How to Remove Acne Scars: Remedies For Blemish-Free Skin

Every woman’s biggest enemy, an acne scar is what is left behind of an unexpected pimple. While we all wish that drinking a magic potion could take it away at one instant—that is not practically possible. Acne is one of the most common conditions faced by 85% of women today, and they leave behind those pesky little marks that end up affecting our confidence terribly.

What are Acne Scars & How are They Caused?

To treat acne scars, it is important that we first understand what causes them. Acne scars are most often the result of the inflammation caused by the acne and are a part of the natural healing process by the skin. Scars are caused when the swollen acne pore leads to a breakdown in the wall of the pore. While some acne blemishes are shallow and go away quite easily with little or no effort, some are deeper, causing scars that demand attention. After the acne has cleared, the skin tries to repair the damage done by producing collagen. Collagen is the fibrous protein that gives strength and flexibility to the skin. The greater the inflammation of the skin, the more are the chances of scarring.

Acne scars are usually of two types: depressed and raised. Scars that are depressed may look like pits or craters and raised scars may be tender to touch, and are unfortunately but usually permanent unless taken care of. Though a great skincare routine is the best way to take care of a pimple, some aggressive ones don’t go away easily. Additionally, some habits like picking or squeezing pimples create further damage.

Natural Remedies to Minimise Acne Scars

Although the conventional ways of reducing pimple marks like using salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are some of the most effective, effortless and proven ways of getting rid of acne scars, they are usually quite expensive and have a lot of undesired side effects. While other options include surgery and resurfacing, they are expensive and often create a hole in your pocket. This has led to many trying to use home remedies to cure acne scars; which is both a feasible and an inexpensive but effective option.

Read on to know about some home remedies that can easily cure the dark spots on the skin leftover by acne.

Apple cider vinegar

Like any other vinegar, apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to fight bacteria and fungi. To treat acne scars, mixing apple cider vinegar with honey and leaving it on the skin for 10 minutes, 3 times a day will help lighten the spots and eventually remove the acne scars.

Aloe vera

Like honey, aloe vera is a common home remedy for a lot of skin problems. Known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties, it can help remove acne marks. Scrape it from the leaf and apply it directly on the scar, and place a plastic wrap on it, and you’re good to go!

Tea tree oil

For acne- and pimple-prone skin, tea tree oil is no less than a magic potion. It is known for its antimicrobial properties. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a few drops of any carrier oil like olive oil, castor oil, or coconut oil and apply it on the affected area. This is one of the most recommended ways of removing acne marks from the face.

Baking soda

Being one of the best natural exfoliators, baking soda eliminates dead skin cells and balances the skin’s pH level. Make a paste using equal parts water and equal parts soda, and apply it on the affected area, rinsing thoroughly after a minute. This will definitely help in removing pimple marks from the face.

Honey

Its moisturising effect and tissue regeneration property make it one of the most demanded ingredients that need to be present in your skincare routine. To ease pimple marks, mix honey with cinnamon and apply it on your face. Your skin will never have felt smoother and clearer before!

Lemon juice

Lemon is a great choice if you want to reduce any scar on your face. Its alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) properties act as a natural bleach and aid in cell and collagen growth. All you need to do is cut a lemon in half and rub it over the scar for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water, and you will see your scar improved and gradually removed in no time.

Black seed oil

Also known as Nigella sativa, the black seed oil is found in abundance in Eastern Europe, western Asia, and the Middle East. You can easily buy a bottle of it online. With its antibacterial, anti-viral properties, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be a great way to reduce acne scars and spots. There are also studies backing the fact that it is a very effective way for wound healing.

Onion extract

With bioflavonoids, like cephalin and kaempferol, onion juice can be the answer to all your pimple mark worries. When used regularly, it is known to significantly reduce scars as well as acne.

Turmeric powder

With the presence of curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce excess production of melanin in your skin, turmeric is an excellent way of removing acne marks from the skin naturally at home. Additionally, turmeric treats discolouration and helps bring a glow to the skin. Add equal parts honey and turmeric, apply it on the skin for 20 mins, and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Shea butter

Applying shea butter on your skin daily not only moisturises the skin but also brightens it. The effect will be better if you can get hold of unfiltered shea butter instead of a refined one.