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Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Reshma Jirage
Post-acne scarring can be a very distressing problem for a young person. Here are some excellent home remedies for acne scars. With a little patience and regular application of these remedies, these marks will be a thing of the past.
Acne scars are the marks that are left after the acne has dried. This condition is caused by overstimulated sebaceous glands which produce excess sebum, which can cause the clogging of the skin pores.
Bacteria namely Propionibacterium acnes can also cause this skin condition. Other factors that are responsible are heredity, consumption of junk foods and fast foods, poor hygiene, stress, and excess use of cosmetics. Some common areas for acne are the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders.
There are different types of acne scars such as ice-pink, hypertrophic, and atrophic scars. Some of them are mild and can be easily treated, while some become permanent and are difficult to remove.
There are various treatment options, including topical medications, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, punch excision, and grafting, chemical peels and fillers; however, the scars can also be treated with some home remedies.
Natural treatment is one of the safest and effective methods to remove such scars. These include certain dietary changes, maintaining hygienic habits, and use of home remedies.

Dietary Changes

A healthy and nutritious diet helps to cure acne scars rapidly. Your diet should include high amounts of proteins, as they help to rebuild skin cells and reduce these scars naturally.
You should have an ample amount of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce, which provide all the essential nutrients required for natural skin care. Fibrous vegetables improve digestion and ensure proper bowel clearance, and thus help prevent acne.
Vegetables and fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins, that help repair broken tissues and remove blemishes.
Regular intake of vitamin A helps to maintain proper hormonal balance. Hence, your diet should include tomatoes, carrots, spinach, yams, and parsley, which are the rich sources of vitamin A. Foods that contain vitamin B, vitamin E, chromium, and zinc are also useful for this purpose.
Water is considered as the best natural treatment for acne scars. Water helps to remove the dead skin cells and helps the new skin to grow. It keeps the skin hydrated. Therefore, it is beneficial to drink an adequate amount of water everyday.
Excess intake of white flour, sugar, milk, and processed foods should be avoided in order to reduce acne. Avoid consumption of iodine-rich foods including iodized salt, cheese, liver, kelp products, crabs, and other shellfish.
Foods that contain trans-fatty acids such as milk products, margarine, cookies, chocolates, and hydrogenated oils should also be avoided.

Maintaining Hygiene

Poor hygiene is one of the common causes of acne. Hence, it is very important to keep the skin clean and bacteria-free. Wash your skin using an antibacterial soap or a cleanser that contains salicylic acid twice a day. Salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant and helps to remove dead skin cells.
You can also use some topical cleansing agents that contain benzoyl peroxide. As steam helps to open up the skin pores, taking a steam shower can help reduce acne rapidly. Avoid touching the affected areas, as this can cause the infection to spread.
Keep your bed linens clean, because dirt, cosmetics, and oil on the linen can clog the skin pores. Use of greasy cosmetics and creams block the pores, hence it is better if you avoid using them.

Homemade Cures
Home remedies include the use of some easily available ingredients. Following is the list of some therapies that can effectively reduce acne scars, with regular use over time.

Lime juice

Lime juice is a citric acid, which helps to remove the dead skin cells and promotes the growth of new ones. Apply lime juice directly on the marks with the help of a cotton ball. It lightens and improves the appearance of dark scars.

Sandalwood and rosewater paste

This is a very effective remedy for acne scars. Sandalwood has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. Prepare a thick paste of sandalwood and rosewater and directly apply on the scarred area. Leave it on for about an hour, before washing off with water.

Tomato mask

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, which prevents excess production of sebum that causes acne. Tomatoes also have antioxidant properties, which help to improve the damaged skin. Cut thin slices of a tomato and place them over your face like a mask. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with water.

Cucumber and tomato mask

This face mask is another popular remedy. Prepare a paste of cucumber and tomato and apply it evenly over the face. This remedy helps tighten the skin pores and minimizes the visibility of the scars.

Honey

Application of honey as a face mask or oral intake of honey are other effective treatments. Honey is a natural moisturizer, which helps to remove the marks and gives a natural glow to the skin. It keeps the skin smooth and hydrated.

Ice

Rub ice cubes over the face for about 10-15 minutes. Ice will help to tighten the skin pores and reduce the scarring.
Home remedies combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and hygienic habits can help to remove acne scars and keep your skin healthy and problem-free.