8 Best Treatments and Home Remedies for Acne Scars

If acne has left you with uneven skin, you are not alone. Studies show that nearly 20 percent of Canadians suffer from acne, primarily during their adolescent years. The damaged pores can appear as scars, whether depressed, raised, or discoloured. Without effective treatment, the results of acne can be visible for years to come.

While there is no quick fix for acne scars, there is plenty of reason to remain hopeful. Beauty Med offers numerous treatments aimed to minimize the effects of acne. There are also many home remedies for acne scars that can make a difference. With research, diligence, and some patience, the acne scarring on your skin will diminish over time.

Below, we've put together a list of the best treatments and home remedies for acne scars. Before you try any remedies or products for acne scars, make sure you consult with a skin care professional. Some methods may interfere with acne medications or treatments, so you want to be as careful as possible.

1. Microneedling for acne scars

Microneedling is an innovative skin therapy gaining popularity for its ability to reduce acne scars. Using fine needles to create micro-level injuries, the therapy stimulates the body's own collagen and elastin production. This results in a thicker, softer epidermis. Microneedling is used to treat a wide range of skin issues, including acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and brown spots.

2. Chemical peels for acne scars

As a skin health solution, chemical peels have grown in popularity. This is an effective treatment for helping issues related to skin tone, fine lines, and acne scars. A chemical peel loosens the top layer of skin in order to promote cell renewal. If you want to treat your acne scars with a peel, specify this skincare objective before the procedure. Your chemical peel treatment may be adjusted to maximize its success.

3. Aloe vera for acne scars

As a remedy, you might think of aloe vera as a cool, soothing lotion for your painful sunburn. In fact, aloe vera has healing properties for a number of ailments. It is known to reduce inflammation, ward off harmful bacteria, and help to heal wounds. Recent studies show that a compound in aloe vera, known as aloesin, can reduce the overproduction of melanin. This helps acne scars to fade over time.

4. Vitamin C for acne scars

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps to fight free radicals. This vitamin is an important tool to treat acne scars. At the cellular level, vitamin C increases the synthesis of collagen, a vital protein for rebuilding healthy skin. The result is the potential for vitamin C to accelerate the healing of acne scars. To give this remedy a try, look for a quality serum that brightens and tones the skin.

5. Honey for acne scars

Widely known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. As a treatment for acne scars, it is best to use raw or manuka honey for their antioxidant properties. Honey is both soothing and hydrating, so it nourishes damaged skin and heals acne scars. Consider using a face mask with honey as the main ingredient. Alternatively, spot-treat the scars with honey as part of your overnight beauty routine.

6. Apple cider vinegar for acne scars

Apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy for acne scars and a long list of ailments. It contains a number of organic acids that kill acne-causing bacteria in the first place. Apple cider vinegar also has lactic acids, which help to fade the appearance of scars. If you give this remedy a try, be sure to mix a 1:1 solution with water to dilute the vinegar safely.

7. Green tea for acne scars

Known for its antioxidants, green tea contains catechin compounds that reduce skin inflammation. Although widely thought to fight acne itself, its effectiveness on scarring is the subject of debate in the scientific community. Some believe that the active compounds in green tea are beneficial to both the skin health and the repair process, while others doubt its ability. To try this remedy, soak a cloth into the cooled tea and then apply the treatment topically to your skin.

8. Rosehip seed oil for acne scars

Depending on the nature of your acne scars, rosehip oil may be an effective solution for you. Rosehip oil contains linoleic acid, along with vitamins A and C. These ingredients help to can boost collagen and elastin production, encouraging cell regrowth. Over time, it helps to reduce the discoloured appearance of acne scars. While depressed marks may be more difficult to treat, rosehip seed oil is known to even out skin tone successfully.