Acne breakouts are annoying, but the dark marks and scars accompanying them can take a toll on your self-esteem. Luckily, several natural methods can lighten acne marks and scars.
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is a common ingredient in many skin care products that can fade hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Try applying a glycolic acid peel or using a product that contains it.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a powerful skin treatment as the secret to smoothing acne marks and scars. It contains fatty acids that can moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation caused by faults. It also has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
This oil also effectively reduces the appearance of stretch marks caused by rapid weight gain or pregnancy. To use it, heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil until it is liquefied, and then massage the oil into the affected area. Repeat this process two to four times per day to see results.
You can also add helichrysum essential oil to this mixture, as it has antibacterial properties that can help fade scars and other dark spots on the skin. It can also improve the condition of your cuticles and reduce hangnails. However, be careful when using this remedy if you have oily skin, as it can cause breakouts. If you’re concerned, consult your dermatologist before trying this home remedy. They may recommend other products or treatments for your skin type. Also, if you’re allergic to coconut oil, avoid it.
Baking Soda
The white powder known as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works as a mild exfoliant to fade acne marks and scars. It also soothes inflammation and has antiseptic properties.
It has long been a folk remedy to treat acne, but dermatologists don’t recommend it because it can disrupt the skin’s pH. The average natural skin pH is between 4.5 and 5.5, which means it is acidic. Baking soda has a pH of 9, meaning it is alkaline. An alkaline product on the skin strips it of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to bacteria and harsh UV rays.
Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, and apply it as a face mask, concentrating on scars and pigmentation. Then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. It’s recommended to do this three times a week. Alternatively, you can add it to your daily cleanser. Add a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to your regular cleaner and massage it gently into the skin. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse it and follow with a moisturizer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural remedy to help fade acne marks and scars. It acts as a natural exfoliant and has antibacterial properties that kill bacteria that cause acne. It also has keratolytic properties, which help remove dead skin cells and prevent them from building up in the pores.
It is best to dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it on the face or scars as its acidic nature can damage the skin barrier if undiluted. Generally, it is recommended to mix one part of ACV with two to three pieces of water for people with sensitive skin.
Always opt for organic apple cider vinegar containing a muddy, grainy brown sediment called the “mother,” with healthy bacteria and enzymes. It is also rich in skin-nourishing nutrients, including alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C. Try using it with manuka honey for dark marks and pigmentation, which has excellent healing properties. Apply the mixture to your skin twice a week for effective results. You can add it to a face mask to make it more soothing.
Honey
Honey is a popular kitchen staple that can also be used to treat skin. It can help to heal blemishes, reduce scarring, and even lighten dark spots. It is essential to use raw honey, as processed honey loses its antibacterial properties.
According to the Beauty Brains website, a website run by cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller and his partner, there is some legitimate evidence that honey does have antibacterial properties. However, they did not find any studies that indicate love kills the specific bacteria that cause acne (Propionibacterium acnes).
In addition to having antibacterial properties, honey is known to be a natural hydrator and can soothe inflamed blemishes. This is particularly true for a type of honey called Manuka, which has been shown to have unique antibacterial properties due to its high levels of MGO.
A simple mask can be made by mixing equal parts of raw honey and baking soda with fresh lemon juice and applying it to the face. This mixture is reported to lighten the look of acne scars over time.
Lemon
Many skincare influencers claim that rubbing lemon on dark spots and scars is an effective way to lighten them. However, if your skin is sensitive to lemon juice, it could irritate the marks and make them darker.
Lemons are natural astringents that help control oiliness, leading to acne breakouts. They also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that brightens the skin and fights signs of aging.
You can use lemon juice to fade acne marks and scars by rubbing it directly on the affected area with a cotton swab. You can also find face masks and other skincare products with lemon juice or peel to achieve the same effect.
Another good use of lemon is to treat hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure or medications. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, which gives our skin (and hair and eye irises) its color. Little scientific evidence supports this claim, but it is worth trying for some people. If your hyperpigmentation doesn’t disappear, ask your dermatologist about other treatment options like chemical peels or dermabrasion.
