Home Remedies for Acne Scars

Updated on: 24th February, 2022

Acne woes are experienced by individuals of all ages. They occur when your skin’s pores get clogged up by dirt, oil, or dead skin cells, which result in the accumulation of bacteria in the area. These bacteria are responsible for the swelling and redness that occurs around the acne-hit areas of the skin. In most cases, acne is extremely painful and leaves behind some permanent scars on the skin.

Though most teenagers are prone to having acne breakouts during puberty, they are becoming increasingly common in adults. The severity of acne can vary from one individual to the other based on the underlying reason for the acne. One might think that acne is purely a surface-level issue of the human body, caused by external factors. This might be true in some cases, while in most cases, acne breakouts are the result of an underlying hormonal disbalance inside the body.

Some of the common triggers for acne breakouts are:

1. Hormonal changes
2. Certain forms of medication
3. Carbohydrate-heavy diet

Acne breakouts occur when:

1. There is excess oil secretion by the body. 
2. Pores of the skin are clogged by oil and/or dead skin cells.
3. Bacterial infection.
4. Inflammation. 

You will notice that acne breakouts are usually seen around specific parts of the body. These include the face, neck, forehead, shoulders, chest, and upper back. These breakouts are noticed in these specific areas because a large number of oil-secreting glands are present in these areas. These glands are directly connected to the skin’s pores and hair follicles. 

Depending on the level of severity, acne breakouts can occur in the form of:

1. Whiteheads
2. Blackheads
3. Pimples
4. Nodules
5. Cystic acne

When your body realises that acne is forming on the skin, it tries to repair the affected area in its own unique manner. This repair work often leaves behind a scar that is different for everybody, depending on how the body responds to such a wound.

Like in the case of any regular wound, in acne too, there is a formation of collagen that takes place as part of the repairing process. When an excess amount of collagen is produced, the area becomes slightly raised and more prominent. Otherwise, you will find slight depressions on the skin’s affected area, caused by the loss of tissues in that area.

Acne scars can increase when you try to force-squeeze the pimple or pustule. In some cases, when the infection runs deep, there could be resultant bleeding as well. Some scars are also formed as a result of skin conditions like keloids and burns.

Acne scars can be broadly classified as atrophic scars and hypertrophic scars.

Atrophic or depressed scars are those where the acne leaves the skin indented because of irreparable damage caused to the skin’s underlying collagen and fat layers. These scars occur in severe acne cases, chickenpox, or when you get a mole removed from the skin.

These types of scars usually occur in areas where your skin is slightly thinner, like the upper cheeks and forehead. The ice-pick scars derive their name from the ice-pick tool, which is a tool that is wide at the top and narrows down towards the tip. In the case of the scars too, the hole near the skin is wide and narrows down as you go deeper. Such scars are the most challenging to heal.

These scars are found mainly in areas where your skin is slightly thicker, like the lower cheeks and jaw. The scars make your skin look uneven and wavy, where the depressions have sloping edges.

In such types of scars, the depressions are round and deep, like craters on the skin. They are mostly found around the lower cheeks and jaw regions.

Occur when the skin has suffered from a recent injury, and there is an excess of tissue or collagen generation. This causes the skin to form small protruding lumps of the excess tissues. In severe cases, scars may be much bigger and raised to become keloids. Keloids are more severe forms of these scars as they can potentially grow larger than the original wound. 

Such scars are usually found on the chest, back and shoulders, and jawline. They can be itchy, soft, or painful.

Several non-invasive remedies could help treat your acne scars sitting in the comfort of your home.

Silicone is one of the most effective and widely proven home remedies for the effective treatment of acne scars. Silicone products are easily available in most pharmacies and can be bought without a prescription. For effective treatment, you must apply the ointment or gel at least twice a day. Silicone products are painless and can be applied directly over the wound or scar.

Onion extracts are known to have several positive effects on the hair and skin. Even in the cases of acne scars, you will find them immensely effective and useful.

It is advisable to apply onion extract once every day. You will notice a considerable improvement in the redness, softness, smoothness, and overall appearance of the scar within 4 weeks.

Another naturally-found ingredient that can help in significantly diminishing your acne scars is honey. Apply it every day or every alternate day, directly on the scar’s spot as a paste. Leave it on for a minimum of 8-10 minutes before you wash it off.

You can use other naturally occurring ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera gel, and lemon juice in a similar fashion to treat your acne scars at home. These are harmless and effective, leaving your skin more nourished, softer, and healthier in no time.

Bio-oil is another very effective treatment for all types of scars available in most cosmetic or beauty supply stores.

An important point to note is that Bio-oil must be applied on the scar only once the underlying skin has fully healed. You cannot apply it on any open wounds.

When the scarring caused by acne is darker due to hyperpigmentation, rosehip oil can help reduce the colour. Cold-pressed rosehip oil can be applied directly to the acne scar. Vitamin A and linoleic acid content present help reduce pigmentation significantly.

Apply the oil directly over the scar, once every day. Within 6-8 weeks, you will start noticing improvements in the scar.

There are several natural and chemical-based treatments that you can use to get rid of your acne scars. However, before getting started with any such treatments, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist.

As you can see, in some cases, acne breakouts can be extremely severe and need professional medical attention to be treated. Therefore, with any sort of medication, natural or chemical, it is advisable to consult a professional before starting the course.

Our team of skin-health experts equipped with world-class tools and devices can help you with the right diagnosis and treatment of your skin problems. Through new-age technology and expertise, we delve into a thorough understanding of problem areas and recommend the necessary treatments accordingly.

If your breakouts and scars are getting worse, and none of the home remedies is working on your skin, book a consultation with us right away. Clear Skin is the preferred choice for those suffering from any skin issues in India.