Many people find that old acne scars are an ongoing problem. Though the underlying acne condition may disappear with time or treatment, the scars left behind can leave you feeling self-conscious and unattractive. You can try a number of home remedies for acne scars for a better appearance; the following suggestions are the first of a series of articles on treatments to help with your acne scars.
About Acne and Scarring
Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, the oil that nourishes the hair and skin. Bacteria on the surface of the skin contribute to the pore blockage and inflammation that cause the unsightly bumps and redness that accompanies acne. Though people are often warned not to injure their skin during breakouts, they often try to remove the blackheads and whiteheads from the surface, which leads to scarring of the skin. These scars can be quite deep and may remain even after the area heals, leaving depressions and discolorations in various areas. Genetics can play a part in the amount of oil that is produced by the skin and how hormone levels fluctuate in the body.
Natural Exfoliants
Many people use oatmeal mixed with a bit of honey as one of their favorite home remedies for acne scars. It is then scrubbed on the skin to remove oils and leave skin looking and feeling softer. Sugar, mixed with a bit of olive oil, can be used to scrub the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresher layer. You can also find almond or walnut shells in health food stores that can be mixed with a bit of honey or egg white to make a paste. This mixture makes a natural skin scrub to reduce the look of scars.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice another one of the most popular home remedies for acne scars. The juice acts as a mild acid on the surface of the skin and helps to lighten the pitted and puckered areas of skin left from old acne breakouts. You can moisten a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to the skin, paying special attention to the scarred areas. The lemon juice will remove dirt and oils leaving the area tightened and lighter in color.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is often used to smooth stretch marks and reduce scarring from surgical procedures. Vitamin E creams, used regularly, can reduce the appearance of acne scars, but is often expensive. You can cut the cost by simply buying vitamin E capsules and opening them up. Apply the soft interior liquid to the scar several times daily to soften the area.
