10 Natural Remedies For Acne Scars
You can get rid of acne scars through different natural remedies such as creams, facial masks, massages, essential oils, retinoids, and more.
However, the first step to take after identifying acne or acne scars on your skin is to visit a dermatologist for consultation and expert advice.
Now, your doctor might recommend different acne treatments, from deep tissue massages to OTC medication and even cosmetic treatments in more severe cases.
But more often than not, you’ll be able to get rid of your acne scars with natural creams, oils, and lotions you can make in your kitchen.
Before getting into the best natural treatments for acne, let’s see what types of acne scars exist and how can you recognize them.
Types Of Acne Scars
Acne scars, as the name suggests, are scars left behind by a severe cystic acne breakout. There are two main forms of scars that might appear:
- Rolling acne scars;
- Ice pick acne scars.
Rolling acne scars are depressed scars that give your skin a wavy look. The majority of the time, they are linked to tissue loss.
Scars can also occur from increased tissue development. Keloid scars are what they’re called. This issue, on the other hand, is thought to be genetic.
Ice pick scars, on the other hand, are jagged scars that are thin or pointy. They’re difficult to get rid of, especially if they’re deep and firm.
Furthermore, they have the potential to develop into depressed fibrotic scars with steep sides.
Most acne scars, however, emerge as soft scars and skin discolorations. They are medically known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and usually disappear in time.
Top 10 Treatments For Acne Scars
The following are ten methods for reducing and treating acne scars:
1. Lemon Juice
One of the most common natural ways to get rid of acne scars is to apply lemon juice to the discolored skin.
Keep the lemon juice on your face for at least 10 minutes before washing it away.
If the burning feeling generated by the lemon juice bothers you, dilute it in water.
You may also use tomato or orange juice to reduce skin discoloration.
Instead of applying it with your fingertips, it is recommended that you soak the juice in a cotton swab and then apply it.
2. Tomato And Cucumber Juice
Applying a mixture of equal parts tomato juice and cucumber juice to your skin is another simple technique to remove moderate acne scars. Wash it off only after 25 minutes.
It will help tighten the skin and minimize greasiness on the skin, in addition to treating scars and blemishes.
3. Orange Peels
Mix a reasonable amount of water with dry orange peel powder to make a paste. Apply the paste to your scarred skin and leave it on for about 20 minutes before washing it off.
You should use this paste made from orange peels because they are rich in retinol, an ingredient that promotes skin rejuvenation.
Rose water can be used for regular water in this recipe since it is excellent for revitalizing oily skin.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is said to be beneficial in removing acne scars. As a result, plain, unflavored yogurt may be applied to the affected area. After about 15 minutes, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Yogurt may also make your skin soft and smooth if you use it on a regular basis.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, diluted, can be used on your skin to naturally treat moderate acne scars.
You can dilute this essential oil with olive oil, jojoba oil, or any other base oil.
Another natural recipe to get rid of acne scars involves using one part tea tree oil to three parts warm water.
6. Sandalwood And Rosewater Face Mask
Sandalwood is great for skin care since it helps to minimize scars and blemishes.
You can prepare a face mask by combining a tablespoon of sandalwood powder with a little glycerin and a couple of drops of rose water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to your skin and let it on for 30 minutes before washing it off with room temperature water.
Alternatively, you can follow these steps:
- To begin, mix half a cup of warm water with a spoonful of citrus juice (preferably lemon or lime).
- Wash your face after a few minutes.
- Apply the sandalwood paste after that and let it on overnight.
- In the morning, wash the facial mask off.
- For best results, apply this mask at least 4 times a week.
7. Massage
Massages can help get rid of acne scars with bumpy tissue (keloid scars).
Before starting a massage, make sure you cleanse your face properly. Then, for about 3 minutes, carefully massage the scarred skin with one of the following:
- Honey;
- Aloe vera gel;
- Jojoba oil;
- Sweet almond oil;
- Olive oil;
- Vitamin E oil, and so on.
8. Olive Oil
Acne scars can be removed by using a combination of one teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and one teaspoon baking soda for roughly ten minutes.
You may also use a mixture of two tablespoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of rosehip oil to your skin for a few minutes, about 3 times a day.
9. Retinoids
A retinoid cream, such as Retin-A or Retinova, is an over-the-counter medication to consider when trying to get rid of acne scars.
Retinoids improve skin texture and reduce unwanted scars and marks by stimulating collagen synthesis, strengthening the skin, and speeding up the pace of dead skin cell shedding.
10. Cosmetic Treatments
Acne scars can also be treated with cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peels, punch excision, dermal fillers, and laser therapy.
Punch excision is especially effective at removing ice pick acne scars. On the other hand, fillers can be utilized to treat rolling acne scars that result from tissue loss.
They are, however, costly and have a history of causing all kinds of negative effects.
How To Prevent Acne Scars
Reducing inflammatory outbreaks might help you avoid acquiring acne scars. In this case, you may need to seek advice from your dermatologist.
Also, picking and squeezing active pimples is another factor that promotes the formation of acne scars.
So, instead of poking at your pimples, stop doing so because it might spread the infection and aggravate the inflammation.
Use a non-comedogenic concealer with a matte texture to mask the scars when applying make-up. It may also be used to hide crow’s feet and dark undereye circles.
More Helpful Tips
Acne should be treated as soon as you notice it before it becomes serious.
Do not disregard the advice to see a dermatologist, particularly if you have resistant acne outbreaks or cystic acne. It can significantly lower your chances of having scars in the future.
Make sure to include foods rich in vitamin E and vitamin C into your diet to aid skin repair.
Avoid abrasive cleaning and harsh skin treatments that can damage your skin and create irritation and inflammation.
Staying hydrated throughout the day helps not just to remove toxins from the body, but also increases circulation and repairs damaged skin.
Stay out of the sunlight for as long as possible to avoid further darkening the scars.
