How to Get Rid of Those Acne Scars at Home

Acne scars are unsightly and embarrassing.  No matter what your age, acne is an unpleasant skin condition that can pop up out of nowhere or can inhabit your skin on a daily basis. One unfortunate side effect of acne is acne scars. Although, not everyone has noticeable acne scarring, people who are affected with scars are not only physically but also emotionally and mentally affected as well. Acne scars can leave damaging effects on the skin that most people live with for the rest of their lives. Dermatologists tote expensive acne scar treatments that the average person can't afford. However, there are natural acne scar treatments that can greatly reduce the appearance of scars and rejuvenate the skin.

Natural skin treatments are not only easily used, but they are relatively inexpensive with most of the products coming straight from your kitchen.  Not to mention that there are no harsh side affects, or long healing periods and you can use these treatments in the comfort of your own home. Natural acne scar treatments can start to reduce your acne scars within the first week of treatment however; persistence and consistency are key when using natural remedies. Always remember to drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated through the entire treatment.

1. Aloe Vera Gel or Juice- Aloe Vera is known to have healing properties when applied to the skin for burns, cuts, scrapes, and scars. Aloe Vera gel can be extracted directly from the plant leaves or bought in a gel from the store. Either way should be effective in reducing acne scarring. Apply to acne scars and leave on the skin. The skin will absorb the gel within 10-15 minutes. Additionally you can drink aloe juice daily to refresh and cleanse the skin.

2. Oatmeal Cleanser- An oatmeal mask will reduce acne scars as well as eliminate existing acne in the skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of oatmeal.  Apply as a mask to the face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the skin with cool water. Do this daily to get the best reduction in acne scars.

3. Honey- Honey has been used as a healing agent for thousands of years in several different cultures and religious settings. Honey is used to remove odors, relieve swelling, and reduce scarring, as well as treating the common cold and cough. Honey is an antioxidant, which can remove free radicals that can harm the skin. Applying honey to acne-affected areas cannot only reduce scarring but it can kill the bacteria that are causing the acne to occur. After cleaning the skin, apply honey directly on the skin. Leave for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water and pat dry. Honey can also be ingested orally to refresh and rejuvenate the skins appearance.

4. Ice Cubes- Rubbing ice cubes on your skin can reduce acne scars. Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and rub on the affected skin for 10-15 minutes daily. The ice will reduce inflammation and tighten pores to leave the skin smoother.

5. Cucumber Juice- Blend 1 cucumber in a mixer. Sponge the juice on to the face and affected areas. This will tighten pores and reduce acne scars. Rinse off after 15 minutes. Adding a few drops of lemon juice or honey to the mixture to enhance the healing affects.

6. Pineapple- Smash or mix pineapple in a blender. Apply to the face and leave for 15 minutes. The ascorbic acid in pineapple will reduce acne scars and smooth skin. Rinse off with warm water.

7. Olive/Sesame Oil- These oils have healing properties for the skin. Not only will they moisturize and hydrate the skin, they will soften the skin and reduce acne scars. Massage the oils onto the affected areas. Leave on the skin so it can absorb them.

8. Lemon Juice-Lemon juice is another antioxidant that is very effective at reducing the color of and size of acne scars. Lemon juice can be used internally and externally. By drinking lemon juice on a daily basis, our skin will rejuvenate more quickly. Dead skin cells will shed more quickly, allowing new skin cells to grow in their place. The new skin cells will be healthier and have more elasticity because of the healing properties from the lemon juice. Applying lemon juice directly on acne scars can reduce the color because of its bleaching properties. Soak a cotton ball with lemon juice and dab on acne scars. Leave for 15 minutes then rinse. Be wary of going out in the sun after using lemon juice on your skin. It can cause the skin to burn more easily, so apply sunscreen when necessary.

9. Baking Soda Paste- Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply to the face and leave for 60 seconds. Then rinse off the face. This acts as a cheap alternative to microdermabrasion.

10.  Essential Oils- Essential oils have several healing properties that are great for the skin. Essential oils such as rosehips and lavender have anti-aging properties, antibacterial properties and promote healthy skin growth. Not only can they prevent and reduce acne from appearing they can diminish the look of present acne scars. Always dilute essential oils before use to avoid any reaction to sensitive skin. Apply directly to the skin and leave to allow the skin to absorb all the healing properties.

11. Sandalwood and Rosewater Paste- Mix sandalwood and rosewater to make a paste. Apply to acne scars at night. Leave the paste on the skin overnight. Wash off with cold water in the morning.  Do this nightly for the best results.

12. Tomato- Rub 1/2 a tomato on your face or areas affected by acne and acne scars. Tomato is rich in vitamin A and is an antioxidant. Not only will rejuvenate damaged cells but it will decrease the production of acne within your skin cells. Rinse after 15 minutes.

These natural acne scar treatments can be used in conjunction or separately from one another. Remember that results can vary per person and can be seen as quickly as 1 week or sometimes longer up to 1 month. Consistency when using these treatments is important and can determine the effectiveness of the treatment. If one treatment doesn't work for you, try another. Not all treatments will work for every person in the same way.