Acne can be embarrassing. Even worse, the unsightly scars the common skin condition leaves behind. While most acne scars will fade overtime, the daily remainder may prompt you to speed up the process. Though realistically, results will vary depending on your skin type. There are several natural (and affordable) remedies, products, and treatments that can certainly produce a noticeable difference over time.
Before trying the beauty hacks below, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing your face twice daily with lukewarm water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. My dermatologist recently recommended Cetaphil.
Apple cider vinegar helps manage the pH of your skin, improving its appearance over time and helping to reduce the appearance of red marks and scars. Dilute the vinegar to half its strength with water and apply it to the affected area every day with a cotton ball until the scars begin to fade.
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When used as a exfoliant, baking soda is believed to minimize the appearance of acne scars. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to form a liquid paste. Apply all over your face and use gentle circular motions to rub into the derma, concentrating on the scarred areas. After 2 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
While some skin advocates suggest this formula a last resort, it can also be used as a spot treatment. Apply to desired are and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
RELATED: 8 Beauty Uses For Baking Soda
Given its relatively high level of acid content, together with antioxidant activity, lemon juice has been promoted as a natural way to fade acne scars. Simply combine equal parts lemon juice and water and apply directly to your scars. Let the solution sit for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse.
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According to cure guide, because lemon juice has a pH of 2 and skin’s pH is 4.0-7.0, this method needs to be used sparingly as it can lead to dryness, peeling, or worse, chemical burns.
An Australian study once discovered that this popular oil used to remove and stop the growth of bacteria is just as effective as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Like other antimicrobials, tea tree oil should be daily to prevent infections like acne, clogged pores, and dirt build-up, all which lead to scarring and pitting.
RELATED: Is Tea Tree Oil For You?
Also called the “Burning Mask,” this recipe contains several ingredients that address both blemishes and scars. In fact, sites like Buzzfeed and Babble have been raving over this recipe for several years. When combined with cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice, this mask can be lethal! Try on this recipe for size…
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon raw honey
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
Combine and mix the ingredients until they create a thick paste.
Apply and let sit for 30 minutes (10 minutes for sensitive skin). Be advised, the solution may create a burning sensation for the first 5 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
Keep in mind, these tips are just part of a bigger picture. The path to a healthier, brighter, more even skin tone also involves drinking plenty of water, following a balanced diet, using gentle skincare products, saying NO to picking at your skin and protecting it from the sun.
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