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Acne can be a painful and embarrassing skin condition, and the scars it leaves behind are an unwelcome reminder of that. A dermatologist can help remove raised or pitted scars. While hyper-pigmented blemishes may fade after several months, you can help speed up the process. Realistically, you will not be able to make acne scars disappear in a single night, but the remedies, products, treatments, and skincare tips outlined below will certainly produce a noticeable difference over time. You just need to find the right method for your individual skin type.
Steps
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Identify what type of scar you have. If your scars are depressed or pitted, you may need a dermatologist's help removing them. Different types of scars respond well to different types of treatment. [1] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
- Rolling scars are sloped and may give your skin a wavy appearance.
- Boxcar scars are broad with well-defined ridges.
- Icepick scars are small, narrow, and deep.
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Get laser treatment for mild scarring. Mild or moderate scarring can be smoothed out using lasers. Ablative lasers vaporize the scar so new skin can form in its place. Non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen production to repair the skin around the scar. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- This treatment works best with rolling and shallow boxcar scars.
- Book an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your options and talk about the potential risks and side effects.
- Opt for ablative laser treatment if you have deep scars or non-ablative laser treatments if your scars are on the surface.
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Ask your dermatologist for punch excision for boxcar and icepick scars. If you have icepick or boxcar scars, your dermatologist may be able to remove them by using punch techniques. They will cut out the area around the scar and then allow it to heal into smooth skin. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Consider getting fillers for your scars. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Acne scars can leave permanent indentations in your skin, which are impossible to reverse. Filler injections can temporarily fill these indentations to help even out the skin's surface but need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months.
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Cover raised scars with silicone. Silicone sheets or gels can help reduce raised scars. Apply the silicone to the scar every night. Wash it off in the morning with a gentle cleanser. Over several weeks, the skin will likely become more even. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Start with a cortisone cream. Cortisone creams help reduce inflammation of the skin and promote healing. Talk to your doctor to determine which cortisone cream is right for you. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Cortisone creams are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Only apply the cream to the affected skin, and make sure to read the instructions before use.
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Use glycolic or salicylic acid treatments to fade pigmentation. Glycolic and salicylic acids are found in many skincare products (such as creams, scrubs, and ointments) as they are effective exfoliants that help the skin to shed layers, bringing hyperpigmented skin to the surface before helping it fade. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Use retinol skin products to minimize scarring. Retinol is a vitamin A derivatives used in many skin care products that treat fine lines and wrinkles, skin discoloration, and acne. Retinol boosts collagen production and speed up cell turnover, making them a great choice for targeting acne scars. These creams can be a little pricey, but dermatologists highly recommend them for their fast, effective results. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- You can purchase some retinol creams over the counter, such as those produced by major skincare brands; however, stronger creams are available by prescription from your dermatologist.
- The ingredients in retinol creams are sensitive to UVA rays in sunlight, so these creams should only be applied at night.
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Think about microdermabrasion and glycol chemical peels. A chemical peel involves applying a concentrated acidic solution to the skin. It will burn away the top layers of skin, leaving fresh, new layers of skin underneath. Microdermabrasion produces similar results but works by exfoliating the skin using a rotating wire brush. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- These treatments will not fade your acne scars overnight, as they can be quite harsh; however, they are worth considering if creams and lotions aren't working or you're concerned about evening out your skin tone.
- Talk to your dermatologist about booking an appointment to receive one of these treatments.
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Apply fresh lemon juice to lighten acne scars. Lemon juice has natural skin-bleaching properties and might help reduce your acne scars. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Simply combine equal parts lemon juice and water and apply directly onto your scars, avoiding the surrounding skin. Wash off the lemon juice after 15 minutes.
- Moisturize immediately after washing off the juice, as the citric acid in the lemon can be very drying on the skin. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Since lemon juice has a pH of 2 and the skin's pH is 4.0-7.0, this method must be used carefully. If left on too long or not diluted enough, lemon just can lead to significant chemical burns.
- Citrus juices also contain a chemical called Bergapten, which binds to DNA and allows UV radiation to damage skin more easily, so watch your exposure to the sun if you have any citrus juice on your skin.
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Use honey to reduce inflammation. Honey is a great natural solution for clearing up pimples and reducing the red marks they leave behind. This is because honey contains antibacterial properties and helps to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Raw or manuka honey is the most effective. It can be dabbed directly onto the scarred area using a Q-tip. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Honey is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as honey is non-irritating and will moisturize your skin instead of drying it out, unlike other treatments.
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Experiment with aloe vera. The sap of the aloe vera plant is a soothing natural substance that can relieve many ailments, from burns to wounds to acne scars. Aloe vera helps to rejuvenate and moisturize the skin, encouraging acne scars to fade. This gel-like substance can be applied directly to your scars, and there is no need to wash it off. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Instead of using a regular moisturizer, mix some of your favorite facial cream with some aloe vera gel.
- It’s possible to buy aloe vera products in the drugstore, but the best thing to do is buy an aloe vera plant and use the sap from a broken leaf.
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Use an ice cube to minimize swelling. Ice is an extremely simple home remedy that can help to fade acne scars by soothing the inflamed skin and reducing redness. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or piece of paper towel and hold it against the scarred skin for at least 10 minutes. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Make sandalwood paste to help fade scars. Sandalwood is known for its skin-healing properties and is easy to prepare at home. [15] X Research source Mix 1 tablespoon (0.062 c) of pure sandalwood powder with a few drops of rosewater or milk to form a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this process daily until your scars have vanished.
- Alternatively, you can mix the sandalwood powder with a little honey and use this as a spot treatment on individual scars.
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Try apple cider vinegar to balance your skin. 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 daily with a cotton ball until the scars fade. [16] X Research source
- Apple cider vinegar can also be an effective way to kill bacteria, which may help reduce acne. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Protect your skin from the sun. Ultraviolet rays from the sun stimulate pigment-producing skin cells, which can worsen the appearance of acne scars. If you spend time in the sun, protect your skin by applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and keeping to the shade as much as possible. [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
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Use gentle skincare products. A lot of the time, people are so desperate to get rid of acne scars and skin discolorations that they will use all manner of abrasive products and methods which can irritate the skin and make the situation worse. Try to listen to your skin—if it's reacting badly to a particular product, stop using it immediately. Stick to gentle facial cleansers, make-up removers, moisturizers, and scrubs that soothe your skin rather than inflame it. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- A big mistake people make is applying moisturizers to dry skin. Apply your moisturizer to wet or damp skin to guarantee that the product works its way into your pores.
- Avoid using very hot water when washing your face. Hot water can be very drying to the skin, so turn the temperature down a few notches.
- Stay away from rough facecloths, sponges, and loofahs, as these can irritate your skin.
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Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin, revealing the fresh, soft new skin underneath. As acne scarring usually only affects the top layers of skin, exfoliating can speed up the fading process. Exfoliate using a specific facial scrub designed for sensitive skin, or gentle rub your face with a washcloth and gentle soap. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If your skin is very dry, exfoliate less often to avoid irritation.
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Avoid picking at spots and scars. Though it may be tempting, picking at your scars disturbs how your skin naturally heals and can worsen its appearance. Picking at existing pimples can cause your skin to scar in the first place, as bacteria from your hands may be transferred onto your face, causing it to become inflamed and infected. Therefore, picking should be avoided at all costs. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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Drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet. Although eating healthily and staying hydrated doesn't magically make acne scars disappear, it will allow your body to perform at its best and help the skin heal. Water will flush toxins from the body and keep skin plump and firm, so stay hydrated. [22] X Research source Vitamins such as A, C, and E will also help to feed the skin and keep it hydrated.
- Vitamin A is found in vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots; vitamins C and E are found in oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
- Avoid greasy, fatty, and starchy foods as much as possible, as they will not do your skin any favors. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat diet should be followed for lightening of acne scars?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.If you decrease overall inflammation in your body, you will decrease the inflammation in post pimple regions. Therefore, incorporate the anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits such as: drink plenty of water (10-12 cups a day), completely eliminate sugar and processed foods, stabilize your blood sugar with anti-inflammatory/low glycemic index diet, manage stress, meditate, do yoga, take supplements such as fish oil, zinc, vit C and B complex.
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QuestionWhat is the best time of the day to wash my face with acne treatment products?Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.Wash your face with acne products in the morning and at night. Use sun protection during the day as acne formulations make your skin more prone to sunburn, redness and irritation. Use oil-free moisturizer at night if you have excessive drying due to use of anti-acne products.
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Tips
- The sooner you treat the scar, the more effective the treatment will be.Thanks
- The most effective method for healing acne scars is patience; scars will eventually fade completely after several months as new collagen fills the injured area of skin.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you wear makeup, try washing your face twice before going to bed to prevent more breakouts and scarring. Oftentimes, washing your makeup off once isn't enough, and there will still be residue on your face that can cause more acne.
- I've found that aloe vera gel works tremendously. Apply a pea size amount on the tip of your finger and place it on the scar after washing your face. I did this every night for two weeks and saw a massive improvement.
- Even though it's tempting, try not to pop pimples! This causes more scarring than simply letting a breakout run its course. Try your best to let the pimple go away on its own.
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References
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-scarring/
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Acne/Pages/complications.aspx
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/complications/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28397293/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/treatment/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/topical-steroids/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32250551/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22905-acne-papules
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22905-acne-papules
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22905-acne-papules
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-aloe/art-20362267
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22905-acne-papules
- ↑ https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/523182
- ↑ https://www.dermatologynwhouston.com/5-natural-ingredients-that-may-help-calm-acne/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22905-acne-papules
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/self-care
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/self-care
- ↑ https://www.adventhealth.com/blog/how-drinking-water-helps-acne
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "I have suffered form mild to sever acne since I was 12, with it flaring up and settling down and repeating constantly. I am now 16. I have tried many natural and modified products, ointments, oils, creams, tablets and nothing has worked. I even did a phase were i just didn't touch them. Having acne is a huge down grade when it come to self-confidence, social iteration and mentality. I've wanted these scars, lumps and white heads off my face for ages. Laser and peeling treatments sound good atm." ..." more
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"I have suffered form mild to sever acne since I was 12, with it flaring up and settling down and repeating constantly. I am now 16. I have tried many natural and modified products, ointments, oils, creams, tablets and nothing has worked. I even did a phase were i just didn't touch them. Having acne is a huge down grade when it come to self-confidence, social iteration and mentality. I've wanted these scars, lumps and white heads off my face for ages. Laser and peeling treatments sound good atm."
..."
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"I have been using the apple cider vinegar on my face for four weeks now. I have noticed less and less acne each week, and the old acne scars have softened. I definitely plan to continue using this very inexpensive product, I just wish I had known about it earlier."
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"Thanks so much for this helpful advice! I had a huge acne outbreak, lasting 2 years, and now it is finally simmering down! I used doctor prescribed medicines, and washed my face, eating 1 orange a day, and I have started to see results immediately. Thank you!"
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"In the past I have had horrible acne, which lead to numerous scars on my forehead, nose and chin. They have faded quite a bit but are still pretty visible. The home remedies helped tremendously and I can't wait to try them out and see what works best. :)"
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"I absolutely love the home remedies provided in this article. I have been using lemon, baking powder and apple cider vinegar solutions which have made a remarkable difference in the appearance of my scars. Thank you from a happy reader!"
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