According to American Chronicle, there are two main types of acne scars: Raised scars, called keloids, which are where growths of tissue mass have formed, and depressed scars, which carry a number of names depending on the shape they create, such as icepick and boxcar. Severe acne scarring can cause damage to the underlying support fibers in the skin, causing them to lose tension and creating a wavy texture known as rolling scars.
The body has an active natural healing process that rebuilds skin tissue with the use of collagen. This process is post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, or PIH, and works for up to a year on scarred tissue.
Step 1
Steam your face over a bowl of hot water or by simply taking a hot bath/shower. This will open the skin's pores and make them more susceptible to treatment.
Step 2
Squeeze out the juice of a lemon into a small dish and apply the juice to scarring. This can be done directly or with a cotton ball. Rub in the juice and leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. Lemon juice acts like a natural cleanser. It will kill any bacteria present on the surface and in the pores. The citric acid content acts as a natural bleach and will help fade dark scarring and blemishes.
Step 3
Mix the sandalwood powder, milk and rose water. Stir until it becomes a pliable sticky paste. Massage in the paste using circular motions one way, then the other. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. Sandalwood powder is reported to have antimicrobial and skin-firming properties. Rose water is a natural skin tonic and cleanser that is said to have components that stimulate blood circulation and blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby helping the natural PIH process.
Step 4
Rub ice cubes into the acne-scarred area for 10 minutes. Hold with a cloth or towel if needed. The intense cold will help reduce blood flow to the area, thereby reducing the swelling. It also will help close and tighten the pores.
Step 5
Moisturize daily after using these remedies. Use a moisturizer with a high SPF because the lemon juice increases the skin's sensitivity.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice, sandalwood powder, rose water and ice cubes can be used as individual treatments or as a combined routine for acne scarring. A natural moisturizer like olive oil can be used to replace the over-the-counter SPF moisturizer, but will offer no protection from increased photo sensitivity. Steaming the acne area before treatment could be employed to open the skin pores.
- These home remedy treatments are likely to be more effective in the PIH phase. Scars older than a year might need professional treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, more research must be performed on natural remedies to establish their real benefits and confirm their safety. Consulting your doctor about professional options available to you and before you begin any form of home remedy treatment is recommended.
Things You'll Need
- Lemon
- Dish
- 1 tbsp. sandalwood powder
- 1 tbsp. rose water
- 1/2 tbsp. milk
- Tablespoon
- Ice cubes
- Towel
- Moisturizer
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