By Benjamin Davis
Home remedies for acne scars make it possible to fade or completely eliminate scars without having to pay a fortune or go through the hassle and embarrassment of scheduling a doctor’s visit. Most people think surgery or at least an outpatient procedure is required to treat scars.

Surgical options may be necessary and can be a good option, but often acne scar home remedies are enough to get the job done. The following strategies are from skin health professionals. I’ll cover recommended treatments, which treatments to avoid and how to prevent future scars. 

 Home Remedies For Acne Scars | 3 Recommended Strategies

1. Cortisone Creams

Tina Alster, MD and clinical professor of dermatology at Georgetown University, recommends over-the-counter cortisone creams to calm scars that are red and swollen. The cortisone lessens inflammation.

2. Fade Creams

Look for the following ingredients in over-the-counter fade creams:

• Kojic acid: Produced from mushroom extract, this is one of the effective home remedies for acne scars. It is a natural skin lightener found in fade creams
• Arbutin (Also known as bearberry extract)
• Vitamin C

3. The Scar Secret

Creams can be expensive, and may not work for some people. If that is the case for you, one of the best alternative resources I’ve come across for acne scar removal is The Scar Secret. The methods are safe, natural and inexpensive.

Visit the Official Acne No More Site 

See Our Review of The Scar Secret

Home Remedies For Acne Scars | What to Avoid

There is a lot of information on the web concerning acne scar home remedies, but not all of it is trustworthy. As a health writer, I look for accurate, reliable sources for information. From my research, here is a list of things to avoid:

Popping, squeezing and picking

You’ve probably been advised to avoid picking at acne numerous times, but it is advice worth noting. As previously mentioned, scars are a result of injury. Squeezing and pooping acne causes even more damage, resulting in worse or additional acne scarring. According to Ron Moy, a professor of dermatology at UCLA, these actions also cause bacteria to infiltrate deeper into the skin, with the consequence of more collagen damage.

Vitamin E

Many of the web articles you read tout the use of topical Vitamin E among the recommended home remedies for acne scars. However, a recent University of Miami study revealed that 90% of the study participants experienced no effect or a worsening of their condition. Moreover, 33% developed skin irritation from this treatment.

Sun

Many people try to “dry up” acne symtoms by soaking in sun rays. But the sun stimulates particular cells that produce pigment, which darkens acne scars and hinders the healing process. The best bet is to use an effective sunscreen to protect your scar and the rest of your skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid  

This is a nutritional substance with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nicholas Perricone, a noted dermatologist, recommends alpha lipoic acid (ALA) as a natural treatment for acne, and suggests it as an answer to the question of how to prevent acne scars. Though there is a long technical explanation, suffice it to say that ALA prevents collagen from being gobbled up by enzymes, which in turn prevents acne scarring, according to Perricone. Only small amounts of ALA is present in foods. But it is readily available as an over-the-counter supplement in department stores, drugstores, and health shoppes.

The standard advice above regarding not picking, squeezing and popping acne lesions also applies as an effective scar prevention technique.

Cosmetic / Surgical Treatment

The above treatment is generally recommended for milder scars. More severe scars may require treatment from a doctor. Among the cosmetic and/or surgical procedures are:

• Laser surgery
• Dermabrasion
• Microdermabrasion
• Subcision
• Dermal Fillers
• Chemical Peels

 Home Remedies For Acne Scars | Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. Everything I could dig up on acne scar home remedies. People are unique and everyone doesn’t respond the same to acne scar treatments or any type of treatment for that matter. Hopefully, however, I’ve given you some options to discuss with a trusted medical professional. You should always discuss any treatments—home remedies for acne scars or professional acne treatments—with your doctor, so that you can enjoy safe and effective results.

What to do next:

• See our Scar Secret review
• Download our free special report: Acne Truths: Myths and Misconceptions

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