Fade acne scars
We all can suffer from the occasional blemish, but once the infection has subsided, how can we speed up the process of healing the mark left behind? Beyond lasers and harsh chemicals and peels, there are many natural ways to fade the scars.
1. Aloe Vera: a potent source of vitamins which can help to heal skin and fade scars. Aloe is gentle, so you won’t have to worry about further damaging or irritating skin. Also, because aloe is such a wonderful natural moisturiser, it will leave your skin looking and feeling softer and healthier.
2. Baking soda: baking soda is a common household item with literally hundreds of uses, including the ability to help heal scars. Baking soda is composed of sodium bicarbonate crystals which gently exfoliate skin when used as a cleansing scrub. Just mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste then massage into skin where scars are present. Once applied, you should leave the mixture on for a minute or two. This will allow the soda to cleanse pores and help prevent further blemishes. After a couple of minutes, wash your face in lukewarm water and apply a good natural moisturiser like rose hip seed, jojoba, coconut, or olive oil.
3. Coconut oil: Scoop about a quarter of a teaspoon of organic virgin coconut oil into the palm of your hand and let it melt as it comes up to body temperature. With your fingertips, massage oil directly onto scarred skin and let it soak in. There is no need to wash coconut oil away as the vitamins and essential fatty acids will continue to work and improve skin health as long as you wear it. However, if the oil is too heavy for your comfort, leave it on for at least thirty minutes before removing with an all-natural cleanser.
4. Cucumber: Cucumbers are a popular ingredient in facial treatments for good reason. This vegetable is not only super hydrating, cucumber also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium all of which are great for your skin. To use this treatment for healing acne scars just pick up an organic cucumber from your local market, cut off a few thin slices, and lay them over your scarred skin. After about thirty minutes, discard the cucumber slices and rinse your face with cool water. Repeat daily as desired.
5. Honey: It is best to use raw honey, not the processed kind found on the shelves of most chain grocery stores. To obtain the best quality, try your local farmer’s market. Simply massage a small amount of honey over your scars and let this wonder of nature work its magic. You can also mix about a teaspoon of ground cinnamon per two tablespoons of honey for added pore-cleansing power.
6. Lemon: Lemon juice is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can be used to fade scars, promote healing, and revitalise skin. Simply squeeze the juice from one organic lemon into a small bowl. You can use this treatment undiluted or mixed with water if you have sensitive skin. Dab juice over scars with a cotton ball and let it dry completely. Then rinse your face with cool water and follow up with a natural moisturiser. Repeat this treatment once every two or three days.
7. Potato juice: Vitamin- and mineral-rich potato is another vegetable which is great for skin health and healing. Use the juice of a fresh organic potato to fade acne and pimple scars by cutting off a few thin slices and applying them directly to affected areas. Alternately, you can cut thicker slices and apply the juice by massaging them over scars. For best results, leave potato juice on your skin for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing off with warm water. You can do this up to once per day.
8. Rose hip seed oil: For maximum health benefits, be sure to use organic cold-pressed oil. Apply this light-weight, non-greasy treatment once or twice each day to reap the benefits of its essential fatty acids and high concentration of trans-retinoic acid – a natural form of vitamin A found in rose hip seeds.
9. Sugar scrub: Sugar cane contains glycolic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin and promotes cell regeneration. Simply mix raw organic cane sugar with virgin olive oil at a two-to-one ratio then add several drops of organic lemon juice until your scrub is workable, but not too watery. Apply sugar scrub to scars about once every two or three days. Leave on for about fifteen minutes and remember to follow up with a good natural moisturiser.
10. Vitamin E: Probably the easiest way to use vitamin E for healing scars is to simply puncture the end of a gel capsule and squeeze the contents onto your fingertip. Apply the oil directly to scarred skin or mix it into your daily moisturiser to help heal acne and pimple scars faster.