Acne scar is one embarrassing skin condition that may remind one of previous skin flaws in addition to causing loss of self-esteem in the process of searching for ways to regain flawless skin naturally. Although there are numerous over the counter products it is wiser to opt for natural treatments which are cheaper, effective and less aggressive towards your skin. This article will discuss what causes acne scar, the types of acne scar, and the natural way of having good skin with the detailed procedure of how to remove acne scar naturally.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars arise from injury to the skin from severe inflammation that occurs from acne. When the pore gets blocked up as it is with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, it enlarges and leads to a break in the follicle wall. If the lesion is deep, the skin attempts to heal the break by growing new collagen fibres. However, this process does not help to eliminate skin roughness and can result in scarred acne skin lesions. Genetics, skin type, and finally how acne is handled, or lack of it, affects scarring.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars come in many forms and knowing their classifications helps to decide on the most suitable treatment. According to Medical News Today, there are two main categories of acne scars:
- Atrophic Scars: These sort of scars develop when there is a deficit of skin tissue, resulting in craters or concavities on the affected part. They can be further classified as:
- Boxcar Scars: These are broad depressions with clearly outlined edges and can be compared to the craters.
- Ice Pick Scars: These are deep, narrow scars that make small, round shallow depressions in the skin, similar to the head of an ice pick.
- Rolling Scars: These are the bands of tissue that pull at the skin and give the skin that wave-like irregularity.
- Hypertrophic or Keloid Scars: These scars form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, resulting in raised, lumpy scars that sit above the surface of the skin.
Natural Remedies for Good Skin
Achieving flawless skin naturally is possible by incorporating home remedies for acne scars into your skincare routine. These remedies not only help in acne scar removal but also improve overall skin texture. Below are some effective natural treatments that can reduce acne scars and promote healthier skin.
How to Remove Acne Scars Naturally: Home Remedies
1. Aloe Vera Gel for Acne
Aloe Vera Gel is one of the most comfortable and efficient home remedies out there to treat acne scars. This gel has compounds including polysaccharides and gibberellins that are essential for repairing the wounded tissues and inflammation. Aloe Vera promotes skin cell generation which may help to fade scars over time or recover previously burnt skin areas.
- How to Use: Apply fresh Aloe Vera Gel directly to the affected areas twice daily. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. Consistent use will help to soften the appearance of scars and make your skin smoother.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne
Apple Cider Vinegar is loaded with acetic acid, which is useful in exfoliating and peeling off the dead skin and lessening scar formation. These are accompanied by the benefit of restoring skin’s pH levels and preventing the formation of more pimples.
- How to Use: Take Apple Cider Vinegar and dilute this in two parts of water for usage. Take a cotton ball and wet it with the above solution and gently rub it on your scars. You should use it for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with water. For best results, use this treatment, 2-3 times a week.
3. Baking Soda for Acne Scars
It is a very mild scrub that people can use for washing off the dull and dead skin cell on the skins surface while also stimulating the skin’s natural process of shedding the dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones. It also assists in lessening the pH level to prevent the appearance of new zits or pimples.
- How to Use: For a thick paste, one should combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Massage this paste on the affected areas using circular movements; for about two minutes. Rinse off with warm water and moisturize. This should be done 2-3 times a week.
4. Honey for Acne Scars
Good for health, honey is a natural humect which locks moisture for the skin making it a perfect remedy for scar. Besides, honey has the ability to promote tissue remodeling therefore reducing scar formation.
- How to Use: Pure honey must be applied externally on the affected area of the skin. The honey must be applied on the skin at least for 20-30 minutes before bath. Rinse with lukewarm water. For added benefits, mix honey with cinnamon powder or lemon juice and use it as a natural face mask for acne.
5. Lemon Juice for Skin Brightening
Dark skin can also be lightened using lemon juice as it plays an important role in skin-lightening. This natural treatment can be applied to reduce the colour of the scar, spotting and other associated skin disorders. It has vitamin C that is useful in the synthesis of collagen that might be useful in preventing the formation of the scar.
- How to Use: Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon and apply it directly to the scars using a cotton swab. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water. Use this remedy once daily, but ensure you wear sunscreen afterward as lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
6. Turmeric for Acne Scars
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help in healing acne scars. It also lightens dark spots and improves overall skin tone.
- How to Use: Make a paste by mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with water or honey. Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and use it 2-3 times a week.
Natural Face Mask for Acne Scars
Incorporating a natural face mask for acne into your skincare routine can further accelerate the healing of scars and give you smoother, clearer skin. Here are two DIY masks:
- Aloe Vera and Honey Mask: Mix equal parts of Aloe Vera Gel and honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. This mask is perfect for calming the skin and promoting the regeneration of skin cells.
- Turmeric and Lemon Mask: Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric with a few drops of lemon juice to create a brightening face mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. This mask helps in reducing pigmentation and scars.
Preventing Future Acne Scars
While the above remedies can help reduce acne scars, preventing new scars is equally important. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this increases the risk of scarring.
- Use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support skin health.
- Always wear sunscreen, as UV rays can darken scars and delay healing.