The most common skin problem that affects thousands of young people across the US is acne. Acne is a never-ending problem as newer pimples surface when the older ones were disappearing. Acne ranges from mild to severe and people with the latter often end up with acne scars that look unsightly. Acne is mainly caused due to the production of the androgen hormone, however, a change in diet and lifestyle can reduce this problem considerably. People suffering from severe acne scars take the help of dermatologists who often prescribe costly medical and cosmetic procedures that involve laser therapy, dermabrasion and various other invasive techniques. Kitchen remedies should not be underestimated and can prove to be extremely effective, saving you a lot of trouble and money. Many home remedies can drastically lighten and even remove the scars in a natural way without side effects.
Sandalwood and rosewater paste
A sandalwood and rosewater paste works as a great face mask for lightening scars. This face mask should be applied on your scarred area and should be left on for more than an hour. You could even wear the mask overnight for better results. This face pack is very effective as sandalwood has cooling and rejuvenating properties that improves the skin quality. For making this face pack, you would need one tablespoon each of sandalwood powder, yoghurt and honey. Mix all the three ingredients together and then apply it to the problem area.
Sandalwood is a popular ingredient for skin care in India that has been used for centuries. Powdered sandalwood is also used to heal various skin conditions because it has antimicrobial properties. Applying sandalwood on the face gives the skin a brilliant glow and makes the skin clear and flawless. Sandalwood is also a natural sunblock. The other ingredient, rose water, works as a natural skin tonic. It is used as a facial cleanser as well as a toner. It has special properties that improve blood circulation leading to a significant reduction of scars, aging skin, sun burns and so on.
Hence, a face pack made by combining these two ingredients makes it a powerful formula for treating acne scars.
Cucumber pack
Cucumbers are a very special ingredient in home remedies that treat acne scars. A face mask that contains fresh cucumber paste or juice is ideal for rejuvenating the skin, reducing inflammation and healing acne scars. You can also combine the beneficial properties of cucumber with other natural ingredients such as mint leaves and egg whites that further aid to reduce acne scars. Blend all these ingredients together into a mixture and apply to your face. Leave it on for around 20 minutes and then wash it off with cool water.
Another popular face mask to treat acne is by using both cucumbers and tomatoes which are also popular for diminishing scarring. This amazing combination is very effective in reducing and lightening acne scars tremendously. This face mask can be made by blending together equal quantities of cucumber and tomato. Apply the paste on to your face and leave it on for half an hour. This face mask not only lightens your blemishes, but it also gives a beautiful texture to your skin by making it soft and supple.
Honey and pearl powder pack
Honey can either be consumed orally to used topically in the form of a face mask for treating acne scars. The application of honey on your face is great for moisturizing. It has healing and antibacterial properties that work against the scars leading to blemish-free skin. A great and effective way to use honey as a face mask is by mixing in some Pearl Powder. Pearl Powder is a very popular Chinese medicine that is known for its anti-aging properties. It has been used for centuries in China by the Empresses and concubines and has been the secret behind their flawless and silky skin. Pearl powder contains antioxidants, amino acids and nutrients that enhances the complexion and reduces scars. The powder is also very good for exfoliation as it rejuvenates the skin and gets rid of dead cells. In order to make a honey and Chinese pearl powder face pack, mix in one teaspoon of honey with an equal proportion of the pearl powder, the juice of one lemon and one beaten egg white. Apply it for at least an hour. If your skin does not feel irritated, then leave it overnight. This face mask is a very effective treatment for getting rid of acne scars.
Olive oil
Massaging olive oil on skin that has acne scars is another beneficial treatment for lightening the same. Olive oil has double benefits of being an effective moisturizer and a lightening agent for acne scars as well. Take a small amount of olive oil and massage it in a circular motion around the acne scars for five minutes so that it loosens the scar tissue. Leave the olive oil on your skin for around ten minutes and then wipe it off by using a clean cloth. Olive oil contains high amounts of vitamins K and E, antioxidants and monosaturated fatty acids which are beneficial for the skin. However, make sure that you use virgin olive oil as it has a higher acidity level that helps to lighten acne scars.
You can also combine one teaspoon of olive oil with one teaspoon of baking soda to make a paste. Rub this paste on to your skin for five minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. The combination of olive oil and baking soda works as a natural exfoliating treatment for getting rid of dead skin cells leading to reduction in blemishes.
Oatmeal, yoghurt and sour cream face pack
Another very effective homemade remedy for treating acne scars is by preparing a face mask by using 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients into a smooth paste and apply on to your acne scars. Leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse with cool water. This face mask is extremely beneficial because all its ingredients have distinct properties in combating acne scars. Oatmeal is hypoallergic, highly absorptive, anti-inflammatory and it also softens the skin. Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that helps to rejuvenate and cleanse the skin to make it look radiant and bright. Yogurt, on the other hand, is full of enzymes and oils that reduces the darkness of the scars due to its bleaching properties. Yoghurt helps to reduce redness, blemishes, scars and irritation. The vitamin C in the lemon juice also functions as a natural bleaching agent that dispels blemishes. However, make sure that you have the mask on for at least 15 minutes before washing it off. You could also enrich the face mask by breaking two capsules of vitamin E, which is very beneficial for the skin. Remember to moisturize your face after washing off the face mask.
Juice of fresh lemons or limes
The juice of fresh limes or lemons is a simple treatment for acne scars. You can directly apply this citrus juice on to your scars with the help of a cotton ball. After application, make sure that you leave it on for some time before washing it off with water. Lemon juice is ric
h in Vitamin C that works like a natural bleaching agent and lightens blemishes and acne scars very effectively. Lemon juice is a core ingredient for many home remedies ranging from treating stained teeth to treating acne scars. It is an readily available and affordable treatment, apart from being effective.
Lemon is a powerful disinfectant and has the power to kill any bacteria cells as it comprises citric acid and has a low pH. Lemon juice, when applied to acne skin, seeps into the skin and kills the acne bacteria and prevents them from multiplying. Since lemon juice is acidic, it works as a great natural exfoliant too as it gets rid of dead cells very quickly. Lemon juice helps to bring out the new fresh skin and gets rid of the unsightly scars. However, since this treatment is lengthy, you need to be consistent and patient. The only uncomfortable side to applying lemon juice is the drying effect which produces some irritation in the skin. So, after washing off the lemon juice with water, make sure that you thoroughly moisturize your face.
Fenugreek leaves face mask
Another effective method of dealing with acne scars is by using the beneficial properties of fenugreek leaves. You can either make a coarse paste out of fresh fenugreek leaves and put it on as a face mask or you can boil fenugreek seeds in water and use the solution on the scars. Try to leave the fenugreek paste on for 15-30 minutes before washing it off. For better results, leave it on overnight. Fenugreek leaves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for treating acne. The fenugreek face mask helps to reduce the amount of inflammation and swelling due to the acne. The antioxidant properties of the leaves help the skin to get rid of toxins and impurities that cause the bacteria to thrive. Apart from that, fenugreek leaves are also known for its anti-aging effects as they reduce the amount of wrinkles and fine lines on your skin and make it look youthful.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another great home remedy, but since it has a strong smell, it is better to use it for overnight applications. Use a soft cotton ball for application and wait for it to dry. Leave it overnight and then wash it off with water and mild soap in the morning. However, if you feel that the smell of the vinegar is overpowering, then try diluting it with equal proportions of water. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for reducing acne and can be taken both orally and be used topically for improving skin conditions. The reason why raw apple cider vinegar is beneficial when compared to clear vinegar is because it is not processed and contains enzymes and antioxidants. Topical application of diluted apple cider vinegar twice a day is extremely beneficial for healing acne scars. If you are keen to consume it orally, then combine the vinegar with water and honey. This concoction detoxifies the skin and cleans it out.
Egg whites or egg white custard pack
A cheap and extremely effective method of getting rid of unsightly acne scars would be to apply egg whites. For doing this you would need to whisk the egg white of one egg. Use cotton balls to dab the egg white mix on to your face and allow it to dry. Leave it on overnight. This egg white mask is very effective for lightening and tightening the skin. Egg whites contain large proportions of amino acids and proteins which not only prevent new acne from erupting but also lightens the skin considerable.
You could also add more natural ingredients to make an egg white custard face mask. For this you would need an egg white and an equal quantity of lemon juice. Blend them in together and pour the liquid mix in a ramekin. Place the ramekin over a pan of hot water or a double boiler. Keeping stirring the mixture continuously until a custard starts to form. Let the mixture cool and then apply it on to your face overnight for better results.
Fruit repairs
There are many fruits that are extremely beneficial for the skin as they contain a lot of vitamin C that helps to build collagen in the skin. Not only is oral consumption of fruits beneficial, but crushing these fruits and turning them into face masks for topical application is equally effective for reducing acne scar marks. Applying pure fruit juices of certain fruits like watermelons, strawberries and pineapples works great for natural exfoliation. Pineapples are abundant in ascorbic acid that helps to lighten skin and erase acne scars. Pineapple pulp has a lot of enzymes that can penetrate through the skin and clear the acne. You could also prepare face masks by pureeing a quarter cup of pineapple. Apply this mix on to your face and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off. If you are unable to buy the pineapple, then canned pineapple pulp works well too.
You could also grind the peels of oranges and lemons and apply them as a face mask. Strawberries contain a large amount of salicylic acid which is the main ingredient in cosmetic products for acne treatment. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and many other vitamins which help in clearing acne and getting rid of marks. You could either slice up strawberries and apply as is or you can grind them into a paste and use it as a face mask. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes before washing off with water. Strawberries are proven to combat skin acne and help in evening out skin tone and pigmentation.
Tomato pack
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and therefore reduces the excess production of sebum that causes acne. Vitamin A has various antioxidant properties that renews and refreshes scarred skin and heals it too. You could simply mash up a fresh tomato in a blender and spread it evenly on your face if you are in a rush. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before washing it off. You will notice that it immediately reduces the inflammation and redness on your skin in the first application itself!
You could also mix tomato with a small quantity of cucumber, which is more effective since it provides the benefits of cucumber as well. Another face mask you can make at home quite easily would be by mixing tomato pulp, 2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of milk.
Tomato also has abrasive or exfoliating properties that reduces pimples and scars. Applying tomato paste or plain tomato slices everyday for at least 15 minutes is a very effective way of reducing acne scars.
