How to Lighten Acne Scars
Clearing acne is an arduous but exciting process, but if the acne fades and you're still left with dark, embarrassing scars, it can seem almost as bad as the acne itself. You can help reduce the severity and amount of scarring by never popping pimples, but some pimples will leave dark spots no matter what. The color change is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and is a part of the skin's healing process. The dark spots are much easier to fade away than actual pitting in your skin's surface. But no matter what issues you're dealing with, there are ways to restore your skin once a blemish fades away.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dermatologist advice
- Hydroquinone products
- Glycolic acid products
- Lemons
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
- Plain yogurt
- Bleaching toothpaste
- Oil-free moisturizer
-
Dermatologist Solutions
-
1
Talk to your dermatologist about dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is when your dermatologist uses a sharp, rotating blade to remove skin and reveal the new skin underneath. Dermabrasion works best for moderate acne scar cases, but you may need up to a week to heal. Microdermabrasion is a less-invasive form of dermabrasion, but the results may not be as good.
-
2
Look into laser skin resurfacing for depressed acne scars. Some types of lasers cause wounds in the skin that will need at least two weeks of care to heal, but you should start seeing results after the two weeks. Other lasers do not cause wounds, but you may have to go back to the dermatologist's office for a series of treatments.
-
3
Purchase products that contain hydroquinone. Hydroquinone halts the production of melanin in the skin so it appears lighter. You can buy over-the-counter hydroquinone products in a 2 percent or less concentration, but will have to see a dermatologist for a prescription for anything stronger.
Home Remedies
-
1
Dab fresh lemon juice on your skin to lighten acne scars naturally. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Squeeze the juice from a lemon into a cup. Dip a cotton ball in the juice and gently spread it onto your skin. Be very careful to avoid your eye area as lemon juice can lead to painful stinging. You can leave the juice on if it isn't bothersome, or rinse it off after 15 minutes.
-
2
Rub slices of cucumber, potato or tomato on your skin. The vitamins and minerals in these foods can help skin heal faster and return it to its natural skin tone.
-
3
Apply a plain yogurt mask mixed with a few drops of lemon juice to your skin once a week and leave on for at least 15 minutes. The cultures in the yogurt will promote cell growth and the natural bleaching agents in the lemon will help lighten dark areas.
-
4
Spot treat scars with a toothpaste marketed to bleach teeth. The bleach in the toothpaste will work to make dark spots lighter. When you rinse the toothpaste off, be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer because the toothpaste has a tendency to dry out skin.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid going out in the sun without oil-free sunblock on. The sun's UV light will darken skin and make scars stand out even more.
Don't use any products that contain oil, as it can block pores, leading to more acne and, subsequently, more scars.
