Natural Acne Scar Treatments You Can Make at Home

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I am a skin care enthusiast who prefers natural products to those with chemicals and artificial ingredients.

Natural Acne Scar Treatments

Acne scars are the unwelcome parting gift of acne, and while dealing with the aftermath of acne can be frustrating, there are ways to reduce scarring.

There are plenty of bleaching treatments and skin-smoothing procedures out there, but if you don't have the time or money, you may want to opt for some non-invasive and affordable acne scar treatments you can prepare at home. These treatments for acne scars will require patience, but in time, they may help lighten your acne scars and gradually remove them forever.

6 Natural Ingredients You Can Use to Reduce Scarring From Acne

Lemon Juice
Baking Soda
Egg Whites
Apple Cider Vinegar
Tomato and Cucumber
Household and Essential Oils

The citric acid in lemon juice can be used to help reduce the severity of acne scars over time.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, a commonly used ingredient in alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs). Many anti-aging skincare products use AHAs because they stimulate collagen production. Collagen is important because it helps heal the skin, making it one of the best acne scar treatments. The citric acid in lemon juice lightens dark acne scars while also defoliating the skin by removing dead skin cells. Not only that, it's a powerful antiseptic and works to destroy acne-causing bacteria.

To use, first clean your skin well with your normal face wash or acne cleanser. Squeeze the juice of 1 to 3 lemons into a bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and apply it directly to your scars. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse with clean water. Repeat this practice two to three times a week. Sensitive skin be forewarned; you may feel some stinging the first few times you try this treatment.

A water and baking soda mixture can be applied to acne scars as a paste.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a very cheap, easy, and natural way to reduce scarring and help with acne. It is coarse enough to shed dead skin but not so coarse that it irritates sensitive skin. To make a natural defoliant, simply add water to a few tablespoons of baking soda until it forms a malleable paste. Next, apply the mixture to any affected areas. Leave the baking soda treatment on your skin for a few minutes, and then rinse your skin clean with lukewarm water. Repeat this two to three times a week. For a more concentrated acne scar treatment, follow the directions above, but do it right before you go to sleep and leave the treatment on your skin. In the morning, wash it off and follow your normal skincare regimen.

Egg whites can be applied to the face as a mask to help minimize the appearance of acne scars over time.

3. Egg Whites

Egg whites are another convenient and effective ingredient that can help treat acne scars at home. The enzymes in egg whites prevent browning and preserve red and pink colors in the skin, which can help lighten scars and maintain even skin tone. Egg whites are also full of proteins and amino acids which can lighten the skin, tighten the pores, and prevent new breakouts.

To use, first separate an egg white from the yolk and discard the yolk. Whip the egg whites in a bowl for a few minutes until they become fluffy. Now, using a cotton pad or your finger, apply the egg white to your face, avoiding the eyes. Leave the egg white mix on your skin until it dries then wash off well with warm water. You'll notice your skin feels tight and taut after using the egg white mask. Use the mask two to three times a week.

Apple cider vinegar can help your skin whether you ingest it or apply it topically.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful home remedy for the skin. It regulates the pH of your skin, maintains its balance, and can help reduce acne scars. To use, you'll want to make a face wash with ACV by diluting it with two parts water. You can either use it as you would your normal face wash or dab it directly on the scars on leave it overnight, rinsing in the morning. If you have acne scars on your body, take ACV baths a few times a week. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for at least 30 minutes.

5. Tomato and Cucumber

Cucumbers and tomatoes are excellent for the skin because of their nutrients and moisture-giving capabilities. Cucumber juice contains a glut of vitamins and nutrients and is beneficial for the skin when consumed. To make cucumber juice, peel and slice one cucumber, place it in a pitcher of cold water, and let it sit for one hour. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy a few glasses every day. You can also use cucumbers topically by making a refreshing face mask. Grate enough cucumbers (one is usually sufficient) to cover your face and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove and rinse with cool water.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, which is key in renewing scarred and damaged skin. To use topically, cut a tomato in half and rub it cleansed skin, let dry, and repeat. Do this 3–4 times a few times a week. Another way to utilize a tomato's vitamin A is to squeeze tomato juice into a bowl and apply it directly to your scars with a Q-tip. Leave overnight and rinse in the morning.

Olive and other common oils can moisturize your skin and may help reduce scarring.

6. Household Oils and Essential Oils

Oils and essential oils (such as almond oil, olive oil, and essential lavender oil) work wonders to heal skin. Begin by saturating a cotton ball with a few drops of essential lavender oil and apply to your scars twice daily. Moisturize your skin twice a day with sweet almond oil. It is gentle on skin, can moisturize it and keep it balanced, and may reduce the lumpy appearance of acne scars. Another household oil that is good for the skin is olive oil. You can use it to soften dead scar tissue by massaging 1 tablespoon of olive oil into your skin daily. You can also mix essential lavender oil and/or tea tree oil with almond or olive oil and apply it directly to your scars with a cotton swab.

You can also make an exfoliating scrub using olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and spread the mixture onto your skin using gentle, circular motions two to three times a week.

Conclusion

They key to diminishing acne scars is to prevent dryness and keep your skin well-hydrated. Remember that while all the above acne scar treatments have shown success, different methods are more suitable for different skin types. Figure out which acne scar treatments work for you, be patient, and remember to moisturize.

What home remedies have you used to treat acne scars?

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.