Acne Scar Home Treatments

A bad breakout can result in serious acne scars. Fortunately, some treatments help reduce the appearance of acne scars. Everyday household products, such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and shea butter, can really work wonders in keeping your skin clear after a bad bout of acne.

Understanding the different types of acne scars

Acne scars occur when there's a break in the follicle wall. Severe cases of acne tend to lead to this. And it can result in a few different types of scarring that require medical treatment.

Boxcar scars

Boxcar scars have a distinct U-shape to them with sharp edges. It most often occurs as a result of nodular or cystic acne, which are some of the more severe varieties. For these scars to form, your skin is unable to produce sufficient collagen, which leads to crevices. Boxcar scars can either be shallow or deep, but shallow scars respond better to treatment.

Rolling scars

Regular acne tends to lead to rolling scars. These are wide depressions that have an irregular aesthetic and rounded edges. Popping pimples or having inflammation that goes deep underneath the skin increases your chances of having this kind of scar.

Ice pick scars

Severe acne, such as cystic acne, tends to result in ice pick scars. These are narrow, V-shaped lesions that burrow deep within the skin. It almost looks like a scar from chickenpox. This kind of scar is the most difficult to treat because it extends deep within the skin.

Keloid scars

Keloid scars consist of raised bumps of scar tissue. It occurs when the scar tissue congregates where acne used to be. They are most likely to occur on the shoulders, back, jawline, and chest. Even just regular acne can result in keloid scars, which can grow beyond the initial area of the original acne.

Treat acne scars at home with these 7 remedies

Acne scars are a blemish. There are professional treatments, such as chemical peels and dermabrasion, that can help. But you can do a lot of good on your own by following some of these beneficial home remedies.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera works wonders for limiting the scar tissue area and reducing inflammation. You can buy aloe vera products at drugstores, or you can grow your very own aloe vera plant to enjoy its benefits. You just need to cut into the leaves and use the sticky gel as a rub. Some people have an allergic reaction to aloe vera, so test a very small amount at first to make sure it's right for you.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps neutralize the pH balance of your skin. Through this, it can reduce the appearance and pigmentation of any acne scars. It works as a mild exfoliant to help limit the appearance one layer at a time. You can make a facial mask consisting of 2 teaspoons baking soda with some water to make a paste you can apply to your face.

3. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is one of the best substances you can use for acne scars. It's a natural astringent that helps limit redness and decrease inflammation. It also helps decrease bacterial growth on your skin so that future breakouts are less likely to occur. Use witch hazel as a toner to get rid of pesky bacteria.

4. Honey

Honey has many medicinal properties. It helps immensely for wounds and burns. And in the case of acne, applying it to the area can help heal the site faster, reducing the possibility of scarring. It also helps fend off infections that could potentially lead to more acne breakouts.

5. Lemon

Lemon juice works as a natural bleach to reduce the appearance of scars on the skin. It also helps improve skin elasticity and promotes new cell growth. While it's mostly based on anecdotal evidence, many people swear by it. But you may want to try another treatment just in case it doesn't work for you.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another highly acidic substance that lightens pigmentation. It also removes dead skin cells, repairs cells, and promotes the production of collagen. Dilute some vinegar with water and then dab onto a cotton swab. Gently apply it to the area to benefit. You only want to use a little bit because too much can irritate the skin.

7. Shea Butter

Shea butter has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help limit the development of acne scars. For best results, you want to use raw shea butter that doesn't have any extra chemicals or preservatives in it. You can massage it into your face as a moisturizer to help you recover from acne scars. Leave it on overnight so that it can perform its regenerative effects.

Best prescription-strength options to treat your acne and acne scars

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!