Acne alone is enough of a problem for you, so it seems unfair that long after your pimple has healed, you still have acne scars on your face, reminding you of where the pimple used to grow. If this has happened to you too, don't despair because acne scars are not permanent and there are many things you can do to help speed up the healing process, such as using over-the-counter creams, trying home remedies, or getting medical treatment. Read on for this article to find out more.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Homemade Remedies
Step 1. Use honey
Honey can not only be used to treat acne scars but also the acne itself. Honey is gentle on the skin and reduces redness and irritation. Honey contains antibacterial properties that help fade acne scars and dark blemishes. Honey also moisturizes and softens the skin. Apply a small amount of honey directly to acne scars at night, and wash off in the morning.
Step 2. Use rose hip oil (rose hip is the fruit of several types of rose plants)
Rose hip oil is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that will help keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. Although the use of rose hip oil on fresh acne spots is still under evaluation, the use of this oil has proven to be effective for repairing acne scars and other scars and dark spots on the skin. With regular use, blemishes and scars will fade and become less obvious over time. Just gently massage rose hip oil on the scarred area once or twice a day.
Step 3. Use coconut oil
Because of its lauric, caprylic and capric acids, coconut oil can be an excellent cream to help reduce acne scars. Coconut oil also helps prevent new acne scars from forming. To fade acne scars, massage coconut oil into the scarred area at least once a day, but preferably 2-4 times a day
Step 4. Use aloe vera
Aloe Vera or aloe vera is known in the cosmetic field for its healing properties. This herb can also be used gently but effectively to heal acne scars over time. While you can buy many commercial aloe vera gels on the market, it's best to buy the aloe plant yourself.
To use aloe vera gel directly from the plant, take an adequate amount of aloe vera leaf and rub the gel directly on your face. Let it dry, then let it sit for another 30 minutes. After that, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Try to do this treatment every day
Step 5. Use ice cubes
This treatment is best used for new acne scars or inflamed pimples because the ice will reduce swelling and shrink blood vessels. Over time, the ice will also help reduce the appearance of minor scars and blemishes.
Wrap an ice cube in a tissue or cloth and rub it on the inflamed area for 10-15 minutes a day
Step 6. Use an aspirin mask
Aspirin has effective anti-inflammatory properties, and contains a form of salicylic acid that is used in many acne treatments. Aspirin masks can be used to soften the skin and reduce discoloration of the skin to darken.
- To make a mask, crush 4-5 aspirin tablets into a powder, then mix them with natural yogurt or pure aloe vera gel. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Wash with warm water, pat dry your face, and moisturize.
Step 7. Use olive oil
Another great product for fading acne scars is olive oil, which is rich in vitamin E and natural healing properties. Just massage olive oil on your scars several times a day.
Step 8. Use vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil has amazing moisturizing properties and is an effective treatment for acne scars. Apply pure vitamin E oil on your skin 2-3 times a day, and you will see results in about 2 weeks.
Method 2 of 3: Using Medical Treatment
Step 1. Use a cream that can be purchased at the pharmacy
There are many different over-the-counter scar care products that can help reduce redness and dark spots. These products are usually sold as scar fading creams or skin lightening creams. Look for creams with active ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, arbutin, mulberry extract, and vitamin C. These ingredients exfoliate the skin by removing the top layer of blemished skin, leaving skin smooth and firm.
Step 2. Visit a dermatologist
If over-the-counter products aren't enough to treat your acne scars, consider seeing a dermatologist who can prescribe a stronger over-the-counter cream. You can also discuss other options for fading acne scars, such as laser treatment or chemical peels.
Step 3. Get a laser exfoliating treatment
Laser exfoliating treatments work by removing the top layer of skin where there are acne scars with damaged and hyperpigmented skin, revealing firmer and smoother skin underneath. This treatment does not need to be done in a hospital, a dermatologist can even perform this laser resurfacing treatment in his practice.
- The laser can be a little painful, but doctors usually numb the skin first with a local anesthetic, so it won't hurt as much.
- This treatment can take up to an hour, and may require several sessions depending on the severity of the scar.
Step 4. Try a skin tissue filler
If your acne scars resemble indentations instead of small spots or bumps, skin fillers can work wonders on your acne scars by patching them up so that the skin is even. A skin tissue filler or tissue filler - such as hyaluronic acid - which is injected under the skin by a dermatologist, can provide immediate results. Unfortunately, the results of this treatment are not permanent, so if you want it, you just have to keep coming back every few months to get it again!
Micro silicone drops are a new type of filler that actually stimulates your skin's collagen production thereby allowing the skin to regenerate itself. You will need several injections to see results, but once this is done the results will be permanent
Step 5. Do a chemical peel or peeling skin with chemicals
Chemical peels are concentrated acidic solutions that exfoliate the outermost layer of skin, revealing softer and smoother skin underneath. Chemical peels are effective for fading acne scars, and also smooth and even out skin tone by improving fine lines and treating sun damage. Treatment with chemical peels you can get at a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Step 6. Try dermabrasion or skin scraping
Dermabrasion will remove acne scars by removing the top layer of skin using a rotating wire brush. This treatment is quite harsh and your skin will take up to three weeks to heal itself. But once healed, you will have a new layer of skin that is fresh, smooth, and beautiful.
Step 7. If all else fails, try the operation
If none of the other treatments seem to be working for you, talk to your dermatologist about surgically removing the scar. You need to be aware that surgery is a high-risk option because it often involves anesthesia or sedation, and can be very expensive - so you should only consider this option if your scar is very deep or extensive.
- Often this surgery will involve removing each scar individually, although sometimes the surgeon will need to tear the fibrous tissue under the skin that is causing the scar.
- The skin will take time to heal after surgery, and you may also need to undergo a resurfacing treatment to smooth the top layer of skin.
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Skin
Step 1. Wear sunscreen every day
Exposing a scar to direct sunlight can darken it and slow down the healing process. That's because ultraviolet light stimulates the pigment-producing cells in your skin, causing further discoloration. To avoid this, you should wear sunscreen every day, be it summer or winter.
Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains zinc oxide. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or after more than 2 hours in the sun
Step 2. Exfoliate or exfoliate your skin daily
Exfoliating your skin regularly can help fade your acne scars naturally, by removing the blemished layer of skin and revealing the fresh, new skin underneath.
Try exfoliating products available at pharmacies or cosmetic counters. This product contains the active ingredient alpha or beta hydroxy acid (AHA or BHA) which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help remove dark skin tone
Step 3. Use gentle skin care
You might be tempted to try abrasive scrubs and all sorts of irritating treatments because you've been desperate for ways to get rid of acne scars. However, irritation will only harm your skin because it can hinder your skin's ability to heal itself. Stick to good and gentle skin care for your skin.
Step 4. Do not squeeze or pick at the pimple or its scars
Scars are mostly composed of collagen, and that's how our bodies heal. But by picking or squeezing a pimple, you can cause pus and bacteria to penetrate deeper into your skin, destroying your skin's natural collagen. Picking also causes skin damage and inflammation which delays the healing process. Avoid picking or squeezing your pimples or acne scars, as collagen-based sores will eventually go away on their own.
Step 5. Stay hydrated
Drinking water won't get rid of acne scars by itself, but staying hydrated is essential to keeping your skin healthy and helping to speed up your skin's natural rejuvenation process. Try to drink 1-2 liters of water every day and eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
