Unfortunately, removing the acne scars with non-clinical treatment is virtually impossible. However, there are ways to improve the appearance of acne scars. Not only are these scars frustrating, but they also encourage others to maintain distance.
Let’s go through home remedies, skincare, and clinical treatments that can help to improve the appearance of your acne scars one by one.
Natural Home Remedies to Fade Acne Scars
If acne scars are not overly severe, you can try some home remedies to improve their appearance.
- Honey
The antibacterial and moisturizing properties of honey make it great for your skin. Honey speeds up the healing process. Simply apply some honey to the scar and let it soak in overnight. It will not only improve the appearance of acne scars but will also eliminate bacteria.
- Aloe
Aloe fights against inflammation and soothes skin. When you cut the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant, a sticky liquid appears which you need to directly apply to the scar. Do this twice a day and you may notice the results in just a few days.
- Rosehip Seed Oil
Best known for its anti-aging properties, rosehip seed oil treats pigmentation while minimizing the visibility of acne scars. This oil is popular for reducing wrinkles and regenerating skin. Apply the oil twice a day to your scars and it should do the trick within a week.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps with skin resurfacing by eliminating dead cells, and its antibacterial properties minimize the chances of acne formation in the future. The recipe is simple: take an equal amount of water and apple cider vinegar, stir and then add some honey as the optional add-on. Apply directly to the scar once a day and let it stay there for at least 30 minutes.
- Olive Oil
Thanks to several important vitamins found in this ingredient, olive oil makes your skin glow while helping it stay healthy. Apply olive oil to the scar and massage it gently. Let the oil stay overnight and rinse in the morning.
If these remedies confuse you or you are looking for a more convenient solution then take a look at face masks for acne scars for different skin types, many of which contain these wonder ingredients.
Over the Counter Remedies to Improve the Appearance of Acne Scars
Some skin-friendly acids found in over-the-counter remedies can quickly diminish the appearance of acne scars.
- Salicylic Acid
Most acne skin care products contain salicylic acid, a natural compound that helps skin cells by eliminating dirt and debris. Moreover, this acid reduces redness and swelling which can, in turn, reduce the appearance of scars. If your skin is sensitive, you need to first try a salicylic acid-based product on a small area to see if it irritates your skin or causes drying. If there are no such signs, only then feel free to apply the product to your acne scars.
- Lactic Acid
Lactic acid gently pulls dead cells away. It smooths out skin texture and minimizes the appearance of acne scars. It is more beneficial when it comes to lightening darker scars. But there remains a possibility of hyperpigmentation after applying lactic acid. For this reason, you test it on a small patch of your skin first before applying it more generally.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
These acids protect pores from clogging and force out dead cells. Some dermatologists even recommend AHAs to treat acne and scars. These acids are mild and take off the outer layer of the skin, revealing the fresh skin cells below. This way, darker scars become less prominent.
Medical Treatment to Improve the Appearance of Acne Scars
Depending on your condition and skin type, dermatologists may recommend the following medical treatments to overcome acne scars.
- Dermal Filler
This method features soft tissue fillers to neutralize the damage. Some fillers are collagen-based and require an allergy test before their application. Commonly, fat is removed from elsewhere in the body to make the filler. In addition, commercial fillers, for instance, hyaluronic acid, polymethylmethacrylate, and poly-L-lactic acid can also be used. Dermal fillers are mostly recommended in the case of atrophic scars and the duration of the treatment ranges from six months to 18 months.
- Laser
Laser treatment can resurface damaged skin: this method simply removes the outer layer to let the fresh skin cells reveal themselves. However, the laser is not suitable for all since there are chances of reaction in the case of sensitive skin. The success rate also depends on the skin type.
Apart from the above-mentioned methods to improve the appearance of acne scars, microneedling, injections, and chemical peels can also be used. However, the success rate of these methods is lower whereas the risk of side effects is relatively higher. If acne scars are severe then talk to a dermatologist before treatment, since only a specialist can determine the right treatment after examining your skin type and severity of acne and scars.