Natural Treatments For Acne Scars

Acne scars result when a person repeatedly picks or pops acne pustules and blackheads. It may take months, weeks or even a year before acne scars begin to fade naturally, states Dr. William Jaremko, a dermatologist from Olean, NY. Healing the thicker and dryer skin of acne scars naturally requires the use of substances like baking soda, olive oil, vitamin C, water and cucumber and tomato masks.

Baking Soda

Baking soda washes naturally exfoliate the skin. Dr. Jeremko states that many microdermabrasion products sold on the market contain baking soda for this reason. To prepare a natural scrub, pour 1 tbsp. of baking soda into a container with approximately 1 tsp. of water. This will form a paste. Apply the paste to your skin for two minutes, then rinse. A natural scrub made with baking soda allows you to exfoliate your skin without course particles that may scrape or damage the skin.

Olive Oil

Olive oil softens and moisturizes the skin. When applied directly following exfoliation with baking soda, olive oil has the best effect, according to AcneScarHomeRemedies.org. Dr. Jeremko advises massaging 2 tbsp. of olive oil into areas of acne scars using the fingertips. You may want to increase the benefits of olive oil by exposing scarred areas to steam from nearly boiling water. Expose scarred areas for approximately 5 minutes before gently wiping the oil off using a damp washcloth. Dr. Jeremko states that you should refrain from scrubbing the skin as it will result in irritation and may cause acne breakouts.

Vitamin C

Lemon juice contains a lot of vitamin C, which promotes new skin cell development, according to Dr. Jaremko. You can apply lemon juice compresses to areas of acne scars by soaking cotton balls with lemon juice. Squeeze out any excess juice and place the pads onto your affected areas. Allow the compress to set on your skin for a minimum of 15 minutes. If straight lemon juice irritates your skin, you may want to apply a mask of lemon juice and yogurt, states The Health Guide.

Water

The best home remedy for acne scars consists of consuming plenty of water, states The Health Guide. Dr. Jaramko states that water helps keep the skin plump, promotes new skin growth and flushes away toxins. You need to consume at least 64 oz. of water each day to keep your skin hydrated.

Cucumber and Tomato Mask

Cucumbers and tomatoes benefit the facial skin. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants that help prevent further skin damage, while the coolness of the cucumbers soothe irritated or inflamed skin, states Dr. Jaramko. Together they work to tighten the pores on the skin, which may temporarily diminish the appearance of scars. Blend 1/4 c. cucumbers and 1/4 c. tomatoes together in a blender to form a paste. Place the paste on the face approximately 25 minutes and wash it off.