A pimple will often create a scar if it causes damage to the lower dermis levels of the skin. Acne scars can either be raised lumps of excess tissue or indentations in the skin, which are called ice pick or boxcar scars depending on their shape. Rolling scars are a combination of raised tissue growths and saucer-like indentations, creating a wavy look to the skin. This happens when the underlying tension of the skin has been lost
The natural healing process of renewing collagen fibers, tissue and blood vessels works to improve sees a scar's appearance up to two years after the skin damage, notes ScarInfo.
Step 1
Dice and chop cucumber until it has a juicy texture but with the rough edges of its skin remaining for exfoliation.
Mix water and baking soda together to form a sticky paste. Use 2 parts water and 1 part baking soda.
Step 2
Dab a cotton ball in a dish of tea tree oil. Apply to scarred area and begin gently rubbing. Continue for several minutes before rinsing.Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial properties, including the compound terpinen-4-ol, which will help to cleanse the skin by removing dirt, oil and skin debris from the surface and deep in the pores.
Step 3
Massage the baking soda paste into the scars using your fingers. Use gentle circular motions, first one way and then the other. The granules of baking soda will help to erode the uneven skin surface. Over time, this will help to smooth out raised scars and soften the rough edges of any indentations. Rinse.
Step 4
Generously apply the cucumber mash onto the scarred area. Massage much like the baking soda paste. The cucumber brings a soothing effect to the skin. It has anti-inflammatory components that are reported to reduce the redness of scars and blemishes. It also has properties which will revive the tension of the skin lost during scarring, and tighten skin pores.
Step 5
Moisturize using olive oil. Apply either directly or via a cotton ball. Massage in gently for several minutes, allowing the oil to seep into the pores and hair follicles. It will boost the natural healing process of collagen renewal within the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice can be used instead of tea tree oil. However, if lemon juice is used then it is recommended to also apply a moisturizer containing a high SPF factor. This is due to lemon juice increasing photo sensitivity. Tea tree oil, baking soda, cucumber and olive oil can all be used as individual treatments for acne scars.
- American Chronicle notes that PIH, or Post Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation, is the healing process that the body employs in the two years after the initial skin damage. These home remedies will likely be more effective during that two year period, however as MayoClinc notes, there have been very few credible studies on the effectiveness of natural remedies in general. Consult a health care professional concerning your home treatment to learn of other options.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Cucumber
- Baking soda
- Dish
- Tea tree oil
- Olive oil
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