Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Home remedies for acne scars are often sought by acne sufferers whose skin condition has left unsightly marks in its wake. Acne is a common skin disease which occurs when hormones, specifically androgens, over stimulate the sebaceous glands causing them to produce more sebum or oil than normal. Due to the excess oil, follicles beneath the skin become clogged trapping the oil and dirt within. The human skin is host to a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes, it is a naturally occurring bacteria on the skin surface which is basically harmless but in increased numbers, contribute to the occurrence of acne. Clogged pores often attract P. acnes as they create an ideal environment for the bacterium to thrive.

Heredity, stress, too much use of cosmetics, poor hygiene and consumption of junk foods and fast foods are also among the causes of acne. Acne commonly affects the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. The scars left by acne are conspicuous and unsightly which is why it is but natural for one to want a remedy that can make them fade and disappear.

Before we discuss the different home remedies for acne scars, let us first briefly look into the different types of acne scars.

•    Ice pick – this is the more common type of acne scarring and it is characterized by deep pits that are often less than 2mm across. These scars extend into the skin making it appear like it has been punctured by an ice pick.
•    Boxcar scars – these are also a common type of acne scarring characterized by angular scars with sharp vertical edges. The scars resemble those left by Chicken Pox. The scars are either shallow or deep and are usually found on the cheeks and temple.
•    Rolling scars – these scars are caused by damage under the skin surface and give the skin a wave-like appearance, thus the name. These scars are wide and shallow.
•    Hypertrophic scars – these scars are raised and lumpy and tend to appear more commonly on the back and chest although they also appear on the face and neck. Severe acne lesions like cysts or nodules often cause this type of acne scarring. These scars generally stay within the boundary of the original wound and may become smaller as time goes by. A type of hypertrophic scarring, Keloid Scars, may however extend beyond the original wound site.

There are different options for treating acne scars including topical medications, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, fillers, dermabrasion and punch excision and grafting. Some acne scars however can be treated with home remedies for acne scars.

Home Remedies for Acne Scars You Can Use

When it comes to removing acne scars, natural treatment is among the safest methods to use. Natural acne scar remedies include maintaining hygienic habits, certain dietary changes and of course home remedies for acne scars.

With a nutritious diet, curing acne scars is quicker. A healthy diet consists of high amounts of proteins which help rebuild the skin and make acne scars fade naturally. You should also add more fresh fruits to your diet as well as green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach and kale. Fruits and vegetables are also rich vitamins and minerals that help keep acne outbreak at bay. Drinking lots of water is also a good way to prevent acne and hasten the disappearance of acne scars.

Hygiene maintenance is also essential in treating acne scars, it is also a good way to keep acne outbreaks at bay.

When it comes to home remedies for acne scars, there are plenty and here are some of them:

•    Sandalwood and rosewater paste – prepare a thick paste of sandalwood and rosewater. Apply the paste on the problem area and leave on for 60 minutes before washing it off with water. Sandalwood has a soothing effect on scarred skin.
•    Cucumber and tomato mask – Prepare a paste of cucumber and tomato. Apply the paste evenly over your face. The mask helps tighten the skin pores and fade acne scars.
•    Ice – rub ice cubes over your face for 10-15 minutes. Ice can help tighten skin pores and minimize the visibility of acne scars.
•    Lime juice – this is a citric acid that helps get rid of dead skin cells and at the same time promote the growth of new skin cells. Lime juice should be applied directly on the scars with cotton ball. The juice lightens the appearance of dark acne scars.
•    Tomato mask – tomatoes are also popular home remedies for acne scars as they are naturally rich in vitamin A which prevents the sebaceous glands from overproducing sebum that cause acne. Aside from this, tomatoes also have antioxidant properties which help improve damaged and scarred skin. Slice a tomato thinly and place the slices over your face like a mask. Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off with water.
•    Honey – taking honey orally or applying it on the face like a face mask is also a good way to minimize acne scars. Honey is a natural moisturizer and it helps remove acne scars as well as give a natural glow to the skin. honey also keeps the skin smooth and hydrated.

These home remedies for acne scars when combined with a nutritious diet and proper hygiene practices will surely get rid of the unsightly scars left behind by acne and give you healthy looking clear skin.