Acne scars can either be raised fleshy growths of tissue or indentations in the skin, which are called ice pick or boxcar scars depending on their shape. A combination of raised and indented scars can ruin the underlying fabric of the skin and cause a wavy looking texture known as rolling scars.
According to American Chronicle, when a scar forms after a pimple, it will become a dark spot. This dark color is the body's healing process called PIH, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, working to repair the tissue.
Step 1
Mix 1 tbsp. of rose water with 1 tbsp. of sandalwood powder. Add 1/2 tbsp. of milk as you stir to help form a face mask like texture.
Chop a cucumber into a juicy pulp, leaving the skin on for exfoliating purposes.
Step 2
Steam your face. With a towel draped over your head, lean over a steaming bowl of water and enclose the steam with the towel. Remain for five to 10 minutes. This will help open pores, which will allow for greater absorbing of nutrients.
Step 3
Apply the rose water and sandalwood powder paste to the acne scarring. Massage in the mixture in circular motions to help the nutrients absorb into the open pores. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. In addition to being a natural cleanser, rose water is believed to stimulate blood vessels and circulation. Sandalwood powder has antimicrobial qualities, which if allowed to seep into the pores and deep into the skin, can help in the regeneration process.
Step 4
Use the same circular motions to massage in the juicy cucumber pulp. Rub gently to help the skin absorb it. Rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes. Cucumber will help reduce the redness and swelling with its anti-inflammatory qualities. It also closes the skin's pores and makes the skin feel tighter, smoother and look fresher.
Step 5
Use olive oil to moisturize the scarring. Massage in for several minutes. Olive oil helps in rebuilding the skin's natural elasticity and suppleness.
Tips and Warnings
- Rose water, sandalwood powder, cucumber and olive oil can be used as individual treatments for acne scarring. Lemon juice and ice cubes have also been cited as having positive effects on scars. Increase the amounts of sandalwood, rose water and milk if necessary, keeping the same proportions.
- The body's PIH process will stop repairing scarred tissue approximately one year after the damage. The home remedies will have more effect in this first year, acting as complements to the PIH process. ScarInfo says that sweat glands and hair follicles will never return to the scar site, so there will always be evidence of scarring visible. Consult a health-care professional for treatment possibilities for older scarring and before beginning any home remedies. MayoClinic.com says more research evidence is necessary to support the claims of natural treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Tablespoon
- Sandalwood powder
- Rose water
- Milk
- Cucumber
- Knife
- Bowl
- Towel
- Olive oil
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