Acne is a common, chronic skin condition that is known for affecting teens in their high school and college years—at least 85% of people ages 12-24. But, acne can affect people at any age. It only requires the right combination of skin problems to arise. Mild cases of acne may come and go, but severe acne can lead to scarring. The effects of that can be far longer-lasting and, while not dangerous, can affect your self-esteem. Ointments and treatments are available, but there are natural remedies that can reduce the scars bad acne can leave behind.
Robert Mirabile, MD, Vivian Hsu, MD, and the team at Best Impression Med Spa offer patients of the Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, area over three decades of experience helping with acne scars and many other cosmetic needs.
Here are some natural ways to reduce acne scars:
Also known as black caraway, black cumin, and black onion seeds, black seed oil comes from a small-flowered plant that grows in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Asia. The seeds of this plant have been used for thousands of years for many home remedies. As it turns out, however, black seed oil also contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called thymoquinone. Research has determined it to be useful in treating a number of things including weight loss, eczema, scar reduction, acne, and psoriasis.
The very same sweetener used in drinks, recipes, and various home remedies is also useful for the skin. Pure honey in particular has the best chance of effectiveness with topical application. Honey is made by bees in a process using plant matter, live bacteria, and enzymes, and helps with evening out skin, healing scars, and treating acne. Raw honey can also be used as an exfoliator.
Also known as rosehip oil, this very old remedy is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose bushes that grow mainly in Chile. In addition to containing vitamins and fatty acids, rosehip seed oil also has phenols (an organic compound) with numerous helpful properties including antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial elements. As a result, it hydrates and moisturizes the skin, exfoliates, boosts collagen, and reduces inflammation as well as acne.
A very common topical herbal remedy, there are actually over 400 different species of aloe. The popular variety used by most people is the aloe barbadensis Miller plant, which can even be grown indoors. As a topical gel, it is used to treat a variety of things including cuts, burns, bruises, abrasions, dry skin, cold sores, eczema, psoriasis, and acne, as well as reducing inflammation and scar tissue.
Also called sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a compound used for many different things including food preparation, odor removal, and as an alkaline substance (containing levels of acid) to help manage pH levels. Baking soda is known to soothe inflammation and act as an exfoliant. But it also contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Baking soda can be used in creams that treat rashes, bug bites, and other skin irritations like acne. However, because of it’s high alkaline content, baking soda should be used carefully, in small quantities (2 teaspoonfuls per treatment), and no more than twice a week.
There are many other common natural items that can be used to treat acne scars. But, if you’re concerned about the method that will work best for you, make an appointment with our team at Best Impression Med Spa to find the most effective way to treat your acne scars. Call our office today or request an appointment online.
