How to get rid of acne scars? Do you think it is impossible to get clear skin again? Think again. There are many ways to reduce pimple and acne marks on your skin. Read on to find out 5 home remedies to remove acne scars.
Home remedies
Many home treatments could help reduce acne scars. Choose your pick among the widely-used cures and natural sources.
Salicylic acid
A naturally occurring compound often found in skincare products is salicylic acid. It helps clear dirt, skin cells, and other debris from the skin that leads to acne. Apart from that, the compound helps reduce swelling and redness in the area.
Make sure to test salicylic acid first on a small skin area if you have sensitive skin. The compound may cause dryness and irritation.
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Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) not only get rid of dead skin cells, but it also prevents clogged pores. Some doctors recommend AHAs to treat acne and reduce pimple marks.
A mild form of acid, AHA scrapes away the outer layers of your skin, revealing a fresher and newer skin underneath. By doing so, it may help prevent discoloration caused by scars.
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Retinoids
Authors of a journal review in "Dermatology and Therapy" noted that topical retinoids prevent inflammation, reduce acne lesions, and help with faster cell regeneration. The team also noted that this compound helps lighten dark scars, even for those with darker skin tones. Anyone under this treatment should apply sunscreen as it makes their skin sensitive to the sun.
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Lactic acid
Lactic acid may help reduce acne scars by pulling away dead skin cells. It could act as a gentle peel to smooth the overall texture of your skin. It may also help lighten dark spots but sometimes it may also cause hyperpigmentation.
For this reason, you should test the product first on a small area of your skin before using it as a scar treatment. Lactic acid is found in many products at home. One of them is diluted apple cider vinegar, which makes it a natural and cheap acne cure.
Natural remedies
While there is not enough proof about how natural treatments help clear acne scars, many people still use them. If you plan to use them too, make sure to be cautious as they may cause irritation or other problems.
Traditionally used for acne scars are as follows:
- Aloe vera gel
- Baking soda
- Coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- Shea butter
- Raw honey
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Medical treatments
Many other treatments are available to help get rid of acne scars. Depending on skin type and the extent of scars, a dermatologist may advise varied procedures. Three types of acne scars are atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloid scars. You could opt to undergo chemical peels, dermabrasion, dermal filler, micro-needling, punch excisions, injections, or laser treatment.
