Acne. Some of our worst enemies and the one thing that everyone will encounter at least once in their lifetime. It’s inevitable, so finding the right cure for it is always at the top of everyone’s list.
Running to the drugstore at every hint of a pimple will certainly run your money dry fast, so check out these natural at-home remedies to clear those dreaded acne scars!
1. Onion Extract
Onion extract has been known to significantly reduce the appearance of scars after only a few weeks of daily use.
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How to apply it: Most whole food stores carry onion extract, but if it isn't readily available, you can make your own. Chop up some raw onions and blend in the blender with a few drops of water until smooth then apply to the face. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Then repeat once a week.
2. Essential Oils
Mixing oils is also a great option. From lavender to tea
tree to carrot seed; the type of essential oil depends on the type of scar you’re dealing with.
How to apply it: Try mixing apricot oil with neroli, rose, and lavender oil (1-2 drops each) for a gentle and aromatic daily moisturizer to help heal your scar. Remember to only use essential oils topically and with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil.
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3. Baking Soda
Baking soda balances your pH and acts as a natural exfoliator. It eliminates dead skin cells and leaves you refreshed without damaging the skin around your acne scars.
How to apply it: Using two parts water and one part baking soda, make a paste and scrub it on the affected area, rinsing thoroughly and gently after a minute.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is hands down the best all-around natural ingredient for everything from cleaning solutions to skin care.
How to apply it: Mix it with honey, apply it to your acne scars and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse. Then repeat up to 3 times a day for best results.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera contains antioxidants to reduce swelling and redness, while its natural astringent removes excess oil and dead cells. Scars heal when there are moisturizing and soothing properties present in your treatment.
How to apply it: Get organic bottled aloe Vera gel or get the natural leaf, cut it in half and scrape the gel off the leaf. Apply gel to the scar and cover it with plastic saran wrap, let it sit for up to an hour then rinse clean. Repeat until you see the scar start to lighten.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can work as long as it’s rich in omega fatty acids to penetrate and moisturize the skin so it can restore your skin’s glow.
How to apply it: Apply the oil to the acne scars, under your eyes, on your lips, and bare brows in the morning to keep your face looking naturally fresh. However, be careful because too much coconut oil might actually cause a breakout if you don't control your usage.
7. Honey
Honey's natural moisturizing effects and stimulation of tissue regeneration make it a popular ingredient to mix into your skincare routine.
In its raw form, honey is amazing, and the darker it is the more medicinal properties it contains.
How to apply it: Mix honey with cinnamon, apply it to your acne scars and leave it on for 10-15 mins then rinse it off. Repeat weekly as this is a great renewal treatment that can help keep skin smooth and clear.
8. Lemon
If you want to lighten your scar, lemon is a great choice. It has alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), meaning it has the healing properties your skin needs.
Known as a natural bleach, this lightener aids in new cell growth and gives your skin its elasticity back.
How to apply it: Start by cutting a lemon in half and rub half over the scar; squeeze the lemon to let it soak the scar for about 15 minutes. Dab with cool water to rinse.
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9. Shea Butter
If you can find unfiltered raw shea butter, use that instead of any refined version. Refined usually means any nutrients have been broken down or destroyed. Store-bought brands usually irritate because they have added fragrance and other additives.
How to apply it: Take a dab of shea butter and apply it daily to see its moisturizing effects brightening your scars.
10. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is great for acne scars specifically because it contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce excess production of melanin, which adds pigmentation to your scar and makes it darker.
This treats discoloration and helps skin glow. It’s also antiseptic so it smooths your skin without irritation.
How to apply it: Just add equal parts of honey and turmeric powder (1 tsp each) and keep it on for about 20 minutes to allow the paste to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and repeat weekly!
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
