Acne scars: Skincare experts share effective home remedies to get rid of them

Many consider popping acne a necessity to get rid of the accumulated puss If you are one of them you need to stop immediately According to skincare experts it is a direct invitation for acne scars to reside on your face Acne scars are often stubborn They sit on the face for months and even years Coffee apple cider vinegar potato starch mdash nothing seems to deter these scars This forces us to believe that the spots might never disappear Thatrsquos not entirely true You can definitely clear these dark spots from your face We have two skincare experts who dish out effective remedies to treat acne scarsCauses of acne scarsAcne scars are marks or blemishes that stay on the skin after the acne has healed Acne scars can develop in the form of holes raised areas or dark spots They might be red brown or darker in colour ldquoThey are typically a result of damage to the skins collagen fibres during the acne healing processrdquo says Dr Sunil Tolat consultant dermatologist Jehangir Hospital PuneThey are primarily caused by the bodys natural response to acne inflammation When the skin tries to repair itself after an acne breakout it can produce too much or too little collagen which leads to alterations in the skins texture and appearance causing depressions or raised areas which we identify as acne scars The severity and type of acne as well as individual factors like genetics and skin type can influence scar developmentEvery kind of scar indicates the extent of damage to the skinrsquos layers and helps experts look for suitable treatments1 Icepick scars They are small deep and narrow scars that resemble tiny pits or holes2 Boxcar scars These are wider and shallower depressions having welldefined edges3 Rolling scars Broad shallow and irregularly shaped scars create a wavy appearance on the skin4 Hypertrophic scars They are raised thickened scars that can occur when the body produces too much collagen5 Keloid scars These are raised larger scars that extend beyond the initial acne sitePossibility of cureAcne scars can be persistent and might not vanish entirely especially when left untreated Yet with suitable treatments and care they can gradually become less noticeable ldquoWhile some scars can stay for months or even years there are effective methods to minimise their appearancerdquo says Dr Yojana Pokarna MD Ayurveda founder Orijine ClinicCommenting on the time it takes for acne scars to heal and vanish Pokarna says ldquoThe duration differs from person to person and mainly relies on how severe the acne is and how effectively it is managed Milder acne spots might clear up in a few weeks but more serious cases could take longerrdquoCosmetic treatment optionsThe treatment you opt for must depend on the severity of the scars While minor scars can be treated with home remedies scars that indicate excessive damage to the skin require professional treatmentTolat lists down some common treatments for acne scars1 Chemical peels This treatment seeks to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production2 Microdermabrasion Under this treatment professionals opt for exfoliation to improve skin texture and reduce scarring3 Microneedling A cosmetic procedure that involves the use of needles to stimulate collagen production and help improve scar texture4 Laser therapy This targets specific scar types and promotes collagen remodellingIf you wish to consider alternatives to professional treatments and surgeries Tolat recommends overthecounter topical products administered to the skin having ingredients like retinoids vitamin C and niacinamide that can help fade scars graduallyHome remedies to treat acne scarsFor most of the minor ailments remedies lie in our own kitchen You can prepare face packs using kitchen ingredients Pokarna shares face packs that you can use to rid your face from dark spots1 Turmeric face packIngredientsTurmeric powder 1 tspYoghurt 1 tbspMethodMix turmeric and yoghurt to form a paste Apply it on your face and leave it on for 15 minutesBenefitsTurmeric has antiinflammatory properties while yoghurt helps with gentle exfoliation Turmeric also helps lighten hyperpigmentation and lends a natural glow to the skin Further it promotes an even complexion and thus lightens the acne spots as well Yoghourt acts as a natural coolant which ensures the skin stays fresh2 Honey and lemon face packIngredientsHoney 1 tbspLemon juice 1 tspMethodMix honey and lemon juice apply and leave it on for 20 minutesBenefitsIt helps hydrate the skin and clear acne by drying it out naturally Honey and lemon juice act as a natural moisturiser It helps in achieving an even skin tone and brighten the skin3 Aloe vera face packIngredientsFresh aloe vera gelMethodApply aloe vera gel to your face and leave it on for 30 minutesBenefitsA natural antioxidant having antibacterial properties aloe vera soothes and helps in skin repair It is known to remove bacteria from the skin which helps the formation of stubborn acne scars4 Oatmeal honey face packIngredientsOatmeal 2 tbspYoghurt 1 tbspHoney 45 dropsMethodMix the ingredients into a paste apply and leave it on for 1520 minutesBenefitsOatmeal exfoliates and calms the skin A combination of yoghurt and honey makes this oatmeal pack effective in boosting collagen production improving your skin complexion and reducing skin inflammation all of which contribute towards improving the scar condition5 Cucumber face packIngredientsCucumber slices or cucumber juiceMethodRub cucumber slices or massage the face with the juice and let it rest for 15 minutesBenefitsCucumber hydrates and refreshes the skin They compose over 90 per cent of water making them excellent for hydrating the skin Wellhydrated skin appears plumper and more eventoned which can help minimise the visibility of scars Besides cucumbers are also natural coolants Inflammation is a common factor in acne and scarring so reducing inflammation with the use of cucumber can potentially help scars appear less prominentldquoThese face packs take about two months of consistent use along with following the right diet and lifestyle to show resultsrdquo says Pokarna The results however may vary from patient to patient You can also try out certain herbal creams with components like aloe vera liquorice or tea tree oil They too help lessen the visibility of acne scars Its advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist to discover the one that suits you bestAlong with this ensure sufficient intake of fruits vegetables and whole grains Stay wellhydrated by drinking plenty of water This combined helps the body to heal acne scars fasterPrevention tipsAcne scars can have a significant impact on a persons selfesteem and confidence They may cause emotional distress and make individuals selfconscious about their appearance One can prevent the formation of acne scars by adopting the right habitsPreventing acne scars starts with proper acne management Avoid picking or squeezing pimples as this can worsen scarring Additionally shield your skin from the sun since UV rays can increase the visibility of scars Avoid doing anything that triggers acne like eating unhealthy food not drinking sufficient water not getting enough sleep not cleaning your face to get rid of pollution and dust etcSeek professional guidance from a dermatologist who can provide tailored solutions to improve skin health and reduce the visibility of scarsBe patient as scar improvement often takes time and consistent effort Remember that youre not alone in dealing with acne scars and seeking help is a positive step toward healthier skin and improved selfconfidenceDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance