The American Academy of Dermatology lists three types of true acne scars: ice pick scars, rolling acne scars and boxcar scars. Often acne sufferers believe the dark red or brown spots left after acne has healed are also scars, but those spots are actual PIH or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Unlike the other types of acne scarring, PIH will gradually fade with time. Although there are no one-size-fits-all remedies to cure PIH or acne scarring, some home remedies may be able to help minimize their appearance.
Facial Scrubs
One way to help PIH spots fade more quickly is to use homemade facial scrubs. A simple scrub can be created by mixing approximately one tablespoon of table salt with one teaspoon full of extra virgin olive oil. This should create a gritty paste that you apply to your face using your fingers or a soft cloth. Dampen your face with warm water and then apply the scrub gently to your face, moving your fingers or the soft cloth in a circular motion over your face. This scrub will help to exfoliate your skin, speeding the removal of dead surface skin cells and encouraging the development of new skin cells. Other homemade scrub options include combining brown sugar with honey and sugar with olive oil and two to three drops of lemon juice.
Fruit Masks
A dermatologist may prescribe a type of alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA peel to help exfoliate your skin and speed up the development of new skin cells. AHA peels are created using acid enzymes commonly found in various types of fruit such as oranges, lemons and even papayas. You can create your own fruit mask to achieve similar results at home. Purchase a ripe papaya. Cut the papaya in half and remove all the seeds. Scoop the fruit from the skin and add it to a bowl. Use a fork to mash the papaya into a paste or mash it with a blender on puree. You can apply the mashed papaya directly to your face or you can mix it with some honey before applying to your skin. Allow the mask to remain on your face for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with a damp cloth. Other fruit that can be used this way include avocado, banana and apples.
Milk
For people with sensitive skin, lactic acid peels are a soothing option to help with exfoliating skin and lightening PIH caused by acne. Lactic acid is naturally found in milk. You can benefit from lactic acid by simply sponging regular whole milk onto your face. Pour milk into a small container and apply to your face using a clean cosmetic sponge or a clean soft cloth. Allow the milk to remain on your face for 10 to 15 minutes before removing with a damp cloth.
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