10 Must Try Remedies To Lighten Acne Scars
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Fri, 15 Sept 2023 7:06:48
Approximately 90% of adolescents experience the effects of acne, and severe inflammation from acne can result in the development of scars. Adolescents, in particular, often endure significant psychological distress as a consequence of these acne scars. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that scar formation is a natural occurrence.
A comprehensive survey examined 723 adults who had atrophic acne scars, investigating the impact of these scars on their psychological well-being. The research revealed that 25.7% of the participants felt a reduced level of attractiveness due to their acne scars, 27.5% experienced self-consciousness as a result, 8.3% reported instances of physical and verbal abuse stemming from their facial scars, and 15.9% claimed to have been unfairly terminated from their jobs due to their appearance.
In this article, we will discuss several home remedies that have the potential to diminish the visibility of acne scars and blemish marks. It's essential to note that these remedies may not be suitable for all skin types; therefore, it is advisable to consult a skincare expert before considering these options.
# Orange Peel Powder
Creating your own orange peel powder is a natural and effective way to potentially reduce the appearance of acne scars. Here's how you can make and use it:
Ingredients:
Fresh orange peels
Sunlight or a dehydrator (optional)
Blender or coffee grinder
Instructions:
- Gather Orange Peels: Start by collecting fresh orange peels. Make sure to wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Peel the Oranges: Carefully peel the oranges, trying to get only the orange-colored part of the peel. Avoid getting the white pith as it can be bitter.
- Dry the Orange Peels: There are two methods to dry the orange peels:
a. Sunlight Method (Natural): Place the orange peels in a sunny spot and allow them to air dry for several days. Make sure they are spread out evenly and protected from dust and insects. Turn them occasionally until they become crisp.
b. Dehydrator Method (Faster): If you have a food dehydrator, you can use it to dry the orange peels. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying fruits or citrus peels.
- Grind into Powder: Once the orange peels are completely dry and crisp, transfer them to a blender or coffee grinder. Grind them until they turn into a fine powder. Ensure there are no large, coarse particles.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the orange peel powder to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How to Use Orange Peel Powder for Acne Scars:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of orange peel powder with enough water to form a paste.
- Optionally, you can add a few drops of honey or rose water for extra benefits.
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Apply the orange peel paste to the areas with acne scars.
- Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes, or until it dries.
- Gently rinse the mask off with lukewarm water.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
- Use this mask 2-3 times a week to see potential improvements in the appearance of acne scars.
# Coconut Oil
A study aimed at investigating the potential advantages of plant oils for skincare has revealed that coconut oil exhibits antibacterial properties that could potentially assist in diminishing acne.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil (VCO)
Instructions:
- Warm the virgin coconut oil by gently rubbing it between your palms.
- Apply a small amount of the warmed coconut oil to the acne scars.
- Leave it on overnight, allowing it to work its magic until the following morning.
Recommended Frequency:
Perform this routine nightly before bedtime for optimal results.
# Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that have the potential to reduce acne lesions and scaling. These properties may also aid in preventing the formation of pimples. However, it's important to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in lightening acne scars and pimple marks. Given that topical tea tree oil is generally considered safe for most individuals, you can consider trying out this remedy.
Ingredients:
2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
A carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil
Instructions:
- Blend a few drops of tea tree oil with your chosen carrier oil.
- Gently apply this mixture to the acne scars.
- Allow it to remain on your skin for one hour before rinsing it off.
Recommended Frequency:
Repeat this process once daily until the scars have faded or disappeared.
# Aloe Vera Gel
A blend comprising aloe vera, tea tree oil, and propolis has demonstrated potential in diminishing the appearance of acne scars and pimple marks.
Aloe vera is known for its ability to reduce acne scars through the mitigation of hyperpigmentation and its role as an immune booster and anti-inflammatory agent.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
Instructions:
- Extract approximately one tablespoon of gel from the leaves of the aloe vera plant.
- Gently apply the aloe vera gel to the areas with scars and blemishes.
- Leave it on overnight, allowing it to work its magic.
Recommended Frequency:
You can follow this routine every night before bedtime for potential benefits.
# Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which possesses properties that can help diminish pigmentation. Consequently, it has the potential to gradually reduce the visibility of acne scars, blemishes, and pimple marks.
Ingredients:
Half a lemon
Cotton pad
Instructions:
- Extract the juice from half a lemon and saturate a cotton pad with the juice.
- Gently apply the lemon juice-soaked cotton pad to the areas affected by scars.
- After letting it sit for 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse it off.
Recommended Frequency:
You can repeat this process 3-4 times a week to potentially see improvements in the appearance of your skin.
# Green Tea
If you're seeking natural methods to eliminate pimple scars, green tea emerges as an excellent solution. It boasts polyphenols, which harbor antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory attributes, aiding in both the prevention and treatment of acne. Additionally, green tea's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it effective in reducing scars and pimple marks.
Ingredients:
1 green tea bag
Honey
Instructions:
- Create a facial mask by blending moist green tea leaves with honey.
- Apply the mask generously across your entire face, ensuring even coverage.
- Allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
- Thoroughly rinse off the mask with plain water.
Recommended Frequency:
Perform this treatment 1-2 times a week to potentially achieve desired results in reducing pimple scars.
# Turmeric
Turmeric, an age-old and widely used spice in skin care remedies, has garnered attention in studies for its potential benefits. Research suggests that applying turmeric topically can lead to improvements in various skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and alopecia. Additionally, turmeric contains curcumin, a recognized skin-lightening agent, which may contribute to the fading of acne scars and pimple marks. However, it's crucial to note that current studies are limited, and further research is necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how turmeric may aid in reducing acne scars and pimple marks.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 lemon
Instructions:
- Squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and mix it with the turmeric powder.
- Gently apply this turmeric and lemon juice mixture to your face and any other areas affected by scars.
- Leave the mixture on your skin for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Recommended Frequency:
You can perform this regimen once every alternate day, potentially benefiting from the properties of turmeric in addressing acne scars and pimple marks.
# Potato Juice
According to a study featured in the Journal Of Medicinal Plants Studies, the presence of potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride in potatoes renders them beneficial for addressing acne blemishes and pimple spots. Potatoes also contain azelaic acid, which has the potential to mitigate hyperpigmentation resulting from mild to moderate acne breakouts. Additionally, potatoes serve as a natural acne scar serum due to their inclusion of the brightening enzyme catecholase.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of potato juice
Instructions:
- Crush a raw potato to extract its juice.
- Soak a cotton ball in this potato juice and gently apply it to the areas where acne scars are present.
- Allow it to remain on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Recommended Frequency:
For potential benefits, you can apply this potato juice treatment 2-3 times a week as part of your skincare routine.
# Cocoa
Cocoa butter boasts a wealth of polyphenols and essential minerals, rendering it exceptionally well-suited for addressing various skin concerns. It possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to the reduction of acne and facilitate the healing of skin tissues. This potential action may aid in the gradual lightening of acne scars.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of cocoa butter
Instructions:
- Take a tablespoon of cocoa butter and gently warm it by rubbing it between your palms until it becomes pliable.
- Apply the warmed cocoa butter to the areas with scars.
- Allow it to remain on your skin overnight.
- The following morning, rinse it off using a mild cleanser.
Recommended Frequency:
To potentially achieve the desired results of scar reduction, perform this regimen on a daily basis until the scars have faded or disappeared.
# Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a common ingredient in many acne-related cosmeceutical products. It contains salicylic acid, which has the potential to reduce the occurrence of acne blemishes.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark
1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Begin by soaking the witch hazel bark in water for a duration of 30 minutes.
- After soaking, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat source and let it cool down for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and transfer it into a suitable container for storage.
- Apply this liquid to the affected areas using a cotton pad.
Recommended Frequency:
To potentially achieve the desired results of scar reduction, follow this routine daily until the scars have disappeared.