Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, or PIH, is the name given to the body's natural healing process of wounds to the skin that result in scarring, including those caused by acne. Acne scars will generally improve in appearance for up to two years after first forming. The PIH process will use collagen to help heal the tissue fibers and renew blood vessels, according to American Chronicle. Acne scars can either be raised growths of tissue mass known as keloids or depressed craters such as ice pick and boxcar--so named for the shapes they create. Rolling scars are a mix of both depressed scars and raised scars. This creates a wavy texture to the skin.
Step 1
Cut lemon into halves and squeeze the juice into a small bowl.
Make a paste by mixing 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 2 tbsp. of water.
Step 2
Use lemon juice like a cleanser. Dab a cotton ball in the juice and then apply to the acne scars. Allow the juice to drench the area and massage it in. The acidic content will clean the skin of bacteria and its natural bleaching effect will reduce the redness and inflammation. Rinse.
Step 3
Use baking soda paste like an exfoliate. Apply to the scarred area and massage in gently using circular motions. After a minute or so, reverse the direction of the motions. This will help remove more dead skin cells and debris. Baking soda paste acts like a home-microdermabrasion treatment. Clinics use a technique known as microdermabrasion as an effective treatment for skin blemishes. The blemishes/scars are eroded away using a high pressure mist of fine sand crystals.
Step 4
Apply ice cubes to the scars for seven to 10 minutes. Use a cloth to hold if needed. The intense cold will help close and tighten the pores and reduce swelling.
Step 5
Use olive oil as a moisturizer. Massage into the target area. Scarring can reduce elasticity in the skin because of broken collagen fibers, making it look tired. The olive oil will moisturize and soften the skin as it seeps deep into the pores and helps brighten the skin's complexion.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice, baking soda, ice cubes and olive oil can be used in tandem to help reduce acne scarring or as individual remedies. Moisturizing after treating the scars is recommended as lemon juice and baking soda can cause dry skin and some irritation. An over-the-counter moisturizer with SPF should be used if lemon juice is used during the daytime as it is known to also increase photo sensitivity.
- Although PIH does help renew collagen fibers and blood vessels, sweat glands and hair follicles will not return to normal and so a scar will never completely dissolve, notes ScarInfo. Consult a specialist before trying these home remedies and discuss whether they are right for you or whether clinical treatment would be a better option. MayoClinic concedes that more evidence needs to be gathered to support the overall effectiveness of home-based treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Lemon
- Bowl
- Baking soda
- Tablespoon
- Water
- Cotton balls
- Ice cubes
- Towel
- Olive oil
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