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How Do You Get Rid of Acne Scars Naturally?

Short of cosmetic fillers and resurfacing procedures, certain creams and ointments may help reduce the appearance of acne scars. The only effective non-surgical way of eliminating acne scars is to treat the acne successfully in the first place to prevent scarring.
Short of cosmetic fillers and resurfacing procedures, certain creams and ointments may help reduce the appearance of acne scars. The only effective non-surgical way of eliminating acne scars is to treat the acne successfully in the first place to prevent scarring.

The best way to ensure that acne doesn’t scar is to treat it properly so it heals without scarring. 

There are really no natural remedies to get rid of acne scars. Over time, the appearance of mild acne scars may diminish on their own.

8 Natural Scar Remedies

Some natural remedies that are touted to get rid of acne scars include: 

  1. Tea tree oil
  2. Apple cider vinegar
  3. Herbs such as turmeric and sage
  4. Aloe vera
  5. Lime juice
  6. Honey 
  7. Lavender oil
  8. Vitamin E oil

None of these natural remedies have been shown in studies to be effective in healing acne scars, however, they are unlikely to be harmful. Use caution on sensitive skin. 

What Are Acne Scars?

Acne vulgaris, usually called acne for short, is a common skin condition characterized by chronic or recurrent development of papules, pustules, or nodules on the skin. Acne can result in permanent scarring of the skin after the lesions have healed.

There are a number of different types of acne scars: 

  • Ice pick: small, deep pits
  • Rolling: wide and shallow  
  • Boxcar: sharp angles and edges; may be deep or shallow 
  • Keloid and hypertrophic: raised scar 
  • Skin discoloration: dark spots that appear red to purple in color
  • Perifollicular elastolysis (PFE): flesh-colored or yellow lesions (uncommon)

What Treatments Get Rid of Acne Scars?

There are several dermatological treatments available to get rid of acne scars or reduce their appearance. 

14 Acne Scar Treatments 

Medical treatments for acne scars include:

  • Resurfacing procedures
    • Good for scars that are not very deep
      • Laser skin resurfacing
      • Chemical peels 
      • Dermabrasion 
      • Microdermabrasion (differs from home microdermabrasion kits)
  • Fillers
    • Some are temporary, lasting between 6 to 18 months, and some are permanent
      • Collagen
      • The patient’s own fat
      • Other substances
  • Skin tightening
    • Radiofrequency to tighten the skin 
    • Requires repeat appointments and some home care 
  • Collagen-induction therapy
    • Also called “needling” or “micro-needling” 
    • Encourages the body to produce more collagen
    • It may take several treatments and up to 9 months to see results
  • Electrodesiccation
    • Uses electric probes to heat the tissue, which causes the tissue to die
    • Can shape or reduce the edges of boxcar scars, and diminish raised scars
  • Injections
    • Medicine may be injected directly into the scars to soften and flatten raised, thick scars
    • Usually requires repeat visits
      • Corticosteroids
      • Chemotherapy medicine called fluorouracil (5-FU) 
      • Interferon also used to treat cancer
  • Acne scar surgery 
    • A minor procedure used for very noticeable acne scars
    • A dermatologist lifts the scar or breaks up the scar tissue to create a less-noticeable scar
    • It may be followed by injections or radiation
  • Laser therapy
    • Effective for most types of acne scars
    • Pulsed dye laser (PDL) can diminish color and flatten a raised scar
  • Cryosurgery
    • Freezes scar tissue, causing it to die and gradually fall off
    • Often combined with corticosteroid injections
  • Scar creams, gels, and silicone dressings
    • May be available without a prescription
    • Can be used at home to shrink, flatten, and fade raised scars

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Acne Care Resources
Featured Centers
References
https://www.acnesupport.org.uk/scarring/

https://www.organicfacts.net/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-acne-scars.html

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/scars/treatment