Much like any other scarring, dark acne scars are the result of the body's natural healing process working to rebuild collagen fibers and blood vessels. The process is called PIH, or post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, and it usually lasts approximately one year after the skin damage, according to American Chronicle.
Acne scars are named by the shapes that they create; ice pick and boxcar scars, for example, are small indentations. Rolling scars are a series of depressed craters and raised growths of tissue, which create a wavy texture to the skin, usually due to the skin losing its underlying supporting fibers.
Step 1
Dab a cosmetic pad or cotton ball in a dish of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the pad or ball to the acne scars for several minutes. Rinse with cold water. The juice's citric acid content helps clean away harmful bacteria and naturally fades dark scarred tissue.
Step 2
Steam your face over a bowl of hot water for several minutes. Alternatively, simply take a warm bath or shower. This will help open pores in the skin and allow the remedies to be more easily absorbed.
Step 3
Mix a paste of two parts sandalwood powder, one part rose water. The texture should be sticky and pliable. Massage into the acne scarring and leave for several minutes. Wash with cold water. This mixture acts like a natural deep cleanser. It has antibacterial properties, which will clean deep into the pores and clear any remaining bacteria. Rose water is meant to complement collagen in the regenerating process and stimulate blood flow. Exercise caution when using sandalwood powder and rose water.
Step 4
Apply a thick layer of honey to the scarring. This should be left on for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible. An unprocessed honey like manuka is good for topical conditions like acne scarring and is available from health food stores. It has enzymes that help with tissue re-building.
Step 5
Use olive oil as a natural moisturizer. Massage it in and leave it to be soaked up by the pores. It can help the skin regain suppleness, which is sometimes lost due to scarring.
Tips and Warnings
- Tea tree oil or rose water can be used instead of lemon juice as a cleanser. Honey can be mixed with oatmeal to reduce its stickiness for use as an overnight face mask. Skin increases in photo sensitivity after the topical use of lemon juice, so use a moisturizer with SPF instead of olive oil.
- The claims of natural remedies are still unproven. Doctors may recommend the use of over-the-counter products or, for more severe cases of scarring, refer you to a dermatology clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton ball/cosmetic pad
- Dish
- Lemon juice
- Bowl
- Towel
- Sandalwood powder
- Rose water
- Milk
- Honey
- Olive oil
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