Home Remedies To Lighten Acne Scars

Acne occurs when an overproduction of oil clogs and infects the pores of your skin. As white blood cells rush to the site to fight off bacteria, pus-filled pimples form. When these pimples pop, scars may develop in the form of pits, rolls, raised or chickenpox-like marks. While people with severe cases of scarring should consult with a dermatologist, natural home remedies can substantially lighten the appearance and reduce the visibility of acne scars.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender flowers provide one of the most widely used therapeutic essential oils. Its antiseptic, antibacterial and painkilling qualities give it significant value in treating cuts, wounds, burns, bruises, pimples and scars. "Putting a few drops of undiluted essential oil of lavender on the skin immediately after an injury can help prevent excessive scarring," states Norma Pasekoff Weinberg, a Massachusetts-based herbal educator, in the book "Alternative Cures." It works equally as well to prevent scarring when applied to popped pimples.
You can also mix a few drops of aloe vera gel with the undiluted lavender essential oil. Apply it to your scars, and cover it with a sterile pad for 60 minutes.

Lemon Juice

Topical use of lemon juice, which contains alpha-hydroxy acids, not only lightens acne scars but works as an exfoliant, supporting skin elasticity and new skin growth, according to Dr. Randall Neustaedter, homeopathic, Oriental medicine practitioner and author of "Homeopathic Pediatrics."
Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon into a cup. Soak a cotton ball in the juice and apply it directly to your scars before bedtime. Lemon juice has a tendency to sting or burn, so dilute the juice with an equal part of water if you have sensitive skin. Wash your face with soap and warm water in the morning.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood oil, used medicinally in India for 4,000 years, contains antibacterial and astringent properties that help reduce scarring, according to Dr. C. Norman Shealy, author of "Healing Remedies." The oil contains constituents that effectively heal wounds, reduce inflammation and soothe and rehydrate the skin.
OrganicFacts.net recommends a mixture of sandalwood paste and rose water. Apply it on your scars, leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Repeat the application nightly until marked improvement is evident. You can also try four drops of sandalwood oil mixed with four drops of chamomile.

Olive Oil

Another home remedy that warrants a try is olive oil. Rich in vitamin E, olive oil offers antioxidant and emollient properties that not only moisturize the skin but can soften scars and reduce their visibility, according to Disabled-World.com. For best results rub olive oil directly on scars, massaging in small circular motions.