How to get rid of acne scars at home

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Home remedies to get rid of acne scars

Acne happens when you’ve got a hormonal imbalance in the body. Any changes in your hormones cause glands to produce more oil than usual, which then causes your skin pores to get clogged up, allowing bacteria to grow.

There’s no set time as to how long they last, though it's often weeks to months, but it’s best to steer clear of harsh chemical treatments. There’s plenty of home remedies you can try and prevention measures you can take to speed things up. Ultimately you need to be patient.

Here are some natural remedies as well as products you can try:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties so is a great tool in your acne scar treatment arsenal.

What to do:

You’ll need the actual aloe vera leaf - scoop out the gel after you cut it open. Apply the gel to the scars and massage it in. Leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse it off. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily.

OR

Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 2 or 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply it to the scar. Rinse it off with cold water after 10 to 15 minutes. Use once daily.

Lemon

Lemon works as a natural bleach and helps lighten any kind of scars on your skin.

It removes dead skin cells, promotes new skin cell growth and improves skin elasticity.

What to do:

Apply fresh lemon juice directly on to the scars using your fingertips or a cotton bud. Leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Repeat 1 or 2 times a day. Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey. Use a cotton ball to apply to the scars. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off with water and pat dry. Repeat once a day.

OR

Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply to your acne scars before going to bed. Wash it off the next morning. Repeat daily.

Also read: DIY hacks for oily skin

Coconut Oil

This is a rich source of vitamin E and fatty acids.

Rub coconut oil into the skin Apply warm coconut oil to the scars Massage onto scars for 5 to 10 minutes Leave for an hour Rinse with warm water

OR

Mix lavender oil with 1 tablespoon coconut oil Apple to area and massage in for a few minutes Leave for 20-30 minutes Rinse it off with warm water Repeat once or twice daily for several weeks

Vitamin E Oil

The oil is an antioxidant so helps repair the skin.

Puncture the end of a vitamin E gel capsule. Take out the gel and apply directly on the scarred skin. Do this 2 or 3 times a day.

OR

Mix 1 vitamin E capsule contents with 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Apply it on the affected skin before bed. Leave it on overnight. Rinse it off the next morning - use warm water. Repeat daily.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda works as a mild exfoliant to help fade the scar tissue by layers.

2 teaspoons of baking soda into a bowl. Add water to make a thin paste. Apply the mixture on your acne scars. Leave it on for a couple of minutes, then rinse it off. Repeat once daily for several weeks to help fade your acne scars.

Also read: How to naturally get rid of headaches

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidic property of apple cider vinegar helps lighten pigmentation in the skin.

It also stimulates collagen production, repairs cells and removes dead skin cells.

What to do:

Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Dip your cotton ball in it and apply it to scars. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Repeat daily.

OR

Mix 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and 2 tablespoons of honey. Use a cotton ball to apply it. Leave it or 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off. Repeat once daily.