Acne is an incredibly common skin condition that affects people of all ages. Unfortunately, it can also leave behind unsightly scars that can be difficult to get rid of. If you’re struggling with acne scars, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most effective treatments for acne scars, from topical creams and gels to laser therapy and dermabrasion. We’ll also discuss some of the home remedies that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, such as tea tree oil and aloe vera. Finally, we’ll discuss some lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent further acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of existing scars.
Acne Scars Remedies: Get Rid Of Pockmarks Naturally
Scars can appear in several different forms. Acne vulgaris is the common form of acne caused by clogged pores and hair follicles. They can develop into a more serious form of acne known as acne conglobata, in which cysts or nodules penetrate under the skin and may become inflamed and infected. While a relationship between acne and food is sometimes classified as a myth, many patients do recognize some foods as triggers, and a healthy diet promotes healthy skin.
- Avoid UV Rays: Stay out of the direct sunlight as much as possible, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Sunlight can lead to flare-ups of rosacea, since it warms your skin, dilating the blood vessels in your face. If you do have to be outside on a sunny day, wear a wide-brimmed hat that provides shade for your ears and cheeks as well as your nose. A baseball cap isn’t enough. Use sunscreen, and plenty of it. For anyone with rosacea, the best sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which physically block the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them chemically.
- Natural Antibacterial Soap: Some people tend to be acne prone, while others breeze through life with barely a blemish to show for it. Try to prevent acne by keeping your skin scrupulously clean by washing twice a day with unscented, antibacterial natural neem soap. Avoid oily hair products and makeup. Be aware that some chemicals found in acne medication can cause increased sensitivity to the sun.
- Beta-carotene for Healthy Skin: Foods that are most beneficial for improving acne include apples, apricots, artichokes, barley, beets, carrots (with the skins), celery, cucumbers (organic with the peel), flax seeds, green leafy vegetables, lemon in water, parsley, radishes, sweet potatoes, raw sunflower seeds, and winter squashes. All of these foods are cleansing yet high in minerals or beta-carotene that can help the skin be more resistant to outbreaks.
- Men Skin Care Tip: Rinse your razor in alcohol after you use it so any bacteria it harbors won’t transfer itself to your face. Men with rosacea need to take special care not to irritate their faces while attacking their whiskers. Use an electric shaver instead of razor blades. The shaver is less irritating. If you use an aftershave, stay away from products that contain alcohol, witch hazel, or menthol.
- Avoid Harsh Treatments: Stay out of hot tubs and saunas. Their heat can trigger flushing of the skin on your face. In case of rosacea, avoid any exfoliating skin washes or acne cleansers. These contain harsh ingredients, and acne treatments can actually make rosacea worse.
- Simple Remedy – Water: Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours to flush toxins out of the body and to maintain good general health.
- Herbal Steam Bag: This herbal remedy can also be used as a soothing facial anytime you need it. Bring 1 liter water to a boil in a kettle. Put 1 tablespoon crushed dried calendula flowers and elder flowers in a large, heat proof bowl and add the water, covering the flowers. Add 3 drops lavender essential oil and stir to combine. Lower your head over the bowl and cover it completely with a towel. Allow the steam to work for 15 minutes or until it abates. Rinse your face with cool water. Calendula and elder flower have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Chickpea and Almond Face Wash: Try homemade DIY facewash. Mix 1 teaspoon of chickpea flour which is available at Indian grocery stores and natural food stores. Then with enough water to make a paste. Wash your face with this mixture and rinse off. Mix almond powder with a little water and apply the paste to your face. Let it dry and remain on your skin for up to half an hour. Then rinse it off. You can easily make the almond powder yourself in a coffee or nut grinder.
- Green Papaya For Younger Look: Take one green papaya, and cut it up into 2-inch chunks. Put them with the milky latex in a food blender and puree until thick and even. Then add approximately 2 tbsp. of sunflower oil and 2-3 tbsp. of black-strap molasses and whip again until smooth. The consistency should just be thick enough to adequately spread on the face, forehead, throat and neck. Apply each night without being runny or messy. A couple of tablespoons of whipping cream and 4 egg whites should also be added at the very last, but only blended for about 15 seconds and no longer. This wonderful remedy work great on acne vulgaris and dried, old, scaly skin. There appears to be a rapid turnover of epidermal (surface) skin cells, which leads to a much younger, baby-soft type of skin for many. The papain present in this formula has actually lightened dark patches in their skin or nearly faded away existing freckles.
- Butter Milk for Scars: For face spots, butter milk is an old folk remedy. It contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates sun-damaged skin and pigmented areas. Several times a week, massage your face with buttermilk after washing it. The active cultures in buttermilk contain acids that help to clean away dirt, tighten pores and helps to get rid of acne, pimples, and black spots. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. Buttermilk contain the much-touted alpha-hydroxy acids that stimulate new cell growth, are humectants, and result in younger-looking skin.
- Anti-acne Medicine: Look for makeup and moisturizer that is marked oil-free or non-comedogenic. Some makeup also contains anti-acne medicine, which can help clear up or prevent acne. Wash makeup applicators or buy disposable ones. It is tempting to layer on foundation, concealer, and powder to try to cover your blemishes. However, you may actually be causing more breakouts when you do this. Cosmetics make it more difficult for the skin to breathe. When you apply makeup, the oils on your fingertips are transferred to your face. Makeup sponges, brushes, and powder puffs can contain bacteria. All these factors can contribute to acne formation. Additionally, many cosmetics contain oils that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Moisturizers and suntan lotions may also contain oils that can cause acne.
Say Goodbye to Acne Scars and Hello to Clear Skin
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and moisturize afterward.
- Avoid touching your face. Your hands may be full of bacteria and oils, which can cause acne.
- Avoid picking or popping pimples. Picking or popping pimples can cause scars or dark spots.
- Use a natural spot treatment. Apply a natural spot treatment, such as tea tree oil, witch hazel, or apple cider vinegar, to acne spots.
- Exfoliate regularly. Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and allow new cells to form.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to keep your skin clear. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and dairy.
- Get plenty of rest. Adequate sleep helps to reduce stress and keep your skin healthy.
- Use a sunscreen. Sun exposure can make acne spots worse, so wear sunscreen when outdoors.
FAQs.
When it comes to acne scars here are some FAQs – How to Get Rid Of Pockmarks Naturally? How to remove acne scars naturally in a week? How long does it take for acne scars to fade? What is the best acne scar removal product? We tried to answer most of them.
Q. What are different types of acne scars?
- Ice Pick Scars: These are deep, narrow scars that look like the skin has been punctured with an ice pick. Ice pick scars are small, deep, and narrow scars that occur on the face. They are caused by severe acne that penetrates deep into the skin, resulting in permanent pitted or depressed scars. Ice pick scars can be difficult to treat and can cause permanent damage to the skin.
- Boxcar Scars: These are broad, angular scars with sharp edges that can be shallow or deep. Boxcar scars are a type of acne scar that has a rectangular or box-like shape. They are caused when the skin is damaged by severe acne and the body produces too much collagen to repair the damage. The result is a raised scar that has sharp edges and a sunken center.
- Rolling Scars: These are wide, shallow scars with rounded edges. These are caused by bands of scar tissue forming under the skin, resulting in a wave-like pattern. Rolling scars are a type of acne scar that gives the skin a wave-like appearance. They are caused when the body creates too much collagen during the healing process, leading to a raised, rolling scar. Rolling scars are usually wider than ice pick or boxcar scars and are often treated with dermal fillers or laser treatments.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These are raised, red scars that can be itchy and painful. Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that result from excessive collagen production at the site of a wound. They are red or purple in color and may be itchy or painful. Hypertrophic scars typically remain within the boundaries of the wound, whereas keloid scars can extend beyond the wound site. Treatment options for hypertrophic scars include topical treatments, steroid injections, or laser therapy.
- Keloid Scars: Keloid scars are raised, thick, irregularly shaped scars that form when the body produces too much collagen in response to an injury. They are most commonly found on the shoulders, chest, and neck and can be itchy, painful, and even disfiguring. They can be caused by surgery, burns, acne, vaccinations, piercings, and other skin injuries. Treatment options include steroid injections, laser therapy, and surgical removal.
Q. How to remove acne scars naturally in a week?
- Turmeric + Sandalwood + Neem: This is the best Indian remedy for acne scars. Turmeric is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and redness due to acne. Sandalwood is known for its healing properties and helps to lighten the appearance of scars. Neem is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to fight acne-causing bacteria and fungi. Mix all three ingredients together to form a paste and apply it to the affected area two to three times a week for best results.
- Black Seed Oil: Black seed oil is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to help treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne scars. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins which help to repair and regenerate skin tissue, as well as reduce inflammation. This can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Additionally, black seed oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce the risk of further breakouts. It can also help to balance sebum production, an important factor in the prevention of acne. Finally, black seed oil is thought to stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Dilute the vinegar with water and apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural skin healer. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scars and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Apply a thin layer of honey directly to the scar and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Orange Peels: Orange peel powder is known to be a natural remedy for acne scars. It is rich in vitamin C and A, which help to reduce inflammation and discoloration caused by acne scars. The antioxidants in the powder can also help reduce the appearance of scars. To use orange peel powder for acne scars, mix the powder with water or honey and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with water. Do this several times a week for best results. To make orange peel powder, start by collecting a few orange peels. Make sure to save the peels from any oranges you eat. Once the peels are dry, place them in a food processor or blender and blend until they are a fine powder.
- Green Tea Extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation, protect skin from free radicals, and promote cell renewal. To use green tea extract, mix 1 teaspoon of green tea extract powder with 1 teaspoon of water or aloe vera gel. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process 1-2 times a week for best results. You can also add a few drops of green tea extract to your regular face wash for daily use. Green Tea Extract is readily available online and in health food stores. You can also find it in many grocery stores, natural health stores, and pharmacies. It is available in both capsule and liquid form.
- Rice Bran Oil: Rice bran oil is a rich source of natural antioxidants, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. The oil contains a high concentration of gamma-oryzanol, a natural antioxidant that helps fight off free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging and skin damage. Rice bran oil also contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance and reduce inflammation. This helps to promote healing and diminish the appearance of acne scars. The oil can be applied topically to the affected areas to help fade existing scars, and it can also be used as a preventative measure to keep future breakouts from leaving behind long-term damage. The best rice bran oil for acne scars is cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic.
- Retinol: Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that has been proven to help treat and prevent acne. It works by increasing cell turnover and reducing the build-up of dead skin cells which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It also helps reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and reduce oil production. With consistent use, it can help reduce acne scars, treat existing acne, and prevent future breakouts. Facials that use retinol-based products may help reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and reduce pore size. Foods that are rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, and apricots, are all good sources of retinol.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Mix equal parts baking soda and water and use as exfoliator. This will help remove dead skin cells and reduce the visibility of acne scars. Always use a gentle scrub to exfoliate the skin.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is another natural skin healer that can help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and can help reduce hyperpigmentation. Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Rose Hip Oil: Rose hip oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the rose hip, which is the fruit that remains after a rose flower has bloomed and dropped its petals. It has been used traditionally as an anti-aging remedy and to help reduce the appearance of scars, including acne scars. Rose hip oil is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin A, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and redness. Its vitamin A content helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help to fade the appearance of scars. Additionally, rose hip oil can help to regulate the production of sebum and reduce acne breakouts. To use rose hip oil for acne scars, apply a small amount of oil to the affected area twice daily.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can help reduce inflammation. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Cucumber Juice: Cucumber juice can help reduce redness and inflammation. Apply freshly squeezed cucumber juice to the affected area and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
- Umeboshi Plums: These plums are high in vitamin C, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.
- Licorice Root Extract: This extract is known to help reduce the appearance of scars by lightening the skin. Licorice root extract is believed to help reduce the appearance of acne scars by fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It contains glabridin, which is an active compound that has been found to have a skin-lightening effect. It is thought to reduce inflammation and inhibit the production of melanin, which can help lighten dark spots and acne scars. Additionally, licorice root extract can be used to treat other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Licorice root extract can be found at most health food stores, herbalists, and online retailers.
Q. How to protect face skin from acne scars?
- Use exfoliating products: Exfoliating products, such as glycolic acid, can help remove dead skin cells and other debris from the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Use topical treatments: Topical treatments such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Have a chemical peel: A chemical peel can help remove the top layers of skin, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Try laser treatments: Laser treatments can help resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Have dermabrasion: Dermabrasion involves using a device to remove the top layers of skin, which can help reduce the appearance of acne scars.