 'that will scar!'
I'm sure my dad has some Bio Oil so I will ask to borrow as it's quite expensive from what I remember! Worth a try at least. I'm also pregnant at the moment so I can use any excess on my ever-expanding bum

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor thank you for the recommendation of the silicone patches. I've not heard of those so off to Google!

I'd recommend silicone gel, I'm using it for several post op scars and it really helps. My scars are only sic weeks old but they look much older and are fading nicely.

Hi Op I just wanted to second what other posters have said. Get a tube of Kelo Cote silicone gel.

I had stitches on my chin back in May and once the dressing came off I used the gel twice a day. I honestly can hardly see the scar 4 months later, and it was originally very purple. I still have loads left in the tube so a little goes a long way. Couldn't recommend it enough.

Many thanks all. Great to see so many recommendations for the silicone gel (which I had never heard of before this thread!) I'm popping to Boots tomorrow as it looks like they have a few choices at different price points but will order online if they don't have anything suitable in store.

Another vote for silicone gel, it’s amazing on scars