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Home Remedies for Acne Scars: Effective and Natural Solutions
Acne scars can have a psychological impact on an individual, damaging their self-esteem and leading to insecurity. While a few scars fade away on their own, some scars that result from severe cystic acne breakouts are super difficult to treat. There are several advanced acne scar treatments available for this condition. However, some people still opt for natural remedies because they are more accessible, affordable and have few or no side effects. This article will delve into what leads to acne scars, remedies for acne scars at home, lifestyle changes one ought to make, and tips for effective acne scar management.
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Causes of Acne Scars
Fresh acne scars result from the skin’s inflammatory response to acne lesions that can destroy surrounding tissue. The body then repairs this damage, often leaving behind a scar. Acne scars occur due to several key factors: intense inflammatory response, delay in care, and a tendency to squeeze or pick on pimples. Dermatologists classify acne scars into different types:
- Ice Pick Scars: Ice pick scars are deep into the dermis and can be narrow.
- Boxcar Scars: Boxcar Scars have a wider dent-like appearance that is broad, with a sharp edge.
- Rolling Scars: Rolling scars are wave-like depressions that have inclined edges.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised scars due to excessive collagen production as the skin heals.
If you want to get rid of acne scars with home remedies, it is vital to learn about the following:
- Causes
- Types of acne scars
- Factors that affect the formation of scars (genes)
- How bad your acne is
Ice pick scars are very deep and can be more challenging to address. Boxcar scars or rolling scars correspond with treatments focusing on the skin texture. Hypertrophic scars, however, are often treatable with methods that target reducing overactive collagen.
Other Contributing Factors to Acne Scars:
Several other factors contribute to the formation of acne scars. These include:
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals are genetically more likely to scar.
- Acne Skin Type: Oily skin can increase the risk of acne development, resulting in scars.
- Delayed Treatment: Postponement in the treatment of acne may deepen scarring.
- Inadequate Skincare Routine: Harsh skincare products may irritate the skin and result in scarring.
Understanding these causes will help you know how to avoid and eliminate the scars and opt for the suitable treatment. [1]
How Does Acne Scars Look Like?
There are different types of acne scars – some appear more sunken and pitted. People with darker skin tones will find these scars appear more prominent due to hyperpigmentation.
Home Remedies for Acne Scars
Several store-bought products are available to combat acne scar. However, many individuals prefer acne scar treatment remedies at home because of their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and promising results. [2]
Let’s go through each one of them:
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Apple Cider Vinegar:
It has astringent properties that help minimise scars by increasing the turnover of skin cells. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:3 ratio, soak a cotton ball in it and apply. Rinse after 10-15 minutes.
Consistent use may reduce the appearance of your scars and enhance skin texture. Apple cider vinegar helps keep skin pH levels balanced, which can help prevent outbreaks of new pimples.
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Turmeric Powder:
Turmeric powder is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and effectively fades scars. Mix turmeric in water or honey to make a paste, apply it on the scars, and leave for 20 minutes before washing. One of the primary compounds found in turmeric is curcumin, which helps reduce melanin production, fade dark scars, and even out the skin tone. Its antibacterial qualities help prevent future acne breakouts, making it a full-spectrum remedy.
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Nutmeg (Jaiphal):
Nutmeg or Jaiphal is antibacterial and helps bring cluster inflammation down. Mix some nutmeg powder with honey or milk to make a paste, then apply it on the scars and wash your face after 20 minutes. Nutmeg is loaded with exfoliating properties and helps remove dead skin cells. This facilitates cell renewal, leading to diminished scar appearance over time. It has a high nutritional profile, which helps maintain and rejuvenate skin health.
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Haritak:
Haritak, also called Terminalia chebula, is a classic remedy in Ayurveda, serving us with its potentially healing actions. Mix haritak powder with water, apply it as a paste on the scars and rinse after drying. Its natural compounds help improve skin elasticity and texture, making it suitable for different types of scars. And its anti-inflammatory characteristics help calm the skin and reduce redness linked to acne scars.
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Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera gel is popular for its moisturising and medicinal properties. Use fresh aloe vera gel directly on your scars; let them stay overnight. Polysaccharides in aloe vera stimulate skin regeneration and regrowth of new cells, which helps remove the scars. It is also an anti-inflammatory and cooling substance that can assist in calming inflamed and irritated skin, making it perfect for everyday use.
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Egg Whites:
The proteins and vitamins in egg whites can help repair the skin while fading scars and healing the skin. Beat an egg white and apply it to the scars. Let it be for 20 minutes, then rinse. Egg whites contain proteins that help with tissue repair and growth, while the vitamins assist in lightening dark spots. Consistent use can help with skin texture and the prominence of scars.
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Rosehip Seed Oil:
The rosehip seed oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that help with skin regeneration. Apply a few drops of oil to your scars daily to enhance skin texture. Retinoids in rosehip seed oil can help reduce scarring, produce collagen, heal the skin, and promote elasticity. The antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from future damage and keep it healthy.
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Olive Oil:
Antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil can be effective for scar healing. Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on top of the scars. High in vitamins E and K, olive oil speeds up the healing process of your skin, making scars appear less visible. It contains moisturising properties that help keep the skin hydrated and supple, promoting great skin health.
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Sandalwood:
Sandalwood has calming and healing effects. Blend sandalwood powder and rose water to make a paste, apply on the scars, and wash off when it dries. Sandalwood naturally has an astringent in it that makes the skin firm and reduces scars. The cooling effect of sandalwood calms skin inflammation and minimises redness, making it an effective acne scars treatment.
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Tomato Slices or Pulp:
Lycopene found in tomatoes can act as a skin-healing agent. Place tomato slices or apply pulp directly on the scars, leave for 20 minutes, and then wash. Rich in lycopene, it heals the skin and lowers the risk of scars. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, brightening dark spots and giving even skin tone.
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Baking Soda:
Baking soda is used as an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and reduces scars. Mix baking soda with water to make a smooth and consistent paste, apply it on the scars, and wash it off after a few minutes. The gentle abrasiveness of the baking soda chips away the dead skin cells, encouraging new cell growth and aiding in making scars less noticeable. It also neutralises the pH of the skin, avoiding further acne conditions.
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Potato Juice Slices:
Potato juice acts as a bleaching agent, which helps lighten scars. Apply potato skin slices or juice to the scars for about 15 -20 minutes, leave for drying, then rinse. Starches and natural enzymes present in potatoes work effectively to reduce pigmentation and improve the skin tone evenly. Potatoes are not only anti-inflammatory, but they also have antioxidants that help replenish skin and aid in acne scar treatment.
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Cucumber:
Cucumber hydrates and soothes the skin. You can put cucumber slices on the scars or use its juice and leave it for 20 minutes before cleaning. Cucumbers have vitamins and water that will naturally hydrate skin while reducing inflammation. Their cooling properties aid in relaxing the skin and fading of scars over time.
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Periwinkle (Sadabahar):
Periwinkle, also called Sadabahar, can reduce scars with its medicinal properties. Apply periwinkle extract to the scars and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing. The alkaloids in periwinkles promote skin healing and decrease inflammation. Its natural compounds help improve the skin’s texture and fade scars, thus making it an excellent choice for your skincare routine.
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Brahmi:
Brahmi is an excellent Ayurvedic herb known for its healing properties. Use Brahmi paste or oil on your scars, and rinse after 20 minutes. Its natural compounds help skin regeneration and promote elasticity, making scars less visible. Its antioxidant properties shield the skin from future damage, keeping it healthy.
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Okra (Ladyfinger):
Okra has high levels of vitamin C present in it that significantly lightens the scar marks on the skin. Apply some okra paste to your scars; allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing. Vitamin C assists in the production of collagen, which repairs damaged skin and minimises scars. The moisturising qualities of okra also maintain the skin’s hydration and texture.
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Coconut Oil:
Fatty acids found in coconut oil can help in scar recovery. Applying a little coconut oil to the scars daily can effectively heal acne scars. The moisturising and antibacterial effects of coconut oil prevent any new acne from breaking out, inducing healing. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
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Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil resembles your skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent scar-healing agent. Use a few drops of jojoba oil on acne marks and massage them lightly. Its anti-inflammatory powers calm the skin and reduce any redness. Jojoba oil’s effects help keep the skin hydrated and support optimal skin health while minimising scars.
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Argan Oil:
Argan oil consists of vitamins and fatty acids that are excellent for healing skin. Apply a few drops of argan oil on the scars and massage it daily. Vitamin E found in argan oil is great for skin repair and lightening scars. The moisturising abilities of argan oil help keep skin hydrated while enhancing elasticity.
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Green Tea:
Green tea aids in scar reduction due to the presence of antioxidants. Put cool green tea bags on the scars for about 10-15 minutes. Catechins in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties and help heal the skin. The antioxidants in green tea also shield the skin from harm and aid skin health, which is why it can be an excellent solution when dealing with acne scarring.
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Echinacea:
Echinacea is a popular skin-healing ingredient. Leave Echinacea extract on the scars for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. It reduces inflammation, calms the skin, and minimises redness. Its natural compounds help your skin rejuvenate, improving skin texture and fading scar marks.
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Black Seed Oil:
Black seed oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory and healing qualities. Apply a small quantity of black seed oil to the scars. It has a high nutrient profile, so black seed oil promotes healing and reduces visible scarring. It also has antibacterial agents, which prevent further acne eruption, ensuring better skin health.
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Rosemary:
Rosemary contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that effectively treat acne scars. Apply rosemary oil on the scars and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Its natural compounds are skin healers while also holding anti-inflammatory properties. It works as an acne scars treatment, protecting the skin from damage and promoting overall skin health.
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Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic. Mix a diluted form of the oil with another carrier oil. Apply it to scars and rinse after 20 minutes. As it is antibacterial, tea tree oil does not allow the acne to spread and heals the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your skin and decrease redness, making scars less noticeable.
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Manuka Honey:
Manuka honey is loaded with antibacterial and healing properties. Put manuka honey directly on the scars and leave for 20 minutes before washing off. Nutrient-rich manuka honey helps the skin heal, diminishing scars. It keeps the skin hydrated and healed, given its moisturising properties.
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Acupuncture:
Acupuncture improves blood circulation by helping the skin to heal. Seek out an acupuncturist to get treated. Acupuncture boosts the body’s natural healing process, leading to skin regeneration and reducing the appearance of scars. When performed regularly, the treatment helps improve skin texture and promote overall skin health.
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Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice contains bleaching agents, which help fade acne scars. Apply some lemon juice diluted with water and let it stay for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Lemon contains citric acid that encourages skin exfoliation, reducing pigmentation and lightening dark scars. Lemon juice also has astringent, which aids in tightening the skin and makes scars less visible.
Dermatologist Treatments for Acne Scars
Home remedies do help, but in a few cases, people may opt for professional treatments based on the severity of the scars. [3] Options include:
Lifestyle Tips for Preventing Acne Scars
Follow these lifestyle tips to prevent acne scars:
- Do not pick or squeeze your pimples.
- Always follow a consistent skincare routine.
- Apply sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage.
- Consume a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Hydrate by drinking a lot of water.
- Unload stress through relaxation techniques.
- Adequate sleep will help support skin health.
- Avoid using too much makeup or skincare products that can harm your skin.
- Regular exercise improves blood circulation and skin health.
- Opt for gentle skincare products tailored to your skin type.
- Do not touch your face often; it spreads bacteria.
- Maintain clean hair and keep it away from your face to avoid oil transfer.
- Use non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products to prevent clogging pores.
- Sweating causes dirt and bacteria; make sure you clean your skin well after sweating.
- Start eating anti-inflammatory foods like berries and leafy greens. [4]
Takeaway
Home remedies take time; you must be more patient and consistent for the treatment to work. While the home remedies for acne scars may take time to reveal results, they are natural and easy on your skin to enhance skin texture and appearance. Home remedies are effective in many cases; however, seeking a professional treatment based on the depth of your scars is ideal. Always consult an experienced dermatologist if you have lasting or serious acne scars to receive the best treatment for your skin type.
