Might be frustrating to deal with natural acne scar, especially when they seem permanent. This annoying condition could accompany painful reminders. Luckily, there are ways to deal with natural acne scars.
This article will guide you several approaches to deal with natural acne scar removal. There are various remedies you may try at home along with expert advice from dermatologists.
Is Natural Acne Scar Removal Possible?
They may fade slightly with passage of time but will not disappear completely on their own. It is possible to deal with natural acne scar, but it requires patience, time and consistency. Acne scars take time to vanish because they penetrate the skin deeply and damage the tissues beneath. Which makes deep scars tough to eliminate, many natural remedies can help fade them over time.
Types of Natural Acne Scar
Treatment depends on the type of acne scars you have. So, it is important to be aware of what kind of acne you are having. Identifying scar type will help you choose the right remedy.
1. Atrophic Scars
Loss of skin tissue is the cause of Atrophic scars. They are depressions or hollow in the skin.
- Ice-pick scars: Small, deep holes in the surface of the skin.
- Boxcar scars: Wide, U-shaped scars that have sharp edges.
- Rolling scars: Wide, shallow scars that create a wavy texture.
2. Hypertrophic Scars
Are the result of too much collagen production during healing acne wounds and causing a mass of raised tissues on the skin. They commonly appear on the chest and back but can also be on the face.
3. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
However, not technically a scar, PIH refers to the dark spot left behind after a pimple heals. These are curable with natural remedies even when they take a long time to heal.
Natural Acne Scar Removal Remedies at Home
How Natural Acne Scar Remedies Work
There are two primary ways to benefit from natural remedies.
- Promoting Skin Regeneration: some natural treatments motivate skin to heal itself, by stimulating collagen production.
- Reducing Inflammation and Pigmentation: there are multiple natural ingredients that would help reduce redness, hyperpigmentation and inflammation caused by acne scars.
Following natural acne scar remedies can help improve scars, and many people have found them effective. They are easily available in your kitchen or local store.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera reduces inflammation, redness, encourages skin regeneration and lightening scars. It is widely known for its skin soothing properties.
How to use: choose high quality aloe vera gel. Wash your face properly, then apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Massage for 2-3 minutes and leave overnight, after that rinse it with lukewarm water.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties and can lighten dark spots over time. It also acts as a mild exfoliant. It is rich in sugars, vitamin C and citric acid. We would not recommend it to apply to the skin directly specially when you have sensitive skin.
- How to use: Dab a bit of diluted lemon juice on scars using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse. Use this remedy sparingly as it can cause irritation.
3. Honey for natural acne scar
Honey can help reduce natural acne scar due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and moisturizing properties.
- How to use: Apply it to the affected area directly and leave it for a night. Rinse it off the next morning with lukewarm water.
4. Rosehip Oil
Rich in fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6), rosehip oil is fine for fading scars. It also contains vitamins A, C, E that regenerate damaged skin.
- How to use: massage with 2-3 drops of rosehip oil before bed to help reduce scars over
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural remedy due to its properties. Such as: exfoliation, pH balancing, absorption of excess oil.
- How to use: take 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply it to the affected area, massage gently. Leave it for a few minutes and then rinse it off.
- Precautions: Always start with a small amount. don’t use it on sensitive skin or on open wounds or broken skin.
6. Coconut Oil for natural acne scar
Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It also has fatty acids that help repair the skin. It reduces redness and irritation, promotes collagen growth, and hydrates and moisturizes skin.
- How to use: warm a small amount of coconut oil and then massage gently on a scar. Leave it overnight.
- Tips: use extra virgin coconut oil for best results. You can also combine it with tea tree oil, aloe vera or vitamin E oil.
Natural Acne Scar Solution by a Dermatologist
Where some people may get benefit with natural remedies few may still need an expert hand in case of stubborn and severe scarring. At numerous occasions, dermatologists also recommend a combination of natural and medical treatment to get the best results for natural acne scar.
1. Microneedling for natural acne scar
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York, often recommends microneedling, a treatment that uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen production. It can be combined with natural treatments like vitamin C serums to help acne scars fade more effectively.
2. Chemical Peels
Though natural acids like citric acid from lemons can help with mild exfoliation, dermatologists recommend stronger peels for deeper scars. Dr. Shari Marchbein suggests glycolic or lactic acid peels, which work to remove the outer layers of dead skin, promoting new, smoother skin.
3. Laser Therapy
In cases of deep scars, natural treatments alone may not serve the purpose. Dr. Whitney Bowe advises laser therapy, which can target specific scarred areas without affecting the surrounding skin.
4. Combining Natural and Medical Treatments
Dermatologists like Dr. Ava Shamban believe in combining home remedies like aloe vera and rosehip oil with professional treatments like microneedling or chemical peels for more comprehensive results.
Conclusion
It is possible to remove natural acne scar, but it needs time, patience and consistency. Home remedies like aloe vera, honey, rosehip oil can help many, but deep scars may also require dermatologists help. Experts may go for treatments like microneedling or chemical peels which may boost the healing process.
It can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the scars and the remedy used.
Yes, many dermatologists recommend combining natural and medical treatments for optimal results.
Some natural remedies, like lemon juice, can irritate sensitive skin, so always do a patch test first.