According to The Scar Information Service, the more damage that a wound does to the lower levels of the skin, the dermis, the more severe and permanent a scar will be. For acne scars, the rules are no different. They can cause unsightly indentations or growths on the skin in severe cases. For milder acne scarring, where the skin has just been left with a discolored blemish, herbal treatments may be effective.
Aloe Vera
Kept as a common house plant, aloe vera is known for its ability to soothe skin conditions, burns and wounds. Although the reasons why aloe vera is an effective treatment are not fully known, it is shown to help new skin cells form and hasten the healing process, notes GrannyMed. Theories suggest that it could be its anti-inflammatory properties or natural blend of vitamins and minerals that cause this effect.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is an aquatic herb native to the South Pacific that has been used for centuries for a variety of dermatological conditions. GrannyMed notes that gotu kola is believed to help in the improvement of scars by increasing the blood flow to the wounds and restricting the amount of collagen in scar tissue, therefore stopping the development of raised scars. It is also said to improve the overall elasticity and strength of the skin.
Application
After cutting a leaf from the aloe plant, you must slit it open down its stem. Discard the yellow latex juices. Remove the very thick textured gel in pieces from the leaf. Rinse the gel under cold water. Massage into the acne scars until it's absorbed.
Gotu Kola comes in ointment form and is available at most health stores. Simply apply the ointment topically and massage in.
Considerations
According to GrannyMed, both aloe vera and gotu kola should only be used on milder scarring. Both herbs are also most effective on newer scars and may have little to no effect on old, established, scarring. Although unlikely, gotu kola can cause an allergic reactions, while aloe vera has been known to produce skin rashes. Consult your doctor before using either herb.
Alternatives
If you find the herbal treatments ineffective or if your scarring is older or more severe, consult a dermatologist concerning clinical treatments. Acne.org recommends chemical peels, and soft tissue filler injections, containing collagen, for indented scars. Liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze off raised scars or steroids can be used to break down the scar tissue that forms them.
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