How to Remove Acne Scars Naturally: 20 Home Remedies That Work
Acne can be bothersome. Why must it leave scars behind? Unfortunately, not all acne disappears, leaving our skin blemish free. Frequent scarring can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. Thankfully, some home remedies and treatments help lighten and remove acne marks and heal your skin. Let’s find out how to remove acne scars naturally at home.
Types of Acne Scar
You might want to know how to remove acne scars naturally. There are various types of acne scars that get left behind on our skin. When choosing a treatment option, we must identify the type of scarring caused by acne. Once we know the type of acne scar, we can determine if it can be healed naturally.
The types of acne scars are as follows:
- Atrophic scars: These are acne scars presenting as small indentations in the skin.
- Icepick scars: These are small scars that resemble pinpricks.
- Boxcar scars: Scars that appear as larger indentations with clear edges.
- Rolling scars: These present as unclear edges, giving the skin an undulating appearance.
- Hypertrophic scars: A raised scar remains when the skin produces too many fibroblasts while healing an acne spot.
- Keloid scars: Similar to hypertrophic scars, these are usually bigger than the acne spot. It is accompanied by hyperpigmentation and itching.
The good news is you can first learn how to treat acne scars at home before seeking medical intervention. However, if you experience severe acne, it would be best to seek medical help.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Before we get into how to remove acne scars naturally, we must understand the root cause of acne. Acne causes scars when it penetrates the skin so deeply that the underlying tissue is damaged. The body tries to repair the damage as the acne heals. At this time, the body produces collagen. Too little or too much collagen leads to scarring. If your body doesn’t produce enough collagen, you will notice depressed acne scars after the acne heals. However, if your body produces too much collagen, you will develop a raised acne scar. In most cases, it is possible to remove acne scars.
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Symptoms of Acne Scars
You will notice different scarring depending on the type of acne you experienced, such as whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, etc., and where it appeared. If you notice any of these symptoms, you will be able to make a treatment choice accordingly. The symptoms are as follows:
- Depressed scarring usually occurs on the face. This includes rolling, ice pick or boxcar scars.
- Icepick scars are visible on the forehead and upper cheeks.
- Rolling scars can be found on the lower cheeks and jaw.
- Boxing scars are also usually found on the jaw and lower cheeks.
- Raised scars are the result of excess collagen produced by the body. These scars are usually found on the shoulders, chest, jawline and back. They are also painful or itchy.
Now that we know the types of acne scars and their symptoms, let’s find out how to remove acne scars naturally.
Remove Acne Scars Naturally At Home
Identifying different types of acne scarring is important. If the root cause is understood, we can choose the right treatment method. Scarring often leads us to feel underconfident in our appearance. But what if there were easy acne scar remedies we could do right at home? Yes, you can learn how to remove pimple marks naturally at home. If you are wondering how to remove acne scars naturally, it is possible with a few home remedies.
Before you head to the doctor, try these home remedies for acne scars:
1) Lemon
You can use lemon to fade acne scars. Firstly, it contains Vitamin C, which helps build damaged cells in the skin. Secondly, citric acid works to remove dead skin cells. Thirdly, it also contains Alpha-hydroxy acid, which acts as a bleaching ingredient, thereby fading scars.
You can apply it directly on your skin if you are not going out in the sun. Alternatively, you may use a lemon face mask.
2) Egg Whites
Eggs are a great source of protein that is good for your general health. However, you can use the whites of the egg to treat scarring.
Use a cotton ball to dip the white of the egg and apply it on your face. After it dries, you can rinse it off your skin. You can even sleep with it on and wash it in the morning.
3) Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is fairly easy to source and has tons of medicinal value.
Cut a part of the aloe vera leaf and peel the outer portion. Use the fresh gel directly on your skin. Not only does it help fade the scars, but it also moisturises your face. Massage it on and leave it for 30 minutes before washing it off.
4) Olive Oil
Olive oil contains antioxidants that help heal skin, thereby treating your scars in the process.
All you need to do is dip a cotton ball in olive oil and directly apply it to your face. Massage a little olive oil onto your face every day for the best effect.
5) Sandalwood
Sandalwood is commonly used in Indian households to treat a myriad of skin issues.
Mix some sandalwood powder with water and make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas of your skin. After 15-20 minutes, you can wash it off.
6) Tomato Slices or Pulp
Tomato contains two vital ingredients; Vitamin A and Carotenes. Rich in antioxidants as well, tomato is perfect for fading scars.
You can apply tomato slices or pulp on your skin to help heal scarring.
7) Baking Soda
Baking Soda has bleaching properties which is why it works wonderfully for scarring treatment.
You simply need to make a paste from 2-3 spoons of baking soda and water and apply it on your skin for a few minutes.
8) Potato Slices
Potatoes are rich in nutrients such as Vitamins C and B6, flavonoids and potassium.
Cut a few slices of potatoes and rub them on your skin daily. Soon, the scarring will fade. This helps to diminish redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin.
9) Honey
Honey, a natural moisturiser can help heal your skin.
Gently massage raw honey onto the affected areas of your skin every day. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to honey if you want to improve the chances of healing.
10) Cucumber
Cucumber has skin-repairing and moisturising capabilities, which are useful for treating acne scars.
Cut a cucumber and put the slices on your face for around 20-30 minutes. Then wash your face. You can do this 3-5 times a week.
11) Turmeric Powder
Turmeric helps to brighten skin and give it an even tone.
You can make an easy DIY mask by mixing turmeric and water to make a paste. Apply it on your face and let it dry. After it dries completely, rinse it off with lukewarm water. It will also help to reduce inflammation.
12) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great moisturiser with healing capabilities.
Take a few drops of coconut oil on your palm and massage it into your skin. You need not wash this off. However, if you do not like the texture, you may wash it off after 30 minutes.
13) Iced green tea
Green tea happens to contain a high level of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that damage your skin. It also has antiseptic qualities that kill acne-causing germs.
To use it in your skincare routine, you need to steep a green tea bag in warm water. After removing the bag, pour the liquid into a tray and put it in the freezer. Use one ice cube at a time to rub on your face.
14) Green coconut water
Coconut water contains acne-eliminating cytokinins and antioxidants. It also fixes sagging skin.
Get a fresh green coconut and cut it open. Pour out the water into a bowl. Instead of drinking it, use a cotton ball to wipe it on your face. Then wash your face with lukewarm water. How to use
15) Fenugreek (methi)
As fenugreek has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to eliminate the growth of acne and skin infections.
Soak a handful worth of methi seeds overnight in a bowl of water. Make a fine paste of the seeds and add a few drops of rosewater. Use a warm towel on your face to open pores before you apply the paste on your face. After it dries up, wash your face with cold water.
16) Tea tree oil
Tree tea oil is both antiseptic and antibacterial, helping prevent skin infection and healing wounds.
Take a few drops of tea tree oil in your palm and massage it into the affected area. After 10 minutes, dip a cotton ball into some lukewarm water and remove the excess oil from your face.
17) Yoghurt and honey mask
Yoghurt contains a substance called alpha hydroxy acids that work to minimise the redness of acne and other blemishes on your skin.
First, mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. Then, apply the mask to your face and rinse with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.
18) Besan
Besan effectively treats acne scars as it exfoliates the skin, removes dirt and dead skin cells, and lightens the skin.
You can make a face pack by mixing besan with water to make a paste. Apply it on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Finish with a moisturiser.
19) Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar soaks excessive oil and naturally exfoliates the skin. It can also reduce the redness of acne and make them smaller. Simply dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on your face. After 20 minutes, wash it off with cool water.
20) Castor Oil
Castor oil works to repair damaged skin and promote the growth of new skin cells. It also helps decrease hyperpigmentation and reduces acne scars. Use the cotton ball method to apply castor oil onto your face for a few minutes. However, as it has a thick consistency, you must make sure you wash it off properly.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways in which we can learn how to remove acne scars naturally. However, before learning how to treat acne scars at home, let’s learn about some preventive tips for acne
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Preventive Tips For Acne And Pimple Scars
Not all of us are fortunate enough to be blessed with flawless skin. Some of us get acne reasonably often. It’s frustrating enough to deal with the pain of acne, let alone it leaving blemishes on our skin. However, there are some things that we can do to prevent it from leaving scars. There are ways how to treat acne scars at home by preventing them from appearing in the first place. These include:
- Use a non-comedogenic face wash twice a day.
- Never sleep with your makeup on. Wash it off before getting into bed.
- Under no circumstances should you pop your pimples.
- Always apply sunscreen, even if you're not going outside. It also protects your skin from the blue light of devices.
- Eat a balanced diet and drink the recommended quantity of water every day.
Also Read: Pimples After Shaving ~ 7 Science Backed Things To Do
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Acne Scars?
There are a variety of ways in which you can reduce your chances of getting acne scars. Firstly, always wear sunscreen. Secondly, never pick at your pimples, as this increases inflammation. Thirdly, treat your acne immediately and not wait for it to worsen. Lastly, avoid smoking, as tobacco increases the risk of skin scarring.
If you want to know how to remove acne scars naturally, you can follow the above methods. Lastly, if no preventive measure or home remedy works, seek professional help and visit a dermatologist.
Also Read: Does Dandruff Cause Pimples & Acne?
When to Seek Medical Help?
Acne scars are a common phenomenon. However, leaving it to heal on its own may not be the best thing to do. If you know how to remove acne scars naturally, try home remedies. You may try home remedies but do not self-medicate. However, if you experience severe acne, visiting your dermatologist as soon as possible is best.
FAQs
How Do I Get Rid Of Acne Scars Fast?
The fastest way to fix acne scars is through dermatological treatments such as micro needling, derma fillers, resurfacing procedures, injections, etc.
Can You Get Rid Of Acne Scars Naturally?
If you are wondering how to remove acne scars naturally in a week, first know that it is possible. Plenty of home remedies are available to help heal scarring, including using besan, yoghurt, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar, among others, in your skincare routine.
What Removes Scars From Acne?
Depending on the severity of the acne and the scarring left, one will either have to use natural methods or dermatological treatments to remove acne scars.
Does Vitamin C Get Rid Of Acne Scars?
Vitamin C helps remove acne scars as it has healing and lightening agents.
Can I Permanently Remove Acne Scars?
If you know how to remove acne scars naturally, you may have tried various home remedies to no avail. In such cases, you can opt for treatments such as dermabrasion. This will remove the top layer of your skin and make deep acne scars less noticeable.
Can Aloe Vera Remove Acne Scars?
If you want to know how to remove pimple marks naturally at home, the best solution is aloe vera. Aloesin helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and reduce the overproduction of melanin.
Can You Permanently Get Rid Of Acne Scars?
A radio frequency treatment may be more effective in permanently getting rid of acne scars than home remedies. Nonetheless, a 100% improvement is very rare.
Can Acne Scars Heal Naturally?
This is how to treat acne scars at home. Use readily found ingredients, such as aloe vera, turmeric, potatoes, etc., on your skin to help lighten acne scars.
How To Use Multani Mitti For Acne Scars?
Natural ingredients are one of the best ways to learn how to remove acne scars naturally. Combining multani mitti with other ingredients can help enhance its effect on your skin. For example, mix two tablespoons of multani mitti with one tablespoon of turmeric powder. Use 2 tablespoons of honey to make this into a paste. Apply and leave it on your face for 15 minutes. After you rinse it off, use a moisturiser. You can do this twice a week.