9 Fantastic Home Remedies for Acne Scars
If you suffer or have suffered from frustrating pimples, you’re not alone. Acne affects 50 million Americans every year making it the most common skin condition in the U.S.
While there are various treatments to eliminate pesky pimples, severe cases of acne can leave behind scars.
Acne scarring is just as frustrating as a painful blackhead. But fortunately, there are home remedies for acne scars that can eliminate blemishes once and for all.
Let’s explore the various ways you can erase the acne scars from your body.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants. The tannins and flavonoids fight off bacteria and reduce inflammation to decrease acne and scarring.
While you purchase green tea ointments, many people apply green tea directly to their scars. Brew a pot of green tea and allow it to cool. Soak a cotton ball in the tea and apply it to the scarred areas. Allow the tea to dry before rinsing.
In addition to applying green tea directly to the skin, drinking more green tea can help alleviate scarring and blemishes. Green tea contains EGCG, an antioxidant that lowers sebum production and fights off acne.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that controls inflammation, reduces redness, and decreases bacteria growth. Because of this, witch hazel has become one of the best at-home acne treatments.
Witch hazel is a plant extract. It contains tannins that fight off acne and reduce the appearance of scars. It’s recommended for people with oily and sensitive skin.
You can find witch hazel at most drugstores (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc.). Apply the astringent to a clean face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
3. Zinc Supplements
Your skin is your largest organ, so take care of it! Zinc supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pimples and long-lasting blemishes.
Research studies have found that those with higher lower zinc levels experience fewer breakouts. During one clinical trial, patients who ingested oral zinc supplements saw an 80% to 100% reduction in their acne.
Zinc supplements can be found in a variety of drugstores, but talk to your health care professional first to determine a healthy dosage.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can reduce acne scars in people with sensitive or dry skin. For those with severely oily skin, coconut oil could make acne worse.
The substance is high in lauric acid, which destroys acne-causing bacteria. When applied to the skin, coconut oil continues to kill bacteria and increase moisture, which lessens redness in acne scars.
Most health professionals recommend using organic, virgin coconut oil for skincare.
5. Raw Honey
Homemade honey masks are an excellent addition to your at-home skincare routine. Raw honey can ignite the skin’s healing response and lessen the appearance of acne scars.
Raw honey rejuvenates skin that has been damaged by years of acne. It contains antioxidants that nourish the skin with essential vitamins and nutrients.
You can apply raw honey directly to your scars, or mix it with other natural substances. Rinse your face with warm water and massage the honey into it. Let it sit for ten minutes before washing.
If creating a honey mask seems too daunting, adding more honey to your diet will also enhance your skin’s health. Eat it by the spoonful, add honey to your tea, or substitute it with sugar when baking.
6. Lemon Juice
Citrus fruits are high in natural antioxidants that boost collagen levels and fade scars. Lemon juice can kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness in lingering scars. You can apply lemon juice as a spot treatment to target individual acne scars or create a full-face astringent.
To get rid of specific scars, use a cotton ball to apply the juice directly to the targeted areas. Let the lemon juice stay on your scars for up to 10 minutes.
To create an astringent, mix fresh lemon juice with warm water. Apply the mixture to your entire face two to three times per day.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is an herbal remedy that can eliminate various types of acne, including acne mechanica.
The plant naturally produces a cooling and healing gel. The gel can reduce hyperpigmentation in acne scars and lighten melanin, a dark pigment that makes acne scars more noticeable.
Aloe vera gel can be used as a topical cream. Apply it to your scars one to two times a day. In addition to reducing scars, aloe vera also enhances collagen and elastin fiber production for healthy and glowing skin.
8. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil is an essential oil. It is pressed from the seeds of rose plants. The oil contains skin-nourishing vitamins and fatty acids that lessen acne scarring.
The essential oil boosts collagen production by stimulating skin cell regeneration. Rosehip oil contains vitamin C which diminishes inflammation and hyperpigmentation. The oil also contains vitamin A which decreases sebum and leads to fewer acne breakouts.
Apply rosehip oil directly to your scars one to two times per day. Rosehip supplements are also available to enhance the effects of the oil.
Rosehip oil is safe for most skin types, although those with sensitive skin should test it on a small area of skin first.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a common household remedy. It can provide heartburn relief, reduce dry scalp, and lessen the appearance of acne scars.
Apple cider vinegar is derived from the fermented juice of apples. Applying apple cider vinegar to acne scars has a similar effect to a chemical peel. Its acid strips away damaged layers of skin to boost healing.
To safely apply apple cider vinegar to scars, first clean your face with a mild face wash and pat dry. Dilute the apple cider vinegar by mixing in water. The concoction should be one part vinegar, two parts water.
Gently apply the mixture to your scars using a cotton ball. Let it sit for up to 20 seconds depending on the severity of the scar. Rinse the area with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Do not repeat more than twice a day. If you experience irritation, stop immediately.
Explore Home Remedies for Acne Scars and More
Home remedies for acne scars come in a variety of forms. Whether it be through rosehip oil or zinc supplements, the key is determining which remedy works best for your skin.
Soon you’ll have the flawless skin you’ve always desired.
Are you looking for more lifestyle tips and tricks? Explore our site for simple at-home remedies to enhance your overall wellbeing.
