Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Post-acne scarring can be a very distressing problem for a young person. Here are some excellent home remedies for acne scars. Read on to know about them.

Acne scars are the marks that are left after the acne is dried. Acne is one of the most common skin diseases. It is caused by overstimulated sebaceous glands by hormones called androgens and excess production of sebum, which can cause clogging of sebaceous glands. Bacteria namely Propionibacterium acnes can also cause this skin condition. Other factors that are responsible for acne are heredity, consumption of junk foods and fast foods, poor hygiene, stress and excess use of cosmetics. Some common areas for acne are face, back, neck, chest and shoulders.

There are different types of acne scars such as ice-pink scars, hypertrophic scars and atrophic scars. Some acne scars are mild and can be easily treated, while some scars become permanent and are difficult to remove. There are various treatment options for acne scar removal, including topical medications, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, punch excision and grafting, chemical peels and fillers; however, acne scars can be treated with some home remedies.

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Natural treatment is one of the safest and effective methods to remove acne scars. Natural remedies for acne scars include certain dietary changes, maintaining hygienic habits and use of home remedies. Following are some of the effective home remedies that can help to reduce acne scars without causing any side effects.

Dietary Changes

A healthy and nutritious diet helps to cure acne scars rapidly. Your diet should include high amounts of proteins, as they help to rebuild skin cells and reduce acne scars naturally. You should have ample amount of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and romaine lettuce, which provide all the essential nutrients required for natural skin care. Fibrous vegetables improve digestion and ensure proper bowel clearance, and thus help prevent acne.

Vegetables and fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins, that help repair broken tissues and remove acne blemishes. Regular intake of vitamin A helps to maintain proper hormonal balance. Hence, your diet should include tomatoes, carrots, spinach, yams and parsley, which are the rich sources of vitamin A. Foods that contain vitamin B, vitamin E, chromium and zinc are also useful in reducing acne scars.

Water is considered as the best natural treatment for acne scars. Water helps to remove the dead skin cells and helps the new skin to grow. It keeps the skin hydrated. Therefore, it is beneficial to drink adequate amount of water everyday.

Excess intake of white flour, sugar, milk and processed foods should be avoided in order to reduce acne. Avoid consumption of iodine-rich foods including iodized salt, cheese, liver, kelp products, crabs and other shellfish. Foods that contain trans-fatty acids such as milk products, margarine, cookies, chocolates and hydrogenated oils should also be avoided.

Maintaining Hygiene

Poor hygiene is one of the common causes of acne. Hence, it is very important to keep the skin clean and bacteria-free. Wash your skin using an antibacterial soap or a cleanser that contains salicylic acid twice a day. Salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant and helps to remove dead skin cells. You can also use some topical cleansing agents that contain benzoyl peroxide. As steam helps to open up the skin pores, taking a steam shower can help reduce acne rapidly. Avoid touching the affected areas, as this can cause the acne infection to spread. Keep your bed linens clean, because dirt, cosmetics and oil on the linen can clog the skin pores. Use of greasy cosmetics and creams block the pores, hence it is better you should avoid using them.

Cure Acne Scars at Home

Home remedies include the use of some easily available ingredients for acne scar removal. Following is the list of some therapies that can effectively reduce acne scars.

Lime juice: Lime juice is a citric acid, which helps to remove the dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new skin cells. Apply lime juice directly on the acne scars with the help of a cotton ball. It lightens and improves the appearance of dark acne scars.

Sandalwood and rosewater paste: This is an effective home remedy for acne scars. Sandalwood has cooling and soothing effect on the scarred skin. Prepare a thick paste of sandalwood and rosewater and directly apply on the scarred area. Leave it on for about an hour, before washing off with water.

Tomato mask: Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, which prevents excess production of sebum that causes acne. Tomatoes also have antioxidant properties, which help to improve the damaged and scarred skin. Make thin slices of a tomato and place them over your face like a mask. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with water.

Cucumber and tomato mask: This face mask is another popular home remedy used removing acne scars. Prepare a paste of cucumber and tomato and apply it evenly over the face. This remedy helps tighten the skin pores and minimizes the visibility of acne scars.

Honey: Application of honey as a face mask or oral intake of honey are other effective treatments for acne scars. Honey is a natural moisturizer, which helps to remove the acne scars and gives a natural glow to the skin. It keeps the skin smooth and hydrated.

Ice: Rub ice cubes over the face for about 10-15 minutes. Ice will help to tighten the skin pores and reduce the acne scars.

Home remedies combined with a balanced diet, regular exercises and hygienic habits can help to remove acne scars and keep your skin healthy and problem-free.