DIY Acne Scar Remedies You Can Make at Home on a Budget
Dealing with acne scarring can be disheartening. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable home remedies you can whip up yourself that can help diminish the appearance of acne scars without breaking the bank. Let’s look at some of the top DIY options for fading scars.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A and C, and fatty acids – all beneficial for scar healing. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help flatten and smooth raised scars. Aloe also helps hydrate and restore suppleness to pitted, sunken scar tissue.
Slice open an aloe leaf and scoop out the clear gel within. Apply a thick layer over clean skin and massage it into scars. Rinse off after 20-30 minutes. Repeat or every other day for at least a month to see results.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which help slough off dead skin cells and promote new collagen growth. These properties make it great for speeding up the fading of acne scars. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice if possible. Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and dab it directly onto blemishes. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. Apply once daily.
Honey Masks
Honey is naturally antibacterial and contains wound-healing enzymes that can help repair scar tissue. It also moisturizes to improve dry, damaged skin. Combine two tablespoons of raw honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply to clean skin, wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse. This can be used 1-2 times per week to reduce scarring.
Coconut Oil
The fatty acids and vitamins in coconut oil help deeply hydrate and regenerate skin to minimize scars. Use extra virgin coconut oil warmed to liquid form for best absorption. Massage a thin layer over the scars before bed and leave it on overnight. The lauric acid has additional antimicrobial benefits to prevent acne.
Oatmeal Scrub
Gently exfoliating with oatmeal can reduce the appearance of acne scars by removing dead cells and promoting healthy cell turnover. Grind 1⁄4 cup oatmeal into a powder, then mix with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Gently scrub onto scars for 2 minutes before rinsing. Exfoliate with this mixture 2-3 times per week.
Onion Extract
Onions have powerful anti-inflammatory abilities that help flatten and smooth red, swollen scars. Blend one small onion with two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to scars, wait 15 minutes, then rinse. Use this mask 2-3 times weekly to reduce scar inflammation.
Baking Soda Scrub
The mild abrasive quality of baking soda makes it ideal for exfoliating to diminish scars. It also neutralizes skin pH for clearer skin. Make a paste with three parts baking soda and 1 part water. Gently rub onto scars for 1-2 minutes, then rinse. Repeat 2-3 times per week to see results.
Tea Tree Oil
In addition to its acne-fighting power, tea tree oil has regenerative properties that help repair scar damage and even skin texture. Use a cotton swab to dab diluted tea tree oil directly onto scars twice daily after cleansing. Limit to small areas to avoid irritation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The malic acid in apple cider vinegar provides a gentle peel to help fade acne scars. It also kills acne-causing bacteria. Use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar diluted with two parts water. Apply to scars with a cotton ball and rinse after 10 minutes. Use 1-2 times per day.
While professional scar treatments provide the most dramatic results, implementing natural homemade remedies can also improve the appearance of acne scarring over time. These affordable at-home solutions require consistency and patience but can help diminish scars without breaking the bank.