Acne scars are created when your skin pores become blocked with dead cells, oil and bacteria. They may also break open, leading to deep or shallow lesions.
Thankfully, there are some natural solutions that can help minimize acne scars’ appearance and promote healing.
Lemon Juice
Many people believe lemon juice can help fade acne scars and lighten dark spots on the skin. This is likely due to its high content of citric acid, a type of vitamin C.
Vitamin A stimulates collagen production, helping to regenerate new, undamaged skin cells that will fade acne scars.
Lemon juice, however, is highly acidic and may irritate skin if used too frequently. Therefore, it should only be used as a spot treatment for blemishes or damaged skin from UV rays – not as part of your skincare routine.
Rosehip Seed Oil
If you suffer from acne scars, rosehip seed oil is an effective natural remedy that can help clear and smooth out your skin. You can apply it directly on the affected area or take as a food supplement to reduce inflammation.
Dr. Galper notes that vitamin C in the oil can prevent and reduce hyperpigmentation from dark spots from past breakouts, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production while inhibiting melanin production to minimize discoloration.
Rose hip oil comes in many forms, from pure oils to creams, serums and supplements. Look for products that contain rosa mosqueta (the INCI name for rose hip oil) so you can be sure to reap all its benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive, natural remedy often used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne.
Sejal Shah, MD – a board-certified dermatologist in New York City – believes apple cider vinegar contains organic acids which could potentially help combat bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
Acne is often caused by acetic acid, which contains antimicrobial properties and can eliminate bacterial biofilms responsible for acne.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has keratolytic properties which help remove warts and other skin lesions. This reduces the appearance of acne scars while preventing new ones from forming.
Topical Retinoids
Retinoids are often prescribed to treat acne and reduce the appearance of scars. They work by activating retinoic acid receptors on skin cells that form acne lesions, inhibiting inflammation while stimulating cell regeneration.
Retinoids can be found in creams and serums that can be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions, from acne to aging. They’re available over-the-counter in various strengths.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known herbal remedy that can help reduce inflammation, acne and scars. It contains curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Antibacterial properties of tea tree oil help control excess sebum production and exfoliate dead skin cells. Furthermore, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
To treat acne, mix turmeric with yogurt or aloe vera gel and apply on the affected area. Do this three to four times a week for reduced acne breakouts and healing of your skin.
Honey
Honey is an effective natural treatment for acne scars that has antibacterial and calming properties. Additionally, it may help fade hyperpigmentation after the acne has healed.
Honey’s antibacterial properties come from glucuronic acid, which when exposed to oxygen is converted to glucose oxidase by skin catalase and further converted back to hydrogen peroxide.
However, the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced by this process is 900 times less than what can be obtained when applying a commercial product like benzoyl peroxide.
Honey should always be used in combination with other products that target bacterial overgrowth, reduce inflammation and thoroughly cleanse or soothe your complexion. Unlike honey, these solutions have the capacity to penetrate deeply beneath the surface layers where acne blemishes typically appear.