Acne is a common issue for about 90% of teenagers, and severe cases can lead to lasting scars, causing emotional distress, especially in young people. While it’s normal for scars to form, they can impact self-esteem.
This article discusses home remedies to lighten acne scars and pimple marks, but they may not work for everyone. It’s essential to consult a skincare expert before trying these options.
Acne Scars Vs. Pimple Marks
Acne scars are usually dented and don’t fully go away. Pimple marks are small, flat, dark spots that can fade on their own in a few weeks. Picking at pimples might make marks, but it doesn’t cause lasting harm. Acne scars take a long time to fade and are harder to get rid of completely. So, pimple marks go away faster and are less troublesome than acne scars.
Home Remedies That May Help Lighten Acne Scars And Pimple Marks
Orange Peel Powder
A study in Japan looked at how orange peel extracts affect melanogenesis, a process that forms melanin. The study found that the extract could help reduce melanogenesis. This suggests that using orange peel may help get rid of acne spots and blemishes.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon orange peel powder
What You Have To Do
- Mix both the honey and orange peel powder to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the areas with acne and pimple scars.
- Wash it off after it dries.
Coconut Oil
Research exploring the benefits of plant oils on the skin indicates that coconut oil has antibacterial properties that could potentially reduce acne.
You Will Need
1 teaspoon of coconut oil (VCO)
What You Have To Do
- Warm the virgin coconut oil by rubbing it between your palms.
- Dab it on the acne scars and leave it on until the next morning.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen acne lesions and scaling. These properties may also help prevent pimples. However, there’s no proof that it lightens acne scars or pimple marks. Since topical tea tree oil is generally safe, you can give this remedy a try.
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil
- A carrier oil (sweet almond oil or jojoba oil)
What You Have To Do
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
- Apply this mixture to the scars.
- Leave it on for an hour before washing it off.
Aloe Vera Gel
A combination of aloe vera, tea tree oil, and propolis has been discovered to decrease acne scars and pimple marks. Aloe vera is effective in reducing acne scars by minimizing hyperpigmentation and acting as an immune booster and anti-inflammatory agent.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
- Extract a tablespoon of gel from aloe vera leaves.
- Apply it to the scars and blemishes.
- Leave it on overnight.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, containing vitamin C with anti-pigmentary properties, may help fade acne scars, blemishes, and pimple marks over time.
You Will Need
- ½ lemon
- Cotton pad
What You Have To Do
- Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon and dab a cotton pad into the juice.
- Apply it to the affected areas.
- Rinse it off thoroughly after 10 minutes.
Green Tea
To naturally remove pimple scars, green tea is a great solution. It contains polyphenols with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the prevention and treatment of acne. Green tea’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also contribute to reducing scars and pimple marks.
You Will Need
- 1 green tea bag
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Make a face pack by mixing moist green tea leaves with honey.
- Apply the pack all over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off thoroughly with plain water.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a widely used spice for skin remedies, has shown improvement in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and alopecia through topical application in studies. With curcumin as an effective skin-lightening agent, turmeric may help fade acne scars and pimple marks. However, current studies are limited, and further research is essential for a better understanding of how it can reduce acne scars and pimple marks.
You Will Need
- A teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 lemon
What You Have To Do
- Squeeze out the lemon juice in a bowl and mix it with turmeric powder.
- Gently apply this mixture to your face and other affected areas.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off.
Potato Juice
According to a study in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, potatoes contain potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chloride, which are beneficial for treating acne blemishes and pimple spots. Potatoes also have azelaic acid, which may reduce hyperpigmentation from mild to moderate acne and breakouts. The brightening enzyme catecholase in potatoes makes them act like a natural acne scar serum.
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons potato juice
What You Have To Do
- Crush a raw potato to extract its juice.
- Soak a cotton ball with this juice and apply it to the areas with acne scars.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off.
Cocoa
Cocoa butter, rich in polyphenols and essential minerals, is well-suited for treating skin problems. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cocoa butter can reduce acne and support the repair of skin tissues. This makes it potentially helpful in lightening acne scars.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
What You Have To Do
- Take a tablespoon of cocoa butter and warm it by rubbing it between your palms.
- Apply it to the scars and leave it on overnight.
- Wash it off with a mild cleanser the next morning.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a common ingredient in many acne cosmeceuticals. It contains salicylic acid, which could potentially help reduce the number of acne spots.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel bark
- 1 cup water
What You Have To Do
- Soak the witch hazel bark in water for 30 minutes
- Boil the mixture.
- Reduce it to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down for an additional 10 minutes.
- Strain and store the liquid in a container.
- Apply the liquid to the affected areas using a cotton pad.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can kill bacteria and may help control acne, but there’s not enough scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness in clearing acne scars and pimple marks. Some studies suggest it might work better than benzoyl peroxide for discoloration, but there are also concerns about potential harm. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying it on your skin.
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Mix the baking soda in water until you have a paste.
- Apply the paste to the scars and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off thoroughly with a mild cleanser.
Conclusion
In summary, home remedies like tea tree oil, aloe vera, lemon juice, and others are thought to help lighten acne scars. However, their effectiveness can vary, and it’s important to be cautious. Not all remedies work for everyone, and it’s advisable to consult with a skincare expert before trying them to ensure safety and effectiveness.
