Ever heard of "old wives’ tales"? These are invalidated yet commonly held beliefs passed down through generations. When it comes to the topic of acne, there are many old wives’ tales. One is that chocolate causes acne. Another is that picking or squeezing a pimple is the best way to get rid of it.

Both of these beliefs have no basis in logic, and in the second example, can actually cause harm. We now know that picking or squeezing a pimple can spread infection and can also cause permanent scarring. Also, chocolate and French fries do not contribute to acne –unless the French fries are actually rubbed on the face!

Many adult acne sufferers are looking for holistic ways to heal acne scars. Medical procedures to remove scarring such as laser resurfacing and dermabrasion are expensive and traumatizing to the skin. This article will list some less-invasive home remedies for acne scars and explain how to care for your skin at home.

Common Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Acne scars form due to trauma to the skin either from moderate to severe forms of acne or from picking or squeezing pimples. The most common acne scars are brown or red discolorations left behind after a pimple heals. These spots will often lighten on their own in two to 12 months but can be helped along by skin lightening and scar removal creams made from common household ingredients.

A good way to begin any skin care regimen is with a clean face that has a balanced ph. To obtain a balanced ph, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the skin for 15 minutes several times a week. Once the skin is balanced, topical application of other products can begin. One good scar lightening mixture is a cucumber and tomato mask placed on the face for 20 to 30 minutes.

Another is a mask of lemon juice and plain yogurt. For skin that is not too sensitive, 100 per cent lemon juice can be applied and either left on overnight or left on under makeup in the morning. Lemon juice is thought to remove pigmentation scars twice as fast as any other remedy.

Topical applications of tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin E, vitamin A, and zinc are all excellent home remedies for acne scars. Deeper, pitted scars may require surgical interventions like dermabrasion or collagen implants to fill the scar. However, deep scars can be treated by do-it-yourself kits and creams. A good diet and exercise regimen can also improve the overall appearance of the skin by giving it a healthy glow and releasing toxins.

Water is the best of the home remedies for acne scars since water flushes the system which benefits all parts of the body. The best home remedies for acne scars are prevention and non-invasive treatment. Leaving mild acne pimples alone will allow them to heal without leaving scars. Getting professional treatment for moderate to severe acne such as obtaining prescription medication and topical ointments can also prevent acne scarring. 

Tags: home remedies for acne, acne scars, pimples, aloe vera gel