Acne can be highly distressing, not only because they are painful but also because they leave behind hideous scars that never really go away. Why is this so? Pimple arises due to some sort of skin damage. During the healing process, the body creates new skin cells and collagen fibres for repair that leads to acne scar formation. Although acne scars don’t really go away but their colour, size and appearance can be modified to render them undetectable, thus improving facial appearance. Here are a few home remedies you can try to lighten your acne scars.
1# Sandalwood water: According to Ayurveda, sandalwood or chandan is a highly effective soothing and cooling agent, which makes it ideal to deal with skin problems. Tip: Simply soak a piece of sandalwood in water for a few hours. Remove the wood, dry and store for reuse. Using a small ball of cotton, smear the sandalwood water slowly on the parts of the skin that has acne scars. Repeat every day for about a week and you are sure to notice a marked difference in your facial appearance. Alternatively, you can rub a piece of sandalwood on a wooden base with a little rosewater to make a thin paste. Apply a small quantity of this paste on your scar and leave it overnight. Wash your face the next morning with cold water.
2# Fenugreek extract: Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing action on the skin that helps heal skin conditions and reducing acne scars.
Tip: Add a few seeds of fenugreek (methi) into a little water; boil for about 10-15 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool, strain out the seeds and using a cotton ball, apply the water to the acne scars. Do this regularly for about a week and you will see a reduction in the intensity of the scars’ appearance.
3# Lemon juice: Lemons are rich in vitamin C that plays an important role in synthesis of collagen in the body. For this reason, regular use of lemons – both internally as part of the diet and externally on the skin – can help keep your skin healthy and free from scars.
Tip: Cut a few lemons and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice with a cotton ball directly onto the acne scars on the face. Allow it to remain for some time and then wash with plain water. This tends to have a bleaching effect on dark scars. However, it is important that you avoid going out in bright sunlight when you have applied lemon juice because it can cause darkening of skin. You can also combine lemon juice with other ingredients for scar-reducing effect. Mix one tablespoon each of lemon juice, honey and almond oil with two tablespoons of milk. Apply this mixture on your scars once a day for about one week to see an improvement.
4# Neem leaves: Neem leaves contains alkaloids that give them distinct antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This makes them effective against a wide range of skin problems, from acne and eczema to ringworm. They also have the property of cleansing the body of toxins. Neem can help banish other beauty problems too.
Tip: Place a neem leaf directly on the affected area for some time. Practice this regularly to see good results.
5# Aloe vera: The gel-like substance obtained from the leaves of aloe plant has a magical ability to heal skin problems.
Tip: Wash a leaf of aloe plant and peel out its outermost green layer to reach the inner jelly-like substance. Scoop out the jelly with a spoon and apply a little quantity directly onto the scarred tissue. Repeat this twice a day, leaving the gel on for about half an hour each time. Wash it off every time with plain water. Repeat for a few days and you will notice that your scars become undetectable and your skin feels tighter to get a distinct glow. The good thing is, aloe vera suits all skin types. Also, try out raw milk for flawless, glowing skin.
6# Apple cider vinegar: Vinegar has the property of scraping off old cells on the surface of the skin. This peeling action along with its antiseptic property makes it useful against acne scars.
Tip: Direct application of vinegar to the skin may damage sensitive skin so make sure you dilute the solution with water before applying it to the scars with a cotton ball. Here is how you can use apple cider vinegar to get rid of dandruff.
Along with the use of these home remedies, it is important to take steps to prevent new pimples from erupting. Stress tends to cause hormonal changes that can worsen acne, so use deep breathing exercises and meditate to keep stress away. Cut down the use of oil-based cosmetics such as moisturisers and make-up and even hair products. This will reduce the blocking of the pores in the skin and reduce your chances of an acne outbreak. While there is nothing you can do about the appearance of acne prior to or during the menstruation period, you can certainly avoid it getting worse by keeping your face clean and free from oil and adopting a ‘no touching or breaking pimples’ policy.
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