Acne causes pustules and cysts to erupt on the skin, which appear most commonly on the face. Once these breakouts have healed, they can often leave behind unsightly skin discolorations and marks that can take weeks, or even months, to fully diminish. Luckily, there are a few ways to clear acne marks from the skin that are left behind after acne breakouts. By softening the skin, exfoliating the skin, and increasing skin cell turnover, acne marks and skin discolorations can be eliminated at a faster rate.
Step 1
Soften and loosen darkened skin cells by applying an oil facial using a non-comedogenic oil, such as olive oil. Massage 1 to 2 tbsp. of olive oil onto your skin using your fingers. Move the fingers in circular motions, and focus on the areas that contain the most acne marks. Fill a bowl with very hot, nearly boiling water. Lean 18 inches over the bowl, and cover your head with a towel, which will cause the steam to billow over the skin to further soften dead skin cells. After five minutes, use a damp washcloth to wipe off the oil. Repeat once per day.
Step 2
Exfoliate the softened skin cells using a mildly abrasive scrub, such as baking soda, which will remove skin marks without scraping the skin. Combine 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tsp. of water in a small bowl, making a paste. Spread the paste onto your skin, and massage it into your skin with your fingertips. Use circular motions, focusing on the areas of discoloration. After one to two minutes, rinse off the area with water. Repeat once per day.
Step 3
Apply a lemon juice compress, which will increase skin cell turnover in the skin because of its high vitamin C content. Cover five cotton pads with lemon juice, and squeeze out the excess with your fingers. Place the pads onto your skin, focusing on the areas that contain the most scarring and acne marks. Leave the pads on your skin for at least 10 minutes, then remove them to let the skin dry. Repeat once per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Olive oil is a highly emollient oil that can be applied to the skin without clogging the pores. The oil softens scarred skin cells, which can be more dry and tough than the surrounding skin. Baking soda is comprised of rounded particulates, which can be used to remove dead skin cells without scratching the skin. Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which can speed up the rate at which skin cells are sloughed off, while increasing the rate at which new skin cells are developed.
Things You'll Need
- Olive oil
- Bowl
- Towel
- Water
- Washcloth
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Cotton pads
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