Acne scars are characterized by pitting, rolling, raised and chickenpox-like marks deep within the layers of the skin. Obvious acne scars can have distressing social and psychological implications for both adolescents and adults. However, natural home remedies can significantly minimize the visibility and effectively treat the discomfort of skin surface scars resulting from acne.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain vitamin A, a nutrient that helps inhibit excess sebum, or oil, production. The fruit also contains potent antioxidant properties that rejuvenate scarred complexions, according to DisabledWorld.com.
To lighten acne scars, cut up a tomato, lie in a prone position, and place the slices on the affected areas. Add sliced cucumber to the sliced tomato for even greater results. Cucumber relieves redness of acne scars and soothes the skin.
Aloe Vera
The book "Healing Remedies" reports that aloe vera, a succulent plant with spiky, fleshy leaves, gained fame for wound healing when Alexander the Great touted its advantages. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, along with ingredients such as zinc and vitamins C and E, help eliminate scarring associated with burns, surgery and acne. Dr. Varro E. Tyler, professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University, states in the book "Herbal Remedies: What Works" that aloe also reduces the production of thromboxane, a chemical that thwarts healing.
Cut an aloe leaf, and scoop out the gel with a spoon. Apply the gel directly onto your acne scar once each day. The cut leaves will keep in the refrigerator or freezer for reuse when stored in plastic wrap or an airtight container, according to GrannyMed.com.
Onions
Onions have been a mainstay of the medicine chest for thousands of years. Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of "Healing Remedies," suggests that medicinal remedies using onions date back to 3000 B.C. Onion juice has a rejuvenating and shrinking effect on skin tissue. GrannyMed.com points out that onion extract, a primary ingredient in popular commercial treatments, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, inhibiting the overproduction of collagen in scar tissue.
Purchase onion extract in gel form, and apply the juice directly to your acne scars.
Lime Juice
Lime or lemon juice aids in sloughing off dead skin cells and regenerating new cells. The natural bleaching qualities of lime juice lighten the appearance of scars and support the skin's elasticity, explains OrganicFacts.net.
Dab freshly squeezed lime juice directly on your scar. Allow it to dry for 60 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat the procedure three times a day for four weeks or until scars are less visible.
References
- "Healing Remedies"; C. Norman Shealy, M.D.; 2002
- "Healing Remedies: What Works"; Gale Malesky; 1995
- Granny Med: Aloe for Scars
- Granny Med: Onion for Scars
- Disabled World: Home Remedies for Acne Scars
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