Acne can be classified into two subtypes – non-inflammatory and inflammatory.

Whiteheads and blackheads usually fall under the non-inflammatory subtype. Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are the inflammatory types of acne.

Among these types, it is inflammatory acne that tends to leave behind scars and marks.

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1. Orange Peel Powder

A study was conducted in Japan to study the effect of orange peel extracts on melanogenesis, a complex process that involves the formation of melanin. It was found that the extract could help suppress melanogenesis. Hence, orange peel may help eliminate acne spots and blemishes (2).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon orange peel powder

What You Have To Do

1. Mix both the honey and orange peel powder to make a thick paste.

2. Apply the paste to the areas with acne and pimple scars.

3. Wash it off after it dries.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3-4 times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

A research conducted to study the potential benefits of plant oils on skin shows that coconut oil possesses antibacterial properties that may help reduce acne (3)

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (VCO)

What You Have To Do

1. Warm the virgin coconut oil by rubbing it between your palms.

2. Dab it on the acne scars and leave it on until the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every night before going to bed.

Note: Do not try this remedy if you have oily skin as coconut oil may clog pores and worsen acne.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil possesses can reduce acne lesions and scaling (4). Their antimicrobial properties can help reduce the occurrence of pimples. However, there is no evidence to prove that it lightens acne scars and pimple marks. As topical tea tree oil is considered safe for most people, you can try out this remedy.

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil

• A carrier oil (sweet almond oil or jojoba oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil of your choice.

2. Apply this mixture to the scars.

3. Leave it on for an hour before washing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat once daily until the scars vanish.

Note: Do a patch test before trying this remedy as tea tree oil may cause skin irritation.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

A mixture of aloe vera, tea tree oil, and propolis has also been found to reduce acne scars and pimple marks (5).

Aloe vera can reduce acne scars by reducing hyperpigmentation and acting as an immunity booster and anti-inflammatory agent (6), (7)

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Extract a tablespoon of gel from aloe vera leaves.

2. Apply it to the scars and blemishes.

3. Leave it on overnight.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this every night before going to bed.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains vitamin C that exhibits antipigmentary properties (8). Thus, it may fade acne scars, blemishes and pimple marks over time.

You Will Need

• ½ lemon

• Cotton pad

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze out the juice of half a lemon and dab a cotton pad into the juice.

2. Apply it to the affected areas.

3. Rinse it off thoroughly after 10 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 3-4 times a week.

Note: If you have sensitive skin, do not try this remedy as it may cause redness and irritation. Do a patch test before the remedy, and make sure you apply sunscreen afterward as lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive.

6. Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the prevention and treatment of acne (9). Green tea also helps reduce scars and pimple marks with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (10)

You Will Need

• 1 green tea bag

• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Make a face pack by mixing moist green tea leaves with honey.

2. Apply the pack all over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes.

3. Rinse it off thoroughly with plain water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1-2 times a week.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the oldest and most commonly used spices for skin remedies. Studies show that topical application of turmeric showed improvement in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and alopecia (11). It also contains curcumin, which is an effective skin-lightening agent (12). Thus, it may fade acne scars and pimple marks. However, current studies are limited and further research is essential for a better understanding of how it may help reduce acne scars and pimple marks.

You Will Need

• A teaspoon of turmeric powder

• 1 lemon

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze out the lemon juice in a bowl and mix it with turmeric powder.

2. Gently apply this mixture to your face and other affected areas.

3. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once every alternate day.

Note: If you have sensitive skin, do not try this remedy as it may cause redness and irritation. Do a patch test before the remedy, and make sure you apply sunscreen afterward.

8. Potato Juice

A study published in the Journal Of Medicinal Plants Studies states that the potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, and chloride found in potato are useful for treating acne blemishes and pimple spots (13). Potato also contains azelaic acid that may reduce hyperpigmentation caused by mild to moderate acne and breakouts (13), (14).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons potato juice

What You Have To Do

1. Crush a raw potato to extract its juice.

2. Soak a cotton ball with this juice and apply it to the areas with acne scars.

3. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can apply this juice 2-3 times a week.

9. Cocoa

Cocoa butter is rich in polyphenols and essential minerals that make it highly suitable for the treatment of skin problems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce acne and promote the repair of skin tissues (15). This may help in lightening acne scars.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter

What You Have To Do

1. Take a tablespoon of cocoa butter and warm it by rubbing it between your palms.

2. Apply it to the scars and leave it on overnight.

3. Wash it off with a mild cleanser the next morning.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily until the scars disappear.

Note: Avoid this remedy if you have oily skin.

10. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is found in many acne cosmeceuticals (16). It contains salicylic acid, which might help reduce the number of acne spots (17).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon witch hazel bark

• 1 cup water

What You Have To Do

1. Soak the witch hazel bark in water for 30 minutes

2. Boil the mixture.

3. Reduce it to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.

4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Strain and store the liquid in a container.

6. Apply the liquid to the affected areas using a cotton pad.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this daily until the scars disappear.

11. Baking Soda

Baking soda is known for its ability to kill bacteria (18). This might help control acne occurrence. However, there are no scientific studies to verify its efficacy. There is only anecdotal evidence and testimonials that speak about the effect of baking soda in clearing acne scars and pimple marks.

Some studies also emphasize the harmful effects of baking soda. Hence, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before trying it on your skin.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix thebaking soda in water until you have a paste.

2. Apply the paste to the scars and leave it on for 20 minutes.

3. Wash it off thoroughly with a mild cleanser.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

Note: Baking soda can dry out the skin, so apply a hydrating moisturizer immediately after using this remedy.

12. Vitamin Supplements

Taking vitamin supplements may help reduce acne scars and pimple marks.

Vitamin A can help treat acne, though its direct effect on acne scars has not been studied (19). Although vitamin E is a popular treatment for scars, blemishes and wounds, no studies have been able to prove its efficacy (20). Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and its topical application is suitable for treating acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (21).

You can also consume foods rich in vitamins, like green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fish, carrots, and avocados.

Note: Do not take these supplements without consulting your doctor.

These were a few natural tips and tricks to lighten acne and pimple scars. Let us now understand how you can prevent the recurrence of these scars.

(Admark Herbals Limited)