A method and composition for treating healed wounds including hypertrophic scars so as to prevent scarring or reduce the size and improve the appearance of scars comprises applying to the healed wound or scar a composition comprising a fluid, film-forming carrier which may contain one or more active topical ingredients, the carrier hardening to a solid, tangible, membrane juxtaposed to the skin. Novel compositions using the film-forming carrier are also useful to treat a variety of adverse skin disorders, and internal physiological conditions.