Who gets acne scars?
Acne is a common issue faced by both men and women and there are home remedies for acne scars. Almost everyone who has had acne at some point in their lives knows how difficult it can be to cope with it since even after a pimple has dried up, you still have to deal with acne scarring, which may take months to years to heal depending on its severity. You may have spent a fortune on acne treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and not noticed any actual progress for a long time. So, if it feels like you have tried everything and nothing works, here are five natural home remedies for acne scars.
Looking to know more about what acne treatments are available? Check out our guide to NHS acne prescribing guidelines.
Why do acne scars happen?
Scarring can result from inflamed and irritated skin. Scarring is more likely to occur if your acne is inflamed for a long time. If you treat your acne while it’s still in this stage, you’ll be able to avoid significant scarring. Furthermore, acne scars can be caused by inflamed acne, a lack of therapy, sensitivity from picking at the acne, or your genetics. Whether you’re in an at-risk group, the best way to avoid scarring is to get effective acne treatment such as Acnecide or explore natural home remedies for acne scars. [1]
How to prevent acne scarring?
To understand how to prevent acne scars, we must first understand why acne occurs in the first place. Acne occurs when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Each pore is linked to a sebaceous gland, which secretes sebum, an oily material. Extra sebum can clog pores, allowing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, to thrive. P. acnes is attacked by your white blood cells, resulting in skin irritation and acne. Acne can be caused by various reasons, including diet, stress, genetics, hormonal changes, and infections. To prevent acne scarring, you need to get to the core of what’s causing your breakouts.
The most effective acne treatment is standard clinical treatment. You can also try out home remedies for acne scars. However, further research into their efficacy is required. Below are five acne scar home remedies you can try out. Stay updated on the latest NHS acne prescribing guidelines here. [2]
5 home remedies to help reduce scarring
Aloe vera mask
According to a study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, aloe vera applied directly to wounds reduced inflammation and scar tissue size. Aloe vera gels and creams are readily available, but you can invest in an aloe vera plant and cut the leaves in half to get the gel in its most organic form and apply that to your face for the best results.
Lemon juice mask
There is no substantial study to support the claim that lemon juice can help you get rid of acne scars. However, many people claim that putting lemon juice on acne scars works wonders. Its proponents claim that it helps eliminate discolouration and even out skin tone. Because lemon juice is highly acidic, only a few drops should be applied directly to scars. If you have sensitive skin, you can also mix lemon juice with honey to make a less acidic version of the mask. [3]
Honey and Cinnamon face mask
Throughout centuries, honey has been used to treat various ailments, including burns, wounds, and herpes. Furthermore, a study discovered honey and cinnamon bark extract to have antibacterial activities against P. acnes. Additionally, honey and cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities may help with acne; however, additional research is required. To make a honey and cinnamon face mask, you must mix two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon to form a paste. After cleansing, apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash it off.
Use witch hazel as a toner
There appears to be little study on witch hazel’s effectiveness to cure acne specifically. However, according to a study published in 2019, witch hazel may help fight bacteria and minimize skin irritation and inflammation, both of which can lead to acne.
Use green tea on your skin
Green tea has polyphenols in it, which according to a 2017 study, help combat germs and reduce inflammation, which is two of the leading causes of acne. Furthermore, a study published in 2020 discovered that using green tea extract on the skin lowers sebum production and pimples in acne sufferers. [2]
Remember to be cautious when using ‘natural’ or home remedies, as often there is not enough scientific research to provide any substantial evidence of effectiveness. When in doubt always consult your pharmacist or GP. Find out more about acne, scarring, and home remedies to treat acne here.
Are there any acne treatments available online?
Lifestyle adjustments and home remedies for acne scars may temporarily decrease scars, but they won’t permanently eliminate them or make them less visible. We must rely on approved prescription drugs for proper, medically proven acne treatment. At e-Surgery online, you may get a wide choice of economical acne treatment options, including:
Lymecycline Capsules
The antibiotic Lymecycline treats acne by clearing the infection and reducing the growth of whiteheads and blackheads and irritation. Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and headaches are some of the possible side effects of Lymecycline. Find out more information on Lymecycline capsules here.
Treclin Gel
Treclin Gel is a topical therapy for acne that ranges from moderate to severe. Clindamycin and the retinoid Tretinoin are combined in this medication. Treclin gel can cause side effects such as acne, dry skin, redness, increased skin oil production, skin sensitivity to light, itching, rash, scaling of the skin, sunburn, irritated skin, and redness of the skin.
Differin Gel
Differin is a topical medication for acne that is mild to moderate. It belongs to the retinoid class of drugs. Dry, itchy, burning, or red, inflamed skin is the most prevalent Differin side effect.
Acnecide Gel
Acnecide is a topical treatment for acne that efficiently treats your spots by destroying the bacteria that cause acne. It contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is the active component. Dry, peeling, red, burning, itchy, painful, and irritated skin are some of the Acnecide side effects. Remember that before starting a new medicine, seek medical advice to see if there are any drug interactions.
Sources
- Natural Remedies for Acne Scars | Medicinenet
- 14 Powerful Home Remedies for Acne | Healthline
- 5 Natural Products to Help Acne Scars | Healthline
Further Reading
- How to get rid of acne scars: Treatments and home remedies | Medical News Today
- 5 Natural Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars | Healthline
- How to get rid of acne scars fast with these top home remedies | Mirror