How to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Acne scars usually occur as a result of breakouts caused by blocked pores. This blockage can lead to the swelling of your pores and lesions on your skin over time. However, there are some remedies that you can use to reduce the appearance of acne scars at home, and 5-Minute Crafts will tell you about them in this article.

❗ Before starting any treatment for scars, consult your dermatologist to figure out your skin type.

❗ You should also get rid of any acne before you start, because new breakouts can lead to new acne scars.

Define your type of acne scars:

To choose the best treatment, you should identify the type of scars first:

1. Atrophic (depressed) scars sit below the surrounding skin. There are 3 types of them:

• Boxcar scars are usually wide, U-shaped, and have sharp edges.
• Ice pick scars are narrow, deep, V-shaped holes in the skin. They usually look like the skin has been punctured with a sharp object.
• Rolling scars are wide scars with rounded edges and an uneven appearance.

2. Hypertrophic (raised) scars stand above the surface of the surrounding skin.

3. Dark spots (discoloration) are not scars, but dark marks that appear after acne and usually fade away with time. They can be purple, red, or brown.

Choose the treatment:

1. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid will help you to reduce swelling and redness and clear the dirt from your pores.

Works for: All types of acne scars

❗ If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before applying it on your face.

2. Lactic acid peels

Lactic acid peels can improve the texture, appearance, and pigmentation of your skin by pulling away dead skin cells.

Works for: All types of acne scars

❗ In some cases, lactic acid may cause hyperpigmentation, that is why it’s recommended to conduct a patch test before using it.

3. Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C serum will brighten dark hyperpigmentation and stimulate your body’s production of collagen.

Works for: Discoloration

4. Retinoids

Topical retinoids (a form of vitamin A) will speed up your cell regeneration, improve your skin’s texture, and reduce discoloration. One of the most effective retinoids you can use on your face is retinol.

Works for: Atrophic (depressed) scars

❗ Retinoids can make your skin especially sensitive to the sun, which is why you should wear sunscreen outdoors when using them.

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) can help you to even out pigmentation and reduce any redness and inflammation on your skin.

Works for: Discoloration

Include some foods into your diet:

• Lemon increases collagen production and lightens acne scars. To use it, squeeze a fresh lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning. Don’t forget to include some lemon peel in your diet as well.
• Kale reduces hyperpigmentation and promotes collagen formation. To use it, add a cup of kale to your morning smoothie or eat it as a side dish for your lunch or dinner.
• Sweet potatoes fight against discoloration, inflammation, and clogged pores. To use them, you can try a sweet potato casserole, serve them as baked fries, or use them to make a creamy soup.