Say goodbye to acne scarring for good by learning the secrets of natural treatments that actually work!
Have you been dealing with stubborn acne scarring? You don't have to live with it forever – in fact, you can learn how to treat acne scars naturally, right here in this blog! We'll explore some of the best natural remedies to get rid of those scars and give your skin some much-needed TLC.
So let's get started!
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Acne scars are common among those with acne breakouts, caused by the fact that inflamed lesions cause collagen breakdown, which can lead to permanent scarring. In addition to the physical effects of scars on the skin, they can also cause emotional stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments and therapies available that can help reduce or eliminate the appearance of acne scars.
Before we get into natural treatments for acne scars, it is important to understand how these marks form in the first place. Acne forms when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells and oil (sebum) produced by skin glands. This clog gives bacteria an ideal environment to thrive in and leads to an infection resulting in inflammation and swelling. If this inflammation goes deeper than just the top layer of the skin, it may damage its structure and cause scarring. This damage consists of two types:
There are two primary types of acne scars—discoloration, and texture changes. Discoloration of the skin is often caused by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is due to the body producing excess melanin in response to inflammation from acne lesions. The result can be a deep red, purple or brown discoloration on the skin that can take months or years to reduce in size and color.
The second type of acne scarring is from the development of permanent dermal depressions or areas with varying degrees of skin laxity commonly known as rolling scars, boxcat scars, and icepick scars. These types of scars are typically caused by severe cases of cystic acne. Other potential causes include burn injuries, chickenpox and other rashes that cause scarring damage to the deeper layers of skin (dermis), creating a loss in collagen and elastin fibres which support our skin structure.
Acne scars can be treated naturally with topical applications such as topical vitamin C (ascorbic Acid), rosehip seed oil, vitalized microdermabrasion treatments or laser resurfacing treatments; however these all should be discussed with your doctor first prior to implementation.
Acne scars can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common Acne Scarring occurs due to prolonged inflammation that causes the surrounding tissue to break down, leading to an indentation or depression in the skin. This type of scarring is usually referred to as “ice pick” scars due to its distinct shape.
Other factors can contribute to acne scars including picking or squeezing existing acne lesions, which can cause further damage and lead to scarring, as well as genetics. Those with darker skin tones are more likely to have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which leads to patchy dark spots even after the blemish has healed; this too is considered a type of acne scarring.
There are many natural treatments available that can help reduce the visibility of acne scars. Starting with the simplest and most accessible option, regular exfoliation has been proven to help reduce the appearance of acne scars over time. Exfoliating can be done at home using products such as gentle scrubs, chemical peels, and cleansing cloths. You can also seek professional exfoliation treatments from licensed medical professionals.
In addition to exfoliating, moisturizing consistently will help keep skin hydrated and minimize scarring. Natural moisturizers such as coconut oil, aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, shea butter, and honey can be effective in helping your skin heal naturally.
Herbal remedies have also been used historically to combat acne scars. Some popular herbs that have been known to promote healing include rose hip seed oil, tea tree oil, lavender essential oil, calendula flowers extract and most importantly turmeric powder paste which helps heal scars from the inside out due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can learn more about these herbal remedies on websites such as WebMD or Healthline or consult a herbalist for more personalized advice on how to use herbs for healing purposes.
Finally some evidence supports the benefits of dietary changes for skin health – especially in terms of reducing inflammation and scarring of the skin due to breakouts. Research has linked diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., found in seafood), probiotics (e.g., found in yogurt) and antioxidants (e.g., found in dark chocolate) to improved skin health outcomes including reduced scarring progression due to inflammatory breakouts like acne.
When it comes to treating acne scars naturally, diet and lifestyle changes should always be the first step. Eating foods that nourish and accelerate cell turnover can help reduce scar tissue. Proteins and omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for maintenance, as well as making sure you’re getting plenty of vitamins A,C,E and Zinc.
In addition to the diet, reducing stress is key for scar treatment. Stress triggers inflammation which over time can exacerbate scarring. Taking some time each day for relaxation and learning calming techniques like meditation or yoga can be very beneficial. Exercising regularly helps flush out toxins from the body which can also aid in reducing scars through regulated hormones. Lastly, drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy skin – staying hydrated helps cells appear brighter and more evenly toned thus reducing visibility of existing scars.
Home remedies for acne scars can be a cost-effective and safe way to reduce the appearance of blemishes, deep pock marks and pitted skin caused by severe acne breakouts. Here are five natural treatments that have proven to be effective in reducing the visibility of acne scars:
While many lightweight home treatments can help improve the texture and appearance of acne scars, severe cases usually require professional medical care. It is important to consult a dermatologist for any permanent scarring or if your acne does not respond to self-care treatment. Generally, a doctor should be consulted if you have the following types:
In addition to these more noticeable physical markers, people may also choose to see a doctor if they experience ongoing emotional distress related to their acne scarring. Seeing a medical professional who specializes in treating acne can help patients identify underlying causes of their condition as well as provide more specific solutions for its elimination or reduction.
One of the best ways to treat and prevent acne scars is to make sure that your skin does not become damaged in the first place. Here are some tips on how to prevent acne scarring:
