Home Remedies to Remove Deep Acne Scars

Majida has written about skin care and beauty products online for several years.

If acne scars are bringing you down and shattering your confidence, there are simple home remedies that can minimize the deep pits that acne flareups can leave on the face.

Acne can occur on skin at any point of the age as a result of poor diet, dehydration, hormone disorders, puberty, menstruation, and even certain cosmetics and cleansing products. Many of us experience acne on other parts of the body, such as the back, neck, and chest. Women can experience acne at different stages of life. For instance, it’s very common for a woman to have inflamed acne outbreaks during pregnancy.

Acne may go away, but pimples can leave behind scars if they are popped or rubbed vigorously. In addition to medical procedures to remove these marks, there are a number of natural, at-home remedies that can be remarkably effective, and much less expensive.

Scar Treatments We Will Cover

• Natural, at-home remedies including vitamin E, milk and honey masks, baking soda, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• Medical treatments including microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing.
• Chemical peels.

Study the type of scars you have to decide which treatment is best for you.

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Are the scars located in the upper skin layers (epidermis)? This type is easier to treat and fade faster than those that extend into deeper skin layers.
• Is the skin discolored? When we pop a pimple we trigger increased production of melanin, turning turning the skin red, pink, or purple. These scars can be treated to reduce inflammation, which will help the skin return to its natural color.

Removing Deep Acne Scars on the Face

A man over the age of 40 with deep acne scars.

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Vitamin E to Treat Acne Scars

One of the most effective ways to lighten the pigment in a deep scar is to apply vitamin E. Not only will vitamin E improve the skin's appearance, it will also fight free radicals with its antioxidant properties.

Vitamin E capsules are more effective than creams. Before bed, break a capsule open and extract the necessary amount of oil. Apply to the affected area once a day. Doing so at night allows the oil to penetrate into deeper layers of skin.

Milk and Honey Mask to Lighten Acne Scars

Milk and honey are about at gentle as it gets, but combined together become a powerful exfoliant. Pour a small amount of milk into a bowl and mix in honey until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Add more milk as necessary. Apply the mixture directly onto the affected area and leave in place for a few minutes. Rinse with a warm washcloth to softly peel the topmost layers of skin. Repeating this procedure over time will lighting scars without causing irritation to the skin.

Baking Soda Masks: At-Home Microdermabrasion

Baking soda is the ingredient used during a microdermabrasion session. You can give yourself a mini-microdermabrasion at home by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of filtered water. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave in place for two minutes. Rub gently, then rinse off with fresh water. Repeating this process once in a month can help minimize deep acne scars.

Citrus Juice to Lighten Lines and Scars

Another way to lighten fine lines,reduce inflammation, and ease the redness of acne scars is to apply citrus extracts. Lime and lemon juice contain citric acid, which halts the production of melanin in the skin. Vitamin C serums are also available, but are expensive and lose their effectiveness once exposed to air. Fresh fruit extract, applied directly to the skin and then rinsed, is the best way to lighten acne scars.

What Do You Think?

Olive Oil to Reduce Scars, Improve Complexion

Acne scars can lead the skin to lose its natural suppleness and elasticity. You may notice dry patches on your face. To revive your skin's beauty and repair scarred areas, apply olive oil to the affected area everyday before going to bed. The moisturizing nutrients in olive oil will penetrate the skin to deeply moisturize, softening the skin's texture and accelerating the healing process.

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Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars

Dermabrasion takes place in a doctor's office. Patients receive shots of anesthesia and the doctor uses a high-speed instrument to "sand" the top layers of skin away. This procedure leaves the skin pink while it heals. Healing takes longer than with microdermabrasion, in which a clinician uses abrasive crystals to remove top layers of skin. Microdermabrasion does not involve anesthesia and skin color typically returns to normal within 24 hours.

Laser Resurfacing Light Acne Scars

Laser resurfacing involves short, concentrated pulsating beams of light, aimed at the skin, to removing skin layer by layer. It is also known as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization. This technique can be effective for very light acne scarring and fine lines, but is not effective on deep acne scars. The technique works on surface marks and scars. It is not recommended as a treatment for deeper scarring. People with darker skin may notice some discoloration after laser resurfacing.

Chemical Peels to Treat Acne Scars

In a chemical peel treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, leading it to blister and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother than the old skin. Chemical peels can be applied to face and neck and is often effective on mild scarring and fine lines. This technique is not recommended for deep scars. People with darker skin may notice some discoloration after a chemical peel.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Share Your Story. How Have You Treated Your Acne Scars?

Emilynelson26 on May 18, 2019:

I had tried everything to get rid of my acne scars and nothing worked. Since I started using this natural solutin ( http://acnescars.1cure.info ) my scar has already started to fade and it's only been 2 weeks! I can't wait to see the final results.

Sa'sita on November 08, 2018:

once i suffered from terrible acne and scars. this is what worked for me, i would wash my face and dry, steam for 3 minutes, apply a honey and cinnamon mask, and steam for for 2 minutes with the mask on, then rub my sweaty sweat face, as the cinnamon exfoliates it, wash the mask off, apply a cucumber and aloe mask and leave it on overnight. in the morning i would wash my face with only water, no soap, then apply the cucumber and aloe mask, let it dry, then i would apply either almond, or argan oil, any natural oil in my reach,

Medam on April 21, 2018:

Your diy remedies are useless , rubbing lemon and baking soda could really damage the skin

Best method changing diet,some exercise and using of salicylic/glycolic/benzoyl peroxide based products and some non comedogenic moisturizer + sunscreen could help in

long term effective solution

Ganeswar khuntia on January 18, 2018:

Deep clear face how to remove

Inam on December 27, 2017:

I wante one pic

Mariol on November 27, 2017:

It's so depressing sometimes. I love taking pictures but when i go to post any, i normally delete it instead. Amma try some of these methods though. Ty for the tips

divya on June 23, 2017:

I'm very disturbed because of the scars. I hope all this would work, though i've tried some of theses, in vain

grace on June 11, 2017:

I am so frustrated with these blemishes . Hope it will help.

MariaILieva on May 12, 2017:

Dermalmd Scar Serum doing a great job at getting rid of old acne scars. I'm getting married and April and can't afford to have dark scars on my face. Loving the progress my skin has made!

Zubaer on May 09, 2017:

hi!!

I have too many of acne scars and I'm suffering like this from few year's..so many scars and holes are there on my face and it's ridding off day by day it's increasing but no cure several ointments, cleansers, medicines applied but no cure but I'm trying my best to cure the skin problem...so give me suggestions to cure the skin disease..

thank you

KaitlynKristy45 on March 28, 2017:

I cannot express my happiness in words I am with Dermelastic serum miraculous product! I have a couple weeks using this serum and I have seen a significant change of my face. I suffer from acne and deep acne scarring and I am glad that this serum has the vitamins and natural ingredients that my skin needed so badly.

Nancy Jhon on November 22, 2016:

Spotted skin, scars and acne marks make you feel embarrassed and hurt self-esteem as well. Many of us opt for cosmetics and other products to get rid of acne residues. There are many home remedies which have proven their effects on lightening these skin marks. Tomato and Lemon Juice: Take a “fresh tomato” and make its paste. Mix it well with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply the paste on face for around 20 minutes and rinse it off gently with water after 20 minutes. Pulp of Aloe Vera: Let the pulp from Aloe Vera dry for 5 minutes in sun. Add 6-8 drops of lemon juice to it and apply on the affected area and face for 15 minutes. Onions: Cut the onion into small pieces. Grind those pieces and separate the juice from the residue. Apply the juice for few minutes on the affected skin and rinse after 10 minutes. Cucumber and Milk: Make a paste out of cucumber, milk and a bit of lime extract. It will serve as a face mask. Apply thoroughly and wash it with warm water after 10 minutes. You must consider a visit to dermatologist in severity of the condition. But, these home remedies are proven effective in getting rid of acne marks, black spots, pimples and dark spots.

Reference: http://bit.ly/2g51szn

sana on October 11, 2016:

My skin is oily type.if I get pimples on face it's cured in 1 week but it left black scars or acne pits or pores.i am just 24.but it's makes me more embarrassing and feels very aged.what I have to do?

Edrian Rouch on October 10, 2016:

I started using dermalmd scar serum less than three weeks ago and I'm already seeing results!! I had extreme acne scarring and discoloration all over my back and shoulders and now most of it has faded :) For only $62 dermalmd is a must buy for anyone with acne scarring!

sats on October 09, 2016:

i have deep scars, so far everyone is mentioning dark spots, not actual scars, indented. Anyone find anything for those kind of scars? I had lasers to help and filler but their still there, tried peels and tca cross too, needling. Anyone know of anything that really helped with those kind of scars?

freemanvld on September 05, 2016:

Hi. Believe me or not. Actually there's a natural organic solution to this kind of skin problem, it is called Galactomyces Niacin. It is an absolutely fantastic product that helped me get rid of the acne and post acne scars. Get it at the manufacturer's online store http://goo.gl/5M8muV

love u :) on August 25, 2016:

wow i can't bolive that really many of them works thank u verymutch for the amazing tips :):):):):):):)!!!!!!

Rhana on July 21, 2016:

Hello!I want to find easy best and fastest solution for my deep old scars from my legs and arms,can I have advice what should I do?

Joemel Cabangon on July 15, 2016:

I have so many acne scars on my face and reeeeally wanted to get rid of them! I am so glad I got dermalmd scar serum because ever since I bought it I have noticed a difference in my face. I'm not as embarassed to go without makeup on my face. I still wouldn't leave the house without makeup, but I have been going around the house without it and that is a huge step for me! I love it! I recommend it!

tanya on July 05, 2016:

Once a week, I mix the juice from an orange and some egg yolk and put it on my face for about 10 minutes. It really does work to stop oil from forming on my face. Its not gross at all. My skin cleared up in about 1 week of doing that. I also use the Citrus Clear face wash to wash my face in the morning and at night. No acne for the last year !

whitney c on June 16, 2016:

I have so far been using Citrus Clear's products for my acne scars and I am really happy with the results so far...I used the Sensitive line of the Citrus Clear product. I have old acne scars from 15 years ago I hate so decided to give this a go! My scars on one cheek are virtually gone unless you are looking really close and they are only just visible... And other cheek they are reduced some what (this cheek was the worst)

I will keep updating as time goes on but I'm so far very impressed.

johannamiller on June 14, 2016:

Thanks for this fantastic article! I will be sure to try some of the tips here that I wasn't aware of before. Acne scars can be extremely tricky, as the longer you wait, the more stubborn they become. I should know! I've had a long battle with acne and have got the scars to prove it. I've tried different ways to get rid of them. Right now, I'm using Mario Badescu (God-sent) and they have various products for diminishing scars and evening skin tone. It's been two months, and there has been extremely huge improvements! It can also be due to the fact that I like to follow a natural and holistic regime alongside the products. Twice a week, I use lemon juice as a toner and every Sunday, a whitening mask. Instead of milk and honey, I use honey and cinnamon mask. It is also quite great! I got all my ideas from easyacneguide.com. Really high quality guide in the form of an eBook so it's quite handy, and it was just a matter of figuring out which would work more for me and getting into a routine. I hope this helps!

Really works on June 12, 2016:

Use organic apple cider vinegar once a day to get rid of acne and DermalMD once a day for scaring. It really works.

Jason on June 06, 2016:

The vitamin E capsules are a great idea. Just be careful of the other ingredients included with the supplement. Some oils will actually cause further outbreaks, exacerbating your situation. Here is a pretty comprehensive list of highly effective home remedies for acne scars. http://www.amanifestedlife.com/acne-scars/

FrancyzaLima on May 18, 2016:

I just had a skin biopsy in my arm a month ago. I bought Dermalmd Scar Serum to try for that little scar I'm my arm because of biopsy. So far so good but not hoping so much but my scar looks diminishing.Im using this in my stretch marks on my tummy and its helps.This product is non greasy and absorb well when applying to the skin. Highly recommended product

ansh on May 14, 2016:

i think i have marks after i popped a pimple but it become a skin deep marks,and i have tried all the home made remedies but no help.

can you help.

udayasree on May 11, 2016:

how to improve vitamin E...and which food maintain for vitamin E plz claim

vasavi on April 06, 2016:

I hаd sеvеrе аcnе scars both on my fаcе аnd bаck аnd аftеr trying countlеss dеrmаtologists’ trеаtment options, I'd still found mysеlf frustrаtеd by my dеbilitating аcnе problеm. Your progrаm did a fаntаstic job of showing mе thе right wаy... In lеss thаn a month, most of my аcnе scars wаs gonе! http://www.purehealplus.com/

Kimberly on December 02, 2015:

I like to put aloe from my aloe Vera plant on my acne. It makes it go away faster. I think it drys the acne out.

Mindy Bowes on December 01, 2015:

I've been using DermalMD Scar Treatment serum on my small scar that is on my finder and I've been applying it 3 times a day like it said. I love how smooth it goes on and how fast it sets in my skin. it says i need to use it for a least a month but i can already tell that the scar is a few shades lighter, ( it was a bright pink) The scar isn't that big so the whole bottle will last me a very long time.

Jens on November 12, 2015:

Have also acne and deep scars on my cheeks before but not my face is clear and smooth.. but the scars not yet disappear.

Evening

facial scrub in evening with lukewarm water

facial toner with fores minimizer

whitening cream (I used it for 2 weeks)

Morning

Papaya soap I leave it in my face until it dry

then wash it by lukewarm water

then put whitening with sunblock

I did that for 3-4 weeks then my acne are gone

and not i just want to eliminate the deep scars

Now I use papaya soap and facial scrub alternate. then vitamin E capsule.

LG on October 25, 2015:

After 35 years I finally figured out that dairy was causing my acne. So I gave it up completely. I no longer have breakouts. However I have pebbled scarring on my chin and around my nose. These are old bumpy scars. How can I get rid of them?

Rudrani on September 10, 2015:

It really works...fantabulous..

AntonioAdzaga on September 02, 2015:

I've used DermalMD before when I had an excision that left a millimeter deep scar on my chest and it worked back then and it's working great now! Again I had an excision due to preventative measures for skin cancer and it's left my chest with a 2 inch scar. This has helped my scar become less and less noticeable as the weeks go by. I really like the fact that this has SPF since I have new skin that is more exposed to the sun and the harmful UV rays. I've been using DermalMD serum for about a month and my scar looks great! I'd recommend this to anyone who has scars.

Daniel on August 28, 2015:

This is my method on how I got rid of acne fast! Buy plain oatmeal and get a small amount in a bowl and apply a little bit of pure honey and enough water that it makes it possible to absorb in the oats. After put in the microwave for one minute and make sure it's not too hot and apply it all over your skin. You can leave it on for as long as you want but for better results I recommend you letting it dry out then wash it off with warm water. The best way to dry your face is with paper towels and after drying it apply a lotion that won't clog your pores. If you do this every day you can get rid of your acne in less than 10 days. I personally suffered from acne and this is how I got rid of it.

sana on August 18, 2015:

My skin is oily and I have pimples on my face &it lives marks & scar on my face I'm 26yr old,I m facing this problem last 2 year only.please tell me what can do for this problems, I also use Castro oil on my face for scar but its badly infected on my skin

Priya rana on June 10, 2015:

I have nasty scar on my face not only of acne but some other too please give me some solution frm home remedy

sara on June 06, 2015:

I have deep acne spots......what can I do??? I used lot of madicated lotions etc but it not work.

rocky on April 28, 2015:

one should not use lemon juice or soda directly on to the face as they have a high acidic levels and do more harm than good. They can even burn your skin (of course not literally but still its damaging).

Majida Liaqat (author) from Pakistan on April 05, 2015:

it is good if it worked on your skin type. the oil may have some reaction on excessive oily skin thus we cannot recommend it to any user without knowing their skin type.Also garlic is a kind of powerful peeling agent when used in raw form, it may help cease the infection but also causes inflammation, redness and soar. If this paste has worked for you it does not mean it will work the same way for everyone.

Majida Liaqat (author) from Pakistan on April 05, 2015:

You may need to consult a dermatologist for cure. The only home remedy to dry the acne is plain flour with one pinch of turmeric powder, it can help heal the acne but it cannot do magic at all. Use Benzoyl peroxide gel 1% daily at night on acne and wash your face with a medicated soap that contains Salicylic acid.

priya on March 22, 2015:

Hi pearlmaharajan I have lots of deep acne scar.... what can I do....? Any home remedy available for my deep acne scar

aj on March 19, 2015:

Use paste made with garlic,multani mitti,coconut oil,curd.it worked on my acne

Pearlmaharajan on January 13, 2015:

For me the first idea, that is the Vitamin-E capsules did work. But I did some difference to the basic idea. Somewhere I read that Castor Oil is very good for the skin, so I mixed equal amount of Vitamin-E capsule extract to the same volume of Castor oil. I have very deep scars and I could see a good improvement from the past couple of weeks. IMPOV, my idea seems to give better improvement. I am aged 30. I think still my skin has some more metabolism left to glow more !

:)

chungku on December 13, 2014:

Its really working. Thank you for the tips.

Cristian on June 29, 2014:

Grab a clove of garlic and rub him your problem areas on the face. Do this while 2-3 days and baskets will disappear without leaving marks.

Make a mask of red pulp, cucumber, honey and lime juice. Pamper your face with it and hold it an hour. Rinse with warm milk and noticed results after 3-4 reps.

In a small bowl, warm water, dissolve an aspirin. Then add grated radish, lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. Apply the resulting paste on the problem areas, then rinse.

http://www.removing-acne-scars.com/2014/06/15/natu...