Acne leaves its mark on the skin long after the original pustules have disappeared. Unfortunately, many acne sufferers find themselves plagued by stubborn acne scars and redness. Over-the-counter and prescription medication is sometimes too harsh for the skin and may take a toll on your wallet too. Sandi Brenner, author of "Beauty and the Budget, " outlines several natural home remedies for reducing the appearance of redness and acne scars. Some natural remedies lack scientific evidence to prove their efficacy and should be used with caution.
Baking Soda Exfoliation
Step 1
Mix baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste as you prepare to exfoliate your skin daily. Baking soda gently cleanses the skin and removes dead skin cells. The exfoliating action of baking soda encourages blood circulation and new skin growth, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Step 2
Wet your face with warm water and massage your face for 30 seconds with the baking soda paste, using your fingertips to evenly distribute.
Step 3
Rinse off immediately with warm water.
Fruit Fixes
Step 1
Spot treat scars with a lemon juice. Lemon juice has a lightening effect that could reduce the appearance of dark acne scars. Do not use lemon juice on sensitive skin. Because lemon juice causes skin photosensitive, always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 after using. To use lightening lemon juice, squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon and use a cotton ball to dab lemon juice on your acne scars. Leave the lemon juice on for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Step 2
Brighten your face with a pineapple smoothie. Blend 1/4 cup of chopped, fresh pineapple and apply the mixture to your face using your fingertips. Throw in a quick facial massage as you spread the mixture over your face.
Step 3
Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Fruit acids, such as ascorbic acid found in pineapples, operate like a mild microderm abrasion, sloughing the top layer of skin to encourage new skin growth.
Facial Massage
Step 1
Perform a facial self-massage regularly using nourishing oils, such as olive, almond and jojoba oils. Gentle oils penetrate deeply into the skin, calming redness and inflammation. Rub the oils along the skin lightly using your finger tips.
Step 2
Coat the face entirely using circular motions to stimulate the circulation and encourage the removal of waste products stored underneath the skin.
Step 3
Keep the oils on your face and do not rinse off. This allows the oil or moisturizer to penetrate deeply in to your pores for a nourishing effect.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your fingers away from your face to avoid transferring oils, bacteria and other debris to your skin.
- Always consult your doctor before starting a natural beauty routine.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Pineapple
- Lemon juice
- Potatoes
- Cotton balls
- Blender
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