When a pimple forms, melanin collects in the pore and can remain there for a long time, even after the infection and clogged pore are treated. A healthy lifestyle and some natural treatments can help reduce the appearance of these scars, saving you money on expensive products, procedures, and treatments.
Home remedies, though equally as effective, can take longer to work. Stick with them and stay patient, giving each treatment a good four to six weeks before trying something new.
Start on the Inside
Healthy skin starts beneath the pores with good eating habits and foods that will fight inflammation and flush out pore-clogging toxins. Scars can be exacerbated by both, so start with a healthy diet. Doing so will help scars to fade naturally, sloughing off the excess melanin with dead skin cells.
Drink lots of water to increase the shedding of dead skin cells and boost the production of new, healthy cells. Add antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables (like blueberries and broccoli) to give your skin the vitamins and minerals needed to heal scarring. Lemon juice will also serve to remove excess melanin from pores.
Stick to a healthy diet low in fat and high in protein to keep your internal system working to promote healthy skin. Both new and old acne scars will suffer the consequences.
Home Remedies
For a little fun, and a big result, start with home-made facial masks to attack those acne scars. Some of the best are easy to make yourself, with items already in your home:
– Mix tomato juice and cucumber into a paste and apply to the skin. The antioxidant power of tomatoes and the soothing influence of cucumber will attack acne scars, healing damaged cells and soothing irritation. They will also help shrink the size of pores. Use for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
– Combine 1 bsp sour cream, 1 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp oatmeal, and a few drops of lemon juice. This mask needs only 10 minutes to soothe the skin, then rinse with warm water.
– Add sandalwood and a few drops of rosewater to fight inflammation and reduce redness. Use this mask for at least an hour, or overnight for more dramatic results, and rinse away gently.
Quick, Direct Solutions
Other items can be applied directly to the skin for quick results. Squeeze the juice from a lemon or lime onto a cotton ball, place tomato slices onto the skin, or dab on some egg whites to the scarred area. Any of these will help repair skin, reduce redness, and lessen scars’ appearance.
Daily use of aloe vera gel, olive oil, or honey will also improve skin tone. These also soothe inflammation while letting antioxidants heal the damaged cells. Over time, these treatments will also brighten skin tone and quality. Lavender oil or rosehip seed oil, though not found in most kitchens, can do this job even better by boosting skin’s regenerative processes.
Always rinse gently after using. Avoid scrubbing or harsh towels or loofahs which can irritate skin further. Remember to use any treatment you choose for at least four to six weeks before trying something else in order to see results.
