Nearly 20 million people in the United States have acne severe enough to cause scarring, according to the Acne Resource Center Online. Unfortunately, scars can take 12 months to begin to fade on their own. In an attempt to diminish scars faster, you can try one of many home remedies.
Baking Soda
Baking soda helps to loosen dead skin cells when used as an exfoliant, advises Dr. William Jaremko, a dermatologist from Olean, New York. Create a natural baking soda exfoliant by mixing 1 Tbsp. of baking soda in a small bowl with 1 to 2 tsp. of water. Massage the mixture into your skin using circular motions for two to three minutes. Rinse your face with warm water. When repeated two or three times a week this will loosen and remove scarred skin cells. The massage will help increase the blood flow to the face and promote new skin cell growth.
Olive Oil
Non-pore-clogging oils, like olive oil, may help loosen scar tissue and discolored skin cells, states Dr. Jaremko. Using your fingertips, apply 1 Tbsp. of olive oil to your acne scars. Massage in the oil using circular motions. After one minute, use a slightly harder massage to work the oil into the most discolored areas of skin to further loosen the dead cells and promote more circulation. Wait another two minutes and apply a steaming hot washcloth to the skin. Once the washcloth cools, wipe the oil from your skin. The heat from the washcloth will help open pores, allowing dirt to be wiped away and helping to prevent further acne.
Vitamins C And E
Taking vitamin E and vitamin C supplements may help reduce the appearance of scars, according to the Health Guide. Applying vitamin E directly to the discolored spots will help reduce the amount of free radicals in the area that can prevent healing, advises Dr. Jaremko.
You can break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to your scars. Dr. Jaremko also advises soaking five or six cotton balls in lemon juice, which is high in vitamin C, and rubbing them on acne scars. Simply allow the lemon juice to dry on the skin. This will help increase skin cell turnover, which promotes new skin cell growth. When repeated daily, it can improve the balance and tone of your complexion as well.
The Health Guide advises that people with sensitive skin may have to mix plain yogurt with the lemon juice before applying to avoid skin irritation. Simply make a mask consisting of 1/2 cup of plain yogurt and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Massage the mask onto the face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Hydration
Reducing the appearance of your acne scars requires proper hydration, advises the Health Guide. You should drink a full eight glasses of water each day. Adequate water intake helps to promote new skin growth, flushes away any toxins and helps plump the skin, advises Dr. Jaremko.
