Dealing with acne scars and surgical scars is no fun. Going to the doctor’s office to get treatment for scars is even less fun! In the midst of our busy schedules, scar treatment may not be a top priority on our to-do list, despite how annoying it may be to see them everyday. Not to mention, getting prescription creams and medicine for scars can end up being very expensive.
Luckily, there are still other solutions for scar reduction and treatment; home remedies. They’re the perfect fix for acne scars because they’re easily accessible, easy to apply, inexpensive, and effective. Here are ten of the most popular home remedies for acne scars and healthier skin:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best natural gifts on earth. It can be used in a multitude of ways for health, cooking, and skin—including scar fading. By applying coconut oil directly to an acne scar or surgical scar daily, the fatty acids within it will prevent and reverse free radical damage to heal and nourish the skin. It’s a wonderful moisturizer for dry skin too.
2. Lemon Juice
Because lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, it works great to reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it directly to the scar is most effective, but drinking it also leads to many dermatological benefits! Be sure not to apply to open wounds though, because it’ll sting.
3. Aloe Vera
Commonly used to treat sunburn, aloe vera’s healing powers are used to soothe inflammation while simultaneously regenerating damaged tissue. Apply the sap from the actual plant, or the gel form, daily and don’t wash it off so it can soak in as deep as possible.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E comes in the form of oils and capsules—either of which work as a go-to scar home remedy. Vitamin E works by stimulating the formation of collagen which is the main tissue in skin. This leads to stronger, smoother skin.
5. Essential Oils (Lavender and Tea Tree Oils)
Both of these oils are used to rejuvenate skin cells and also reduce the appearance of scar tissue. Massage them into the skin for 20-30 minutes then gently rinse the area. If it burns, try diluting it with a base oil or using a smaller amount.
Don’t forget to ask your dermatologist if they know of any acne scars home remedies or other less aggressive over the counter options!
6. Cocoa or Shea Butter
This home remedy is especially popular for reducing stretch marks, but can also be used for other types of scars. It works by soothing, hydrating, and softening the scar tissue so that it can heal better and faster.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to fade the appearance of scars by reducing the pH of the inflamed or damaged area. It can be directly applied to the skin with a cotton ball or it can be diluted (1 part apple cider vinegar, 2 parts water) and used as a face wash! Make sure to apply moisturizer afterwards to keep the skin from drying out.
8. Honey
Applying fresh and natural honey to an acne or surgical scar to nourish the skin, improve blood circulation and keep dead cells from accumulating. Let the honey dry, then wash or rinse the skin gently with cold water.
9. Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
To make a paste that speeds up the scar healing process and smooths skin, mix 1 part baking soda and 3 parts hydrogen peroxide. Apply directly and then rinse. Moisturize after this as well to prevent drying out your skin.
10. A Balanced Diet
One of the most important home remedies to help improve the overall quality of your skin is to eat healthy. The more fruits and veggies in your system, the more benefits you will see. Another huge tip for better skin and fewer scars: water, water, water! Stay hydrated internally so that your skin can be hydrated externally.
The key to these home scar remedies is to be patient. The more they’re applied, the better the results will be, but they usually take a few weeks to really show their power! Pick a few of these and try them out!
Written by: Jordan Rawlinson
