7 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Acne Scars At Home

Last updated on : May 29 2023

All About Acne

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that acne affects over 50 million Americans.  And while for most of these people the condition goes away on its own, there are still a lot of people battling pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and excessively oily skin.

What causes acne?

Acne usually happens when pores surrounding hair follicles become clogged by dead skin cells and oil produced by sebaceous glands to keep skin moisturized.

Here are the main differences between the types of acne:

• Blackheads – these are caused by pores congested with oil and bacteria and bulge out at the follicle wall
• Whiteheads – these appear when blocked pores bulge from being congested with oil and bacteria
• Pimples – this is inflammation caused by bacteria at the follicle tip
• Cysts – are caused by inflammation inside the follicle

Effective Home Treatments For Acne

For a person living with acne, the need to find relief can lead you to spend a ton of money on all sorts of quick-fix products that only make things worse.

But don’t stress; some of the best treatments come from every-day natural products that you’re likely to ignore. 

Sit back and let us take you through 7 practical solutions to get rid of acne, with little-to-no scarring left.

Sugar Scrub

Exfoliation is one of the most important things you can do to get rid of acne and to get a clear complexion. 

Scrub removes dead skin cells on the top layer and facilitates the creation of new skin cells – which is what you need to have smooth, clear skin. 

A sugar scrub has many benefits, and perhaps the most obvious is that it's readily available and does not contain any chemicals that might irritate the skin.

Sugar also dilutes quite fast, and this is good because you won’t end up damaging the skin by scrubbing too long. 

Which is better for exfoliating; sugar or salt?

This question is a common one in skincare. Both are highly effective at removing dead skin cells. 

However, salt is coarser than sugar, and that makes it a bit harsh on the skin – especially the face. 

Sugar, on the other hand, has round, smooth granules that scrub the skin without being overly abrasive. It still exfoliates and loosens dead cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth. 

To make a sugar scrub, mix raw cane sugar with virgin olive oil and use gentle, circular motions to brighten dull skin and to unclog the pores.

Read More - 11 DIY Beauty Face Masks for Glowing Skin All Year Round

Honey

Honey is used widely to treat pimples and acne, and it is a completely natural solution that won’t leave your skin irritated. 

A bacterium known as Propionibacterium causes acne, and honey contains antibacterial properties that are perfect for stopping bacteria on the skin. 

In addition to killing bacteria, honey also detoxifies the entire body, boosting the immune system in the process – and this is excellent for the skin because it reduces infections.

Raw honey is the best for acne because it has a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and some enzymes that are good for the skin. 

Applying it directly to the skin minimizes swelling and allows the skin to heal faster. 

Just two spoonfuls of honey combined with baking soda or turmeric can do wonders for your skin. Apply daily to speed up the removal of toxins and to heal the wounds caused by acne. 

There is more than one way to use honey for skin care. Check out these combinations to find what works for you:

• Honey and cider vinegar
• Honey and aspirin
• Honey and oatmeal
• Honey and nutmeg
• Honey and sea salt
• Honey and garlic
• Honey and neem
• Honey and tomato
• Honey and egg yolk

CBD

Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive compound extracted from hemp and cannabis, has many therapeutic effects in the body. 

One of these is its ability to eliminate acne. 

CBD is believed to improve skin condition through its role in regulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – and as medical science has revealed, the ECS plays a vital role in managing skin cell growth, oil gland production, and inflammation.

A report by the American Academy of Dermatology focuses on how CBD can be used topically to balance oil production and also to reduce inflammation; two factors that almost-always lead to acne. 

When applied to the skin, CBD provides Vitamin E, which is essential to skincare, and it speeds up the healing of blemishes caused by acne.

Another way that CBD helps to treat skin problems is by alleviating stress and anxiety, which are known to increase acne outbreaks.

A topical application works perfectly for skincare, but CBD can be taken orally as well. Just look for all-natural CBD products such as facial butter, creams, and lotions.

Lemon

Lemon contains antioxidant properties commonly used in skincare (such as Vitamin C), and these ingredients are used by the body to get rid of free radicals and to improve collagen production. 

When treating acne, lemon juice can be used to:

• Reduce sebum function in oily skin
• Provide antiseptic properties to get rid of bacteria that cause acne
• Minimize swelling and redness, as well as the appearance of acne scars

Lemon is a bit harsh on the skin, so it shouldn’t be used on its own – that would lead to dryness and irritation. 

Combine lemon juice with equal parts water, and apply it to the face once or twice a day as a spot treatment, or on the entire face to get rid of breakouts and pimples. 

Always wash your face afterward, preferably with warm water, and apply a good moisturizer.

Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera is one of the most common skincare ingredients, valued for its antibacterial properties as well as its role in preventing inflammation. 

Aloe Vera is proved to work against acne, and more effectively when combined with other acne medication such as tretinoin. 

Aloe Vera can be applied directly to acne lesions, pimples, or on the entire face. 

Here are a few ways to use Aloe Vera:

• Pure Aloe Vera – it contains antibacterial properties, it is a powerful antioxidant, and it also prevents inflammation.
• Aloe Vera with lemon juice – when coupled with lemon juice, it makes an excellent treatment for acne (make sure it doesn’t get in your eyes).
• Aloe Vera with cinnamon and honey – if you needed a face mask to soothe acne, this is it.
• Aloe Vera with tea tree oil – studies show that it’s an effective treatment for acne.

Some of these mixtures may cause reactions, so watch out for signs of allergy such as redness or a rash. If such symptoms do occur, stop using aloe vera or try combining it with oil extracts that are known to soothe the skin.

Cucumber

Fresh cucumber juice reduces swelling and redness around the pores, and it has a cooling effect that takes care of the redness. Add whats left to a green juice for overall health.

Cut fresh slices and gently rub on the skin, especially around acne scars and pimples - this should help get rid of blemishes and dark circles around the eyes. 

You can also blend a cucumber and extract the juice by running it through a sieve or cloth. Use the extract to make a sugar scrub for your face.

Drinking cucumber water may also help soothe the skin from the inside out, mainly because staying hydrated is essential to skincare, but also because of the active ingredients in cucumber that include Vitamin B-5, which is used in conjunction with other medication to treat acne.

Leave a cucumber face mask on for the whole night, and wash thoroughly in the morning. It won’t cause any damage to your skin, and you can rinse it off with cold water, so the pores stay closed. 

Egg Whites 

Egg whites are commonly used to make facial masks and they’re quite effective against acne. Also, they don’t require any additional ingredients to work. 

Here’s how egg whites can help you:

• They make a facial mask that is a treatment for acne and discoloration.
• Egg whites are used to tone the skin.
• When combined with lemon juice, egg whites can be used to clear blackheads and whiteheads.
• Never use egg yolks on your skin; they react to benzoyl peroxide, and they may contain bacteria.

How to make egg whites for acne

While egg whites work on their own against acne, they are more effective when combined with lemon juice. 

This combination is better because the lemon juice loosens dead skin cells and opens up the pores, and the egg whites attach to the particles so they can be washed off.

Using egg whites will leave your face feeling lighter, and firmer, and it will reduce the acne. 

Egg whites are generally safe, so you shouldn’t expect any strange reactions. Just make sure there aren’t any cracks in the egg before using it.

Summary

Try one or more of these methods to get rid of acne forever, but pay attention to the ingredients and watch out for any allergic reaction. Also, take care not to make these common mistakes with your skincare.  

Natural ingredients are considered safe, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious when it comes to your face. Everyone's skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If you have concerns about your acne scars or want personalized advice, it's best to consult with a dermatologist.

Bonus Read: Remember to match your hair color to your revitalized skin tone. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions most frequently asked by our readers.

1. What are acne scars? 

Acne scars are the visible marks or indentations left on the skin after severe acne breakouts. They can be raised, depressed, or discolored areas that affect self-confidence.

2. Can home remedies effectively treat acne scars? 

Home remedies can help reduce the appearance of acne scars and promote skin healing. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the scars.

3. How long does it take to see results with home remedies? 

The time required to see visible results varies from person to person. It may take several weeks or months of consistent application before noticeable improvements are seen.

4. Are home remedies safe for all skin types? 

Most home remedies for acne scars are generally safe for all skin types. However, perform a patch test before applying any remedy to ensure no adverse reactions or allergies.

5. Can home remedies entirely remove acne scars?

Home remedies may help fade acne scars and improve skin texture, but complete removal is unlikely. For deep or stubborn scars, professional treatments may be necessary.

6. What are some effective home remedies for acne scars? 

Some popular home remedies for acne scars include:

• Lemon juice: Its natural bleaching properties can help lighten scars.
• Aloe vera: Known for its healing properties, aloe vera can promote skin regeneration.
• Honey: Its antibacterial properties can help reduce the risk of infection and aid in scar healing.
• Coconut oil: Its moisturizing properties can improve the appearance of scars.
• Baking soda: A gentle exfoliator that can help reduce the appearance of scars.

7. Can I combine different home remedies? 

It is possible to combine home remedies, but it's essential to test each separately to avoid adverse reactions. It's advisable to consult with a dermatologist before trying any new combination.

8. How frequently should I use home remedies? 

The frequency of application depends on the specific remedy. Generally, it is recommended to apply home remedies 2-3 times a week and gradually increase if tolerated well.

9. Are there any precautions to consider when using home remedies?

Yes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

• Perform a patch test before applying any remedy to ensure you're not allergic or sensitive to it.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing or rubbing, as it irritates the skin and worsens scarring.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen, as some remedies can increase sun sensitivity.

10. When should I consider professional treatment for acne scars? 

If home remedies don't provide the desired results or if you have severe or deeply indented scars, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can recommend professional treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, or dermal fillers.

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