Learn some simple techniques for reducing the visibility of the scars on your face. Acne affects an estimated 90% of adolescents. Scarring from severely inflamed acne is possible. Acne scars cause a great deal of psychological distress, particularly in adolescents. However, it is important to remember that scar formation is normal.
This article will discuss some home remedies for lightening the appearance of acne scars and pimple marks. These remedies may not be suitable for all skin types. As a result, before pursuing these options, consult a skincare expert.
Pimple Marks vs. Acne Scars
Acne scars are typically pitted and almost never completely heal. Pimple marks are tiny, flat, dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that fade on their own after a few weeks. Picking or popping a pimple can increase the likelihood of pimple marks. They do not, however, cause long-term damage to your skin. Acne scars, on the other hand, take significantly longer to heal and are difficult to completely remove.
Note : Some acne scars are caused by inflammation and must be treated medically. They are untreatable with home remedies. If this is the case with your acne scars, see a dermatologist.
Home Remedies for Lighten Acne Scars and Pimple Marks
1. Orange Peel Powder
In Japan, researchers investigated the effect of orange peel extracts on melanogenesis, a complex process that involves the formation of melanin. It was discovered that the extract could aid in the suppression of melanogenesis. As a result, orange peel may aid in the removal of acne spots and blemishes.
You will need ?
1. 1 teaspoon honey
2. 1 teaspoon orange peel powder
What you must do ?
1. To make a thick paste, combine the honey and orange peel powder.
2. Apply the paste to the acne and pimple scarred areas.
3. After it dries, wash it off.
How frequently should you do this ?
Perform this 3-4 times per week.
2. Coconut Oil
According to a study on the potential benefits of plant oils on skin, coconut oil has antibacterial properties that may help reduce acne.
You will need ?
1. 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (VCO)
What you must do?
1. Rub the virgin coconut oil between your palms to warm it.
2. Apply it to the acne scars and leave it on overnight.
How frequently should you do this ?
Do this before going to bed every night.
Note : If you have oily skin, avoid using this remedy because coconut oil can clog pores and worsen acne.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has the ability to reduce acne lesions and scaling. Their antimicrobial properties can aid in the prevention of pimples. However, there is no proof that it lightens acne scars or pimple marks. You can try this remedy because topical tea tree oil is considered safe for most people.
You will need ?
1. 2–3 drops essential oil of tea tree
2. A carrier oil (sweet almond oil or jojoba oil)
What you should do ?
1. Combine a few drops of tea tree oil with your preferred carrier oil.
2. Apply this concoction to the scars.
3. Allow it to sit for an hour before removing it.
How frequently should you do this ?
Repeat once a day until the scars are gone.
Note: Before using this remedy, perform a patch test because tea tree oil can cause skin irritation.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
Acne scars and pimple marks can also be reduced by combining aloe vera, tea tree oil, and propolis. Aloe vera can help reduce acne scars by reducing hyperpigmentation and acting as an anti-inflammatory and immunity booster.
You will need ?
1. 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
What you should do ?
1. 1 tablespoon gel extracted from aloe vera leaves
2. Use it to treat scars and blemishes.
3. Leave it on for the night.
How frequently should you do this ?
You can do this before going to bed every night.
5. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which has antipigmentary properties. As a result, it may gradually fade acne scars, blemishes, and pimple marks.
You will need ?
1. ½ lemon
2. Cotton pad
What you should do ?
1. Squeeze half a lemon into a cotton pad and dab it into the juice.
2. Use it on the affected areas.
3. After 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse it off.
How frequently should you do this ?
This can be done 3-4 times per week.
Note: If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using this remedy because it may cause redness and irritation. Before using the remedy, perform a patch test, and make sure to apply sunscreen afterwards because lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive.
6. Green Tea
Polyphenols in green tea have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the prevention and treatment of acne. Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also aid in the reduction of scars and pimple marks.
You will need ?
1. 1 green tea bag
2. Honey
What you should do ?
1. Make a face mask by combining moistened green tea leaves and honey.
2. Apply the mask to your entire face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water.
How frequently should you do this ?
Perform this 1-2 times per week.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the oldest and most widely used spices in skin care. According to research, topical application of turmeric improved skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and alopecia. It also contains curcumin, a powerful skin-lightening agent. As a result, it may help to fade acne scars and pimple marks. However, current research is limited, and more research is needed to gain a better understanding of how it can help reduce acne scars and pimple marks.
You will need ?
1. A teaspoon of turmeric powder
2. 1 lemon
What you should do ?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and turmeric powder.
2. Apply this mixture gently to your face and other affected areas.
3. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before removing it.
How frequently should you do this ?
This can be done once every other day.
Note: If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using this remedy because it may cause redness and irritation. Before using the remedy, perform a patch test and apply sunscreen.
8. Potato Juice
According to a study published in the Journal Of Medicinal Plants Studies, the potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, and chloride found in potatoes can help treat acne blemishes and pimple spots. Azelaic acid, which is found in potatoes, may help to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by mild to moderate acne and breakouts.
You will need ?
1. 2 tablespoons potato juice
What you should do ?
1. To extract the juice from a raw potato, crush it.
2. Soak a cotton ball in this juice and apply it to the acne scarred areas.
3. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before washing it off.
How frequently should you do this ?
This juice can be applied 2-3 times per week.
9. Cocoa
Cocoa butter is high in polyphenols and essential minerals, making it ideal for treating skin problems. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce acne and promote skin tissue repair. This may aid in the lightening of acne scars.
You will need ?
1. 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
What you should do ?
1. Warm up a tablespoon of cocoa butter by rubbing it between your palms.
2. Allow it to sit on the scars overnight.
3. The next morning, wash it off with a gentle cleanser.
How frequently should you do this ?
Do this on a daily basis until the scars fade.
Note: If you have oily skin, stay away from this remedy.
10. Witch Hazel
Many acne cosmeceuticals contain witch hazel. It contains salicylic acid, which may aid in the reduction of acne spots.
You will need ?
1. 1 tablespoon witch hazel bark
2. 1 cup water
What you should do ?
1. Soak the witch hazel bark for 30 minutes in water.
2. Cook the mixture.
3. Reduce to a low heat and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool.
5. Strain the liquid and place it in a container.
6. Using a cotton pad, apply the liquid to the affected areas.
How frequently should you do this ?
Do this on a daily basis until the scars fade.
11. Baking Soda
Baking soda is well-known for its antibacterial properties. This may aid in the control of acne outbreaks. However, there have been no scientific studies to back up its effectiveness. Only anecdotal evidence and testimonials support the use of baking soda to remove acne scars and pimple marks.
Some studies also highlight the negative effects of baking soda. As a result, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider before using it on your skin.
You will need ?
1. 2 teaspoons baking soda
2. Water
What you should do ?
1. Make a paste with the baking soda and water.
2. Allow the paste to sit on the scars for 20 minutes.
3. Use a gentle cleanser to thoroughly remove it.
How frequently should you do this ?
Do this 2-3 times a week.
Note:Because baking soda can cause skin dryness, apply a hydrating moisturiser immediately after using this remedy.
12. Vitamin Supplements
Taking vitamin supplements may aid in the reduction of acne scars and pimple marks.
1. Although the direct effect of vitamin A on acne scars has not been studied, it can help treat acne.
2. Although vitamin E is a popular scar, blemish, and wound treatment, no studies have proven its efficacy.
3. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is high in antioxidants and can be used topically to treat acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
4. Vitamin-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fish, carrots, and avocados.
Note: Take these supplements only after consulting with your doctor.
These are some natural ways to lighten acne and pimple scars. Let us now look at how you can keep these scars from reappearing.
Acne and Pimple Scars Prevention Tips
Acne and pimples are fairly common, but you can always prevent them from leaving scars on your face. The following are some scar prevention tips:
1. Wash your face twice a day with a non-comedogenic face wash.
2. Always remove your makeup before going to bed.
3. Do not pick at your pimples or pop them.
4. Before going out in the sun, apply sunscreen.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that can cause breakouts.
What Factors Contribute to Acne Scars?
Acne is divided into two types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.
Whiteheads and blackheads are typically classified as non-inflammatory. Inflammatory acne includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Among these, inflammatory acne is the most likely to leave scars and marks.
Inflamed acne blemishes develop when your pores become clogged by excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria. This causes the pores to swell, causing the follicle walls to expand and break.
If the rupture occurs near the skin’s surface, the resulting acne lesion is usually minor and heals quickly. If the follicle break is deep, the lesion will be more severe, and the infected material may leak into the dermis (the second layer of skin) and destroy healthy skin tissues.
Acne scars are further classified into several types.
Types Of Acne Scars
The following are the most common types of acne scars:
1. Ice-Pick Scars: These are scars that are narrow, deep, and pitted.
2. Rolling Scars: These are broad, depressed scars with slanted edges.
3. Boxcar Scars: These are broad scars with sharp edges.
4. Atrophic scars are scars that are flat, thin, and depressed.
5. Hypertrophic scars are scars that are lumpy and thick.
The remedies shared above may help control and reduce the appearance of acne, regardless of the type of acne scars. However, because acne can be a sign of other underlying conditions, you may need more long-term treatment in some cases. In such cases, you should see your dermatologist right away.
How are Acne Scars Treated by Dermatologists?
Although many recipes and ingredients are suggested for treating acne scars, not all of them have been proven to be effective. Consult a dermatologist to find a solution to this problem. The following are some common dermatological treatment options that your doctor may recommend. It is important to note that these procedures are performed under medical supervision, so self-medication is strictly prohibited.
1. Dermabrasion/Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are facial resurfacing techniques that remove damaged skin mechanically in order to promote wound healing. Dermabrasion completely removes the epidermis and remodels the structural proteins of the skin. Microdermabrasion only removes the epidermis’s outer layer, enhancing the body’s natural exfoliation process. Both treatments are effective for acne scar treatment.
2. Laser Treatment
Patients with deep scars should consider laser treatment (box-car scars). Although there has been some improvement in this treatment, there are a number of risk factors and criteria involved in this procedure.
3. Needling
Skin needling involves puncturing the skin with a sterile roller made of fine, sharp needles. The resulting bruises on the skin stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibres. Results are usually visible 6 weeks to 3 months after the procedure.
4. Chemical Peels
Chemical peeling is the process of applying chemicals to the skin in order to remove damaged outer layers and speed up the skin repair process. Glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid are among the hydroxy acids used in this process.
Excess oil and dead skin clog your pores, causing acne to form in the deeper layers of your skin. This can lead to acne scars like icepick scars or rolling scars. Some of the ingredients that may help reduce the appearance of your acne scars over time include aloe vera, turmeric, baking soda, and lemon juice. Additionally, practising proper skincare hygiene and eating a balanced diet may help to prevent acne scars in the long run. Acne, on the other hand, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that necessitates long-term treatment under the supervision of a doctor. If the above home remedies do not reduce your acne, see a doctor.
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