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15 of the Best Natural Remedies to Improve Acne Scars
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Sometimes it’s hard to know which is worse: dealing with acne or the scarring that acne leaves behind. Although you can go to your local pharmacy or drug store for some over the counter preparations, these can be really harsh on the skin and actually make scarring worse.
There are plenty of natural remedies to help lessen the appearance of acne scars and we have compiled a list of the top 15. Natural remedies take a bit of time to do their work, so be patient, and if one method doesn’t seem to work for you, try another one.
1. Lemon Juice
This is perhaps the best treatment when it comes to acne scars. You can cut a lemon and rub the cut portion over your scars and allow it to work for 3 to 5 minutes. You can alternately use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and rub it over your scars. After 5 minutes, rinse your face with cool water. Lemon juice is a terrific exfoliator that will encourage the growth of new skin cells. Always use a moisturizer afterwards, since lemon juice can dry out the skin.
2. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is actually the fatty part of cacao seeds. It’s an excellent moisturizer that can not only help to lessen the appearance of acne scars, but can actually prevent new ones.
3. Coconut Oil
This oil is loaded with tons of skin healthy vitamin E, caprylic, and lauric acid that also reduce the scarring from acne. Like cocoa butter, coconut oil can also help to prevent the new scars. Massage coconut oil into the affected areas twice per day.
4. Vitamin E
This vitamin is crucial for healthy looking human skin. Vitamin E will deeply moisturize your skin and make those scars less noticeably. Vitamin E works with the vitamin A in your body. Together, this dynamic duo will give you super soft, supple, and blemish free skin. In fact, studies show that a vitamin E deficiency can lead to acne or dry skin. Be sure to consume at least 1,000mg of vitamin E orally. You can use those pills topically as well. First, steam your face so that your pores are open. Pierce the capsule and squeeze out the vitamin E oil, then massage the oil into the affected areas until the oil has been absorbed. Allow to penetrate the skin for 15 to 30 minutes, and then wash your face as you normally would. Do this every day for best results.
5. Honey
Not only great for treating acne scars, but for helping to reduce acne breakouts to begin with! Honey is super gentle on the skin. It reduces redness and irritation as well. Honey contains antibacterial compounds that will help eliminate acne and blackheads as well as fade previous acne scars. Honey will also moisturize and soften the skin. Massage a small amount of honey into your skin at night before bed and then wash it off in the morning. Always use raw, organic honey, and not that junk off of the supermarket shelves.
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6. Apple Cider Vinegar
As you might imagine, apple cider vinegar has astringent properties and is a natural disinfectant that makes it perfect for killing the bacteria that causes acne. When applied topically, apple cider vinegar will also balance out the pH level of the skin. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial compounds, it’s easy to see how apple cider vinegar can become your best ally when it comes to fighting acne. It is also excellent at healing the scars caused by acne. Vinegar will help remove the dead skin cells and encourage new growth. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part of water and apply it to your face with a cotton ball. Allow it to work its magic for 5 or 10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. Do this once each day for best results.
7. Aloe Vera
Since you already know that aloe vera is great for burns, it won’t be so difficult to see how it would be great for reducing acne scars. Although there are plenty of aloe vera gels on the market, this plant is at its strongest when you take the gel fresh from the plant. Aloe vera grows almost anywhere and can be kept in a simple container. Break off a leaf and remove the gel from inside. Use your fingertips to rub this gel directly on the scars. Allow to dry for about 30 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Repeat daily.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from a tree that grows only in Australia. It is well known for its antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antibacterial compounds. That makes this oil perfect for not only removing scars, but preventing acne breakouts as well. This oil works best on those scars that are raised and red, although it will work on the other type of scars as well. With its super anti-inflammatory compounds, it will reduce or eliminate the redness and hydrate the scar, allowing your body to grow new skin it its place.
In a small container, place three or four drops of tea tree oil and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water. (You can make more or less, depending on the size or number of scars you want to treat.) Mix the water and tea tree oil, then apply it to your scars with a cotton ball. Repeat two or three times each day. Never use tea tree oil directly on your skin as it can burn it, always dilute it with water or another oil, such as coconut oil.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil, that same oil you have in your kitchen, is also great for reducing acne scars. It has natural healing compounds that can help reduce those scars quickly. You can massage olive oil directly into the skin two or three times each day. Yes, it’s that simple!
10. Vegetable Mask
This mixture of vegetables is a terrific face mask that will help lessen scars. You can use this mask in addition to any of the other treatments listed here. You will need 2 tomatoes, 1 cucumber, and 2 avocados.
Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out the juice. (A juicer works well for this) Scoop out the pulp of the avocados and the tomatoes. Mix everything together until it makes a paste. Apply this paste to your face and allow it to dry for 15 or 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Apply this mask once or twice a week for best results.
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11. Pineapple Juice
Pure pineapple juice is another great way to fade those acne scars. You can juice a pineapple, mix it with a bit of honey, and apply to your face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Always apply a good quality moisturizer afterwards. Do this once per day.
12. Baking Soda
This is an old remedy that some people have success with. It can remove dead skin cells and make scars less noticeable. Mix some baking soda and water until you have a paste. Apply this to your face and allow to dry completely. Rinse with cool water and apply a moisturizer, such as coconut oil or olive oil, after wards. Find out more uses of baking soda.
13. Raw Potato
A few potato slices can actually work wonders when it comes to removing scars if you have the patience to allow it to do the job. Cut a few potato slices from any type of potato. Rub a slice over the affected area using a circular motion. Continue to rub, gently, until you can feel that the slice has gone dry. Repeat with another slice. Continue to do this for 15 or 20 minutes. Don’t rinse right away; wait another 10 or 15 minutes so that your skin can absorb the juice. Wash as you normally would and apply a good moisturizer. Repeat this raw potato massage 3 times a week. You should see some remarkable results within 6 to 8 weeks.
SEE ALSO: Foods to EAT to Prevent Acne and Foods NOT to Eat
14. Aspirin Mask
Aspirin is a natural anti-inflammatory and it contains a compound called salicylic acid, which you will find in many over the counter acne treatments. Aspirin will soften the skin and reduce discoloration from scars. Make an aspirin mask by crushing 4 or 5 aspirins until they are a powder. Mix the powder with plain yogurt, or some aloe vera gel. Apply this mixture to your face and allow to dry for 15 minutes or so. Rinse with warm water, and then apply a good moisturizer.
15. Raw Tomato
It’s interesting, but red tomatoes actually remove redness in the skin. Tomatoes are a good exfoliator and are rich in beta-carotene, which is very beneficial for your skin. You can simply cut some slices from an organic tomato and apply them directly to the affected area. Relax, and allow the tomato to do its job for 10 or 15 minutes. Remove the tomato slices and rinse your face well.
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