Acne scars can make your face look unattractive. Luckily, however, there are home treatments available to improve the appearance of acne scars and help make them less visible.
Massaging olive oil over your acne scars every day is one way to reduce black spots and dark shades, or you could try rosehip seed oil which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties which may help alleviate swelling associated with acne and prevent any bacterial infections that lead to pimples.
Aloe vera gel contains sugar that acts as an effective exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells and diminish acne scarring. Combine the gel with other soothing ingredients like cinnamon or honey for an exfoliating face mask treatment.
Citric acid found in lemons can also help treat acne. Combine it with aloe vera gel in an 8-1 ratio and apply to the skin to achieve a brightening effect.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can help soften skin while diminishing scars. Apply a few drops onto scarred areas and massage into skin using fingers. Do this three times each day until gradually scars fade away.
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic properties that help combat acne and pimple scarring by killing bacteria. Simply apply a few drops onto your face, massage into pores and rinse off after 10 minutes for best results.
Ladyfinger leaves can also provide an effective natural treatment for acne scars. Mix them with some water and apply directly onto the face, where it reduces redness and irritation of skin cells.
Sandalwood
Red sandalwood is an evergreen tree known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping treat acne scars while increasing skin elasticity. Furthermore, this evergreen contains antioxidants which may reduce inflammation while protecting against free radical damage.
Sandalwood essential oil offers numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety levels, acting as a natural astringent and moisturizer, aiding with acne and wound care, being grown both in India where its native tree originates, as well as Australia where overharvesting often takes place. Unfortunately, its overexploitation has resulted in it being listed as a vulnerable species.
Potatoes
Potatoes contain skin bleaching agents to lighten and clear away blemishes. Furthermore, they’re an excellent natural source of vitamin C and potassium which both contribute to improving skin health and appearance.
Applying slices of raw potatoes directly to the skin may reduce redness and itching caused by blemishes, though a patch test should always be carried out before trying this remedy as potatoes can sometimes cause reactions in some people.
Potatoes combined with turmeric are known to help lighten skin complexion and address dark spots. Grated potato mixed with turmeric and neem powder makes an effective anti-acne face pack.
Honey
Honey is an effective natural treatment for acne blemishes that soothes, calms and accelerates healing processes. Plus, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, emollient properties keep the skin hydrated and nourished – ideal properties to keep hydration up!
Reducing redness associated with breakouts, and potentially helping fade hyperpigmentation after your skin has cleared up is also achieved through homeopathy treatment; however, this doesn’t prevent future breakouts or clear up old scars.
Randy Schueller of cosmetic chemistry states that honey’s antibacterial properties can be effective against some bacteria; however, P. acnes, the one responsible for acne outbreaks isn’t affected.
Cucumber
Cucumber boasts natural lightening and whitening properties that can help diminish acne scars, while its hydrating and collagen restoring abilities help decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, cucumber is packed with antioxidants which fight free radical damage to promote a healthier complexion.
Cucumbers can be used as both a face mask and direct application to provide soothing benefits to skin. Furthermore, cucumbers can be mixed with other ingredients, like honey and oatmeal, for an all-natural facial pack which may help reduce dryness and blackheads.
Turmeric
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help clear acne scars quickly while also helping reduce pigmentation, giving skin an illuminating glow and improving digestion. A popular Ayurvedic drink known as turmeric milk or haldi can be made by simmering turmeric powder with milk (either dairy-based or plant-based), honey and spices like cinnamon and ginger until all are mixed thoroughly in boiling water and taken as a daily beverage for faster relief from acne symptoms and improved health.
Turmeric powder combined with aloe vera gel and coconut oil makes an effective face mask that should be left on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
