Home Remedies for Acne & Acne Scars

Getting rid of acne scars can be challenging for many. It is estimated about 85% of young adults are affected by acne throughout the world. The acne condition may vary from light to severe from case to case. Apart from conventional treatments, there are many home remedies to treat acne and acne scars.

Many factors contribute to the development of Acne, some of them are

• Genetics
• Stress
• Diet
• Infections
• Hormone changes

Whatever may be the cause, acne itself brings more stress and frustration to all patients equally. The frustration may lead one to pop or squeeze the whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. No matter how irritating it may be it is strongly suggested never do that. Squeezing and popping will only worsen the acne condition.

Once acne is controlled, it always leaves acne scars, which is equally stressful for young people and equally challenging to get rid of. It is always suggested to see a doctor. But there are alternate ways like home remedies which are effective but may show results very slowly. Pick the home remedy that suits you and be patient as the results may take some time. Study the ingredients properly, if allergic to any do not use them.

Acne Scars and Top 12 home remedies to combat them

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera a succulent plant species is very popular and used for skin and hair care. The plant can be easily grown in pots and kept in homes. The Aloe plant has many medicinal properties which the researchers have just begun to unlock. The gel obtained from the leaves is often used in lotions, creams, ointments, and soaps.

Salicylic acid and sulfur present in the Aloe Vera leaves are extensively used in the treatment of acne and some studies suggest that aloe vera gel, when combined with other substances like tretinoin cream or tea tree oil, may improve acne.

How to use it

• Scrape the gel out with a spoon from the aloe plant.
• Apply the gel directly on clean skin and massage it in.
• leave for 30 minutes.
• Rinse it off.
• Repeat 2 – 3 times daily

OR

• Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 2 – 3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
• Apply to scars.
• Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with cold water.
• Use once daily.

OR

Aloe vera, honey, and cinnamon face mask

• Mix following
  • 2 tablespoons pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon pure Aloe Vera gel
  • 1/4 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Apply the right after the mixture is formed to your face as a mask.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse it off

2. Lemon

Lemon is widely used for skin and hair care. It works as a natural bleach and lightens all kinds of scars from the skin. The lemon also removes dead skin which helps in the growth of new cell formation and also improves skin elasticity.

How to use it

• Use lemon juice directly on the scars with the help of your fingers or cotton buds.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes then rinse off with water.
• Can be applied 1 or 2 times daily

OR

• Mix equal amounts of :
  • Lemon
  • Honey
• apply on scars using a cotton ball
• Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes
• Rinse it off with water and pat dry
• Repeat once a day

OR

• Mix followings:
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• Apply the mixture on acne scars before going to bed
• Wash it off the next morning
• Repeat daily

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a rich source of vitamin E and fatty acids and is widely used for skin and hair care. The oil can used for skin burns as well and is the best skin moisturizer.

How to use it

• Rub coconut oil into the skin
• Apply warm coconut oil to the scars
• Massage onto scars for 5 to 10 minutes
• Leave for an hour or can be left overnight
• Rinse with warm water

OR

• Mix :
  • Lavender oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Massage the mixture onto the scars for 5 to 10 minutes
• Leave it on for an hour
• Rinse off with warm water
• Repeat once or twice daily until the scars fade away.

4. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil an antioxidant is used for skin care as it helps repair it.

How to use it

• Take out vitamin E gel from the capsule.
• Apply directly on the skin
• Repeat 2 – 3 times daily

OR

• Mix
  • 1 vitamin E capsule content
  • 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• Apply on the affected skin before bed and leave it on overnight
• Use warm water to rinse in the morning.
• Repeat daily

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is also widely used for skin care as a mild exfoliant and it helps help fade the scar tissue by layers.

How to use it

• Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and put it into a bowl
• Use water to make a thin paste
• Apply the mixture onto the acne scars
• Rinse off after 2 – 3 minutes
• Repeat once daily

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used for its many health benefits. The acidic nature helps lighten skin pigmentations, it stimulates collagen production, repairs skin cells, and also removes dead skin cells.

How to use it

• Mix equal amounts of
  • Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • Water
• Apply on scars by dipping cotton balls in the mixture
• Leave it on for five minutes
• Rinse off with water
• Repeat daily

OR

• Mix
  • 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • half a cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
• Apply on scars with a cotton ball
• Leave it on for fifteen minutes before rinsing it off
• Apply once daily

7. Turmeric

Turmeric has magical healing properties when it comes to overall health. Curcumin is the key ingredient that is loaded with skin-healing properties. Turmeric is used in healing many health issues and it is a natural antibiotic.

How to use it

• Mix
  • 1 tablespoon Turmeric
  • lemon juice
• Make a paste
• Apply the mixture to the scars
• Leave it on for 15 minutes
• wash it off with warm water
• Pat dry and apply moisturizer
• Repeat the procedure twice daily

OR

• Mix followings
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin coconut oil
• Apply on scars and wait till the mixture dries
• Wet your fingers and gently scrub the dry mixture off
• Rinse
• Apply the mixture 2-3 times a week

8. Honey

Honey also helps heal many skin conditions due to its healing and antibiotic properties. Honey is used for skin and hair care.

How to use it

• Apply honey directly on scars
• Cover with bandage or gauze
• Leave it on overnight
• Wash it off with warm water in the morning
• Repeat daily before going to bed

OR

• Make the following mixture
  • Powder of 2-3 aspirin tablets
  • 2 teaspoon honey
• Apply the mixture to scars
• Leave it on for 15 minutes
• Wash it off with lukewarm water
• To be repeated once daily

9. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. Several studies indicate applying tea tree oil to the skin may reduce acne. The oil must be diluted before applying.

How to use it

• Make the following mixture:
  • 1 part of tea tree oil
  • 9 parts of water
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas with the help of a cotton ball
• Repeat the process 1-2 times daily
• Use moisturizer if needed

10. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel has a long history of medicinal use, it has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It is known as being one of the best acne scare remedies. It can be used as a gel, wipes, and other beauty products such as facial toners as part of your daily skincare routine.

How to use it

• Combine
  • 1 tablespoon of witch hazel bark and
  • 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
• Soak the witch hazel for 30 minutes
• Bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
• Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
• Strain and store the liquid in a sealed container.
• Apply to clean skin using a cotton ball 1–2 times per day, or as desired.

It’s important to note that commercially prepared versions may not contain tannins, as they are often lost in the distillation process.

11. Green Tea

Drinking green tea is good for health but applying it to the skin may also help reduce acne. the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne.

How to use it

• Steep green tea in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
• Allow the tea to cool.
• Apply the tea to your skin using a cotton ball or pour it into a spray bottle to spritz it on.
• Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with water and pat your skin dry.

You can also add the remaining tea leaves to honey and make a mask

12. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip Oil helps calm and repair the skin. The gentle facial oil also helps to exfoliate and brighten skin over time too. High-quality Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation and good health, ideal for combating scars and marks left by breakouts

Note: Drink plenty of water

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