Typical of all types of scarring, acne scars result when a wound heals and produces an excess of collagen, according to AcneScars.com. While natural acne treatments usually cannot cure acne scarring, the active ingredients in these treatments can yield beneficial results in reducing discoloration, diminishing shallow scars and flattening raised scars.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, sometimes called the "miracle plant," provides zinc and vitamins C and E, all nutrients beneficial in accelerating healing and reducing scarring. In addition, as reported by Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor at Purdue University, and cited in the book "Home Remedies What Works," aloe "inhibits the formation of thromboxane, a chemical detrimental to wound healing." However, "The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies" notes, that while aloe's antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties dissipate in commercial preparations, the aloe vera plant offers potent healing powers.
Slice off a leaf and slit it open with a knife. Scoop out the gel and apply it to your scar twice daily. If you keep the gel in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to a week.
Lavender Essential Oil
The essential oil of the flowering herb lavender acts as an anti-inflammatory and expedites healing. It also qualifies as one of only a few essential oils which are safe to apply in undiluted form to the skin. Norma Pasekoff Weinberg, a Massachusetts-based herbal educator, suggests mixing a few drops of the oil with aloe gel. Apply it to the acne scar with a cotton swab once a day.
Honey
Raw honey's anti-microbial and antioxidant properties have been used for generations in the treatment of scars. Not only is honey a natural moisturizer, but it also helps regenerate new skin cells. Simply insert a clean cotton swab into the honey and dab it on your acne scar. Its badge as an antibacterial makes claim to its infection-fighting and healing-hastening powers.
Vitamin E
In a nationwide survey conducted by the authors of the book "Home Remedies What Works," a full 2/3 of respondents recommended using vitamin E as a scar minimizer for acne. Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., a chief researcher at Tufts University in Boston, cites, that when applied topically, vitamin E helps to diminish the size and color of the scar.
Break open a vitamin E oil capsule, and massage the liquid into the scar. The vitamin may cause allergic reactions, so do not use it until an acne scar is fully healed.
References
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2000
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Rodale; 2009
- "Home Remedies What Works"; Glae Malesky; 1995
- GrannyMed.com: Aloe Vera for Scars
- Disabled World: Home Remedies for Acne Scars
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