Acne scars are a common concern for those who battle breakouts. The discolored marks and indentations left behind by severe acne lesions can be upsetting and undermine confidence. While professional procedures provide the most dramatic scar reduction, certain home remedies can also help fade and minimize the appearance of acne scars.
Types of Acne Scars
Home remedies can improve these common acne scar types to restore smooth, even skin:
Indented Scars
Also called pitted or atrophic scars, these are sunken-in craters caused by severe acne cysts or nodules damaging deep skin layers.
Raised Scars
Some scars appear as bumps above the skin’s surface due to excess collagen production during wound healing. These hypertrophic or keloid scars tend to be red or purple.
Dark Spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation causes reddish or brown discoloration in spots where acne lesions healed. These are not technically scars but can be reduced similarly.
Acne Scar Reduction Through Exfoliation
Gently removing dead skin cells through exfoliation creates a fresher skin surface and minimizes the noticeable differences between scarred and normal skin.
Sugar Scrub
The coarse grains in DIY sugar scrubs physically slough off dull surface cells when massaged onto the skin. Mix sugar with honey or oil to scrub skin 1-2 times per week.
Discover: How to Get Rid of Keloids Naturally
Lactic Acid
Found in milk and yogurt, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that chemically exfoliates. Applying plain yogurt to scars removes dead cells to even tone.
Retinoids
Retinoids like over-the-counter differin gel or prescription tretinoin cream derived from vitamin A help resurface the skin by speeding cell turnover. They are stronger than AHAs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in diluted apple cider vinegar provides light exfoliation. Dip a cotton pad in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and dab on scars nightly.
Fading Discoloration of Acne Scars
Applying antioxidants, vitamins, and natural lightening ingredients can help reduce the dark appearance of post-acne marks over time.
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits melanin production. Using a serum daily helps brighten skin and fade darker acne spots.
Lemon Juice
Naturally high in vitamin C and citric acid, fresh lemon juice applied regularly helps break up scar pigmentation. Avoid sun exposure when using lemon.
Aloe Vera Gel
Soothing aloe vera gel contains enzymes that repair skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to calm redness and fade discoloration.
Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants, brewed green tea applied directly on the skin reduces inflammation and redness when used consistently.
Stimulating Collagen to Smooth Acne Scars
Promoting collagen production fills in indented scars and evens the skin through dermal remodeling over time.
Rosehip Seed Oil
With high levels of retinoic acid, rosehip oil reduces scarring while boosting collagen formation. Gently massage into marks nightly.
Coconut Oil
Containing fatty acids and vitamin E, coconut oil keeps skin hydrated while stimulating tissue repair and collagen fibers within scarred areas.
Green Tea
In addition to antioxidants, green tea contains EGCG which supports collagen production in the skin. Used regularly it can smooth raised scars.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains plant collagen along with healing enzymes and polysaccharides that trigger skin repair through increased collagen.
Protecting Skin and Scars from Re-Injury
Shielding healed acne scars from sun damage, bacteria, and irritation prevents worsening.
Sunscreen
UV exposure makes dark spots darker and damages collagen. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher when treating scars.
Clean Pillowcases
Dirty pillowcases transfer bacteria to the skin, risking breakouts and irritation. Use fresh, clean pillowcases nightly to avoid re-injury to treated scars.
DON’T Pick!
As hard as it is, picking scabs or squeezing spots undoes healing. Leave scars alone to protect skin integrity.
Pat Dry, Don’t Rub
After cleansing, gently pat the scars dry using a soft towel. Rubbing can irritate and inflame the skin, slowing the fading process.
While acne scarring takes diligent effort to reduce, utilizing home remedies provides gradual but meaningful improvement over time. Consistency is key for a smoother, clearer complexion.
