[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]No one likes to see blemishes form on their face, chest or back – but it’s even more frustrating when those blemishes leave behind permanent discoloration and indentations. However, pimples are extremely common, as
80% of people in the United States between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne at some point in their development, and of those, 1 out of 5 of that population will experience acne scarring.
So how does one prevent or diminish acne scars? Effective options such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing and fillers – all which must be done under the supervision of professional dermatologist, are costly and can add up quickly. Before you turn to possibilities that could have a significant impact on your wallet, why not explore a range of alternative strategies first, such as topical treatments, affordable home remedies, and lifestyle changes, all aimed at preventing and diminishing acne scars so that healthier-looking skin may reign?
Why does acne scarring occur?
Before diving into techniques, it’s important to understand why acne scars happen in the first place. The easy answer is that scar tissue appears as your body repairs your skin around the site of any inflammation – such as a recent injury, a burn, or a rash like Poison Ivy or Chicken Pox – and of course, acne. How deeply the wound penetrated the skin’s layers and your body’s response to it determines how much scarring you’ll have. However, it is not clear why some people develop acne scars while others do not, as the degree of acne does not always correlate with the incidence or severity of scarring. It may be inherited, so if a relative has several acne scars, you might as well.
Atrophic scars are the most common on the face. They’re formed when not enough collagen was made while the pimple was healing, and they sit below the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars are most common on the chest and back. They puff up above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by the opposite – too much collagen during healing. Either type of scar can be diminished by the following affordable remedies:
Topical treatments
Retinoids
Retinoids derived from vitamin A, such as
Mad Hippie’s Vitamin A Serum or
Reviva Labs’ Advanced Retinol Serum can help improve the appearance of acne scars by promoting more skin cell turnover, reducing the visibility of scars over time. This is especially effective with atrophic scarring, just take care not to use it too often as it can cause mild irritation.
Vitamin C
Topical vitamin C can enhance collagen production, and regular application can fade acne scars and improve overall skin texture as well as discoloration.
Derma E’s Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is a good choice, as is
Pura D'or 20% Vitamin C Serum – both also contain plenty of hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin hydrated.
Hydroxy acids
Salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids also promote new cell growth while also reducing clogged pores by shedding skin cells and breaking down blackheads and whiteheads.
Acure’s Resurfacing Inter-Gly-Lactic Exfoliator contains both glycolic and lactic acids or try
Alba Botanica’s Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, which is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to help keep your pores clear, preventing further breakouts.
Home remedies
Aloe vera
The fact that aloe vera gel has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties is well known, but in
scientific investigations, it has also shown to improve the healing and closure of wounds as well as decreasing scar tissue size by increasing the alignment and organization of regenerated skin cells. Consider
Mill Creek Botanicals’ Aloe Vera Soothing Gel, which contains 99% aloe vera to hydrate, heal, and relieve irritation.
Lavender essential oil
This lovely aromatic oil has many therapeutic uses, from lowering your heart rate and helping you sleep, to reducing stress induced headaches or anxiety related exhaustion. But recent research has discovered it can also
accelerate wound healing through stimulating collagen synthesis, remodeling tissue through collagen replacement and thus, shrink wound sites. Mix a few drops of
lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as almond or jojoba and test a separate patch of healthy skin before applying it to any scars to make sure you don’t have undesirable reactions.
Rose hip seed oil
Though perhaps not as well-known as the remedies above, studies reveal that
rose hip seed oil significantly
promotes wound healing and effectively improves scars. The oil is rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as essential fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and can improve signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, as well as reducing dryness. Regular use of this oil daily should produce a reduction in redness and scar tissue between six weeks to two months, so do not give up if you aren’t seeing results right away.
Preventative lifestyle changes
Use sunscreen
Too much sun exposure makes acne scars more noticeable and less likely to fade over time. Especially if have scars that are still healing, choose sun-protective clothing, wide brimmed hats, avoid long durations in direct sunlight, and
use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Otherwise, the sun’s UV rays can increase discoloration and darken acne scars – also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Healthy diet
Some foods help the body expedite the healing process and minimize the amount of scar tissue while others slow the healing process and cause scars to thicken or become puffy. Choose fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and avoid sugars or processed foods. Nutrients like
vitamin E (found in almonds and avocados),
vitamin C (such as citrus), and
vitamin A (available in sweet potatoes, kale, and red peppers) can promote skin health and help reduce scarring.
Stress management
Though it may seem odd to think that your next looming deadline or a fight with your partner could slow the healing of scar tissue, substantial research suggests that
psychological stress disrupts the immune system, which slows wound healing, thus increasing the likelihood of scar tissue. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, walks in natural settings, yoga, or creative hobbies into your routine.
Gentle skincare routine
Squeezing, popping, or picking at pimples can increase your risk of developing an acne scar. Reduce this risk by applying acne medication to a breakout instead or try
Burt's Bees’ Natural Acne Solutions Maximum Strength Spot Treatment Cream on those stubborn blemishes. Also remember to use mild cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can worsen inflammation and prolong healing.
Managing and reducing the appearance of acne scars naturally requires a patient and multifaceted approach. By combining topical treatments, home remedies, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can effectively prevent and diminish acne scars and improve your overall skin health. And not only will your complexion thank you, but so will your wallet![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="172754" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1707335145504{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/alba-botanica-natural-acnedote-deep-pore-wash"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="172755" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1707335170317{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/derma-e-vitamin-c-concentrated-serum"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="172753" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1707335219076{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/burts-bees-natural-acne-solutions-maximum-strength-spot-treatment-cream-for-oily-skin"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
