5 easy ways to remove acne scars naturally.

If your a fellow acne sufferer then you don't need to know how utterly traumatizing an experience acne can be. To add insult to injury, after all the unsightly ravages it subjects your skin to, acne leaves scars as an ever present reminder. So in this hub, I'm going to share with you the 5 easy ways to remove acne scars naturally.

I've personally suffered from acne as far back as my early teens and because of that I've picked up a fair bit of scars along the way. Not too deep but still somewhat conspicuous. So if your acne scarring isn't very deep I think the 5 methods that, at one time or another, worked for me, may work for you. After getting rid of my acne using the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) I used the following 5 easy to use home remedies to diminish and eventually remove my acne scars permanently :

1. Egg whites - Egg whites have very powerful healing qualities that will help heal your scarring and eventually make it less visible. Egg white is full of proteins and amino acids which can tighten the pores to prevent new breakouts while it lightens the scarred skin. Take a small bowl and whip 3 egg whites until they become fluffy and white. Use your fingers to gently spread the egg whites on to your skin - concentrate on the problem areas. Let the egg whites dry on the skin and wait a few minutes before rinsing away gently with moderately warm water. Do this 2-3 times a week.
   
2. Baking soda - Baking soda is coarse but not that coarse, its small particles are smooth and would not damage the skin. And if applied correctly it will gently slough off the top layer of dead skin cells without causing your sensitive facial skin to become irritated or inflamed. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a consistent paste. Very gently massage the baking soda onto your skin and leave it on for one minute, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Remember to always moisturize your skin afterwards; I personally, massage a few drops of olive oil on my face and it works very well. Repeat this 2-3 times a week or depending on your exfoliation routine.
   
3. Lemon juice - Lemon juice contains citric acid which, along with lactic and glycolic acids, is one of the most commonly found Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs. AHAs are very well known for their cosmetic usage. Many skin care products, including anti-aging creams and chemical peels, have AHAs in them as a key ingredient. Topical application of AHAs is said to induce an increased production of collagen and increased skin thickness. All of which equates to more healing for scarred skin. Additionally, lemon juice, due to it natural acidic content, is a powerful disinfectant which helps in destroying acne causing bacteria and it is a natural exfoliant which removes dead skins cells and facilitates the formation of new healthy skin. Furthermore, it helps in lightening the skin tone which helps in countering the effects of hyper-pigmentation - another souvenir of your acne days. As for the lemon juice remedy : Ensure that your skin is clean by washing it with a mild acne cleanser. Then take a bowl and squeeze 1-3 lemons in it or better yet buy an all natural lemon juice from your local grocery store. Take a cotton ball and dab it with the juice. Apply the juice to effected areas completely but don't overdo it. Repeat this 2-3 times a week. Remember if you have sensitive skin, the juice may induce a stinging effect, but it will likely happen only the first couple of times. If the stinging effect accompanies significant redness then discontinue usage because your skin is far too sensitive for this method. I have sensitive skin but it was bearable and the sensation did go away after the 3rd application..so its still a very workable solution for those with sensitive skins, but you need to listen to your skin's reaction before applying anything.
4. Aloe Vera juice - Aloe Vera juice or gel, is a fantastic way to remove acne scars. Not only does it soothe inflamed skin, it also boosts the immune system and regenerates damaged tissue. Its mild acerbic qualities ensures that with regular usage acne breakouts would be easily prevented resulting in a softer skin, decreased swelling and invigorating new cell growth and thereby reduced acne scars which eventually fade over time. Many in the cosmetic industry are recognizing the importance of this miracle plant and incorporating its extracts in many skin care products. You can buy such over the counter products but I would strongly recommend getting either fresh aloe vera gel or juice every time by growing an aloe vera plant in your very backyard (believe me it isn't a hassle) or buy it in its all natural form without an additives.
5. Olive Oil - Olive oil is packed with iron and vitamins A, D, E, C, B1 and B2. Vitamin E is increasingly being recognized as an important player in helping the fight against the aging process. Olive oil being rich in anti-oxidants and a good anti-inflammatory agent helps prevent acne and removes acne scars effectively. Because olive oil is non-comedogenic i.e it doesn't clog pores, and because it effectively dissolves dirt and oil trapped within our already clogged pores; it is a good acne scar treatment. Before going to bed gently massage olive oil onto your facial skin, concentrating on the trouble spots. Continue massaging for a few minutes till you can feel that your pores are completely saturated. Drape a warm wash cloth over your face to steam and hence open the pores. Gently wipe away the excess oil. Repeat the process 1-2 times before rinsing your face with cold water. Apply a very thin layer of olive oil on your face and leave it on for at least 15 minutes before going to bed.
   

I'm not a skin specialist of any kind and I can't come up with any scientific evidence to back these claims up. The 5 easy ways to remove acne scars, are 5 easy methods that, I and a few of my friends tried to reduce our acne problem and significantly diminish acne scars. Having said that, you have to realize that natural skin care methods come without any significant side-effects and are kind to your skin but the drawback is that like most natural remedies, its going to take time in fading your acne scars. If, like me, your apprehensive in applying harsh chemicals to your skin as found in many commercial cosmetic products, then I suggest that you persevere with any one of these methods. I say again, use any one of these methods at a time because you don't want to irritate the skin further. The exception to this rule would be the Aloe Vera and the Olive oil methods...because their constituents have strong healing properties that may complement your method under use.

Good luck in getting a clear, glowing, acne and acne scar free skin.

Suggested reading : Hey, I came across some hubs on acne scar treatment and they're a good read. I suggest you check them out :