Shot by Cheema Photography, Chandigarh

Having clear and flawless skin is a dream of every bride-to-be. But there they are, rigid acne scars, crushing every girl's skin dreams with their presence. No matter how much water you sip or munch on those miraculous food items, those pimple marks will just not go. The root cause of these stern acne scars is obviously, acne breakouts. Most of us have a habit of popping those pimples, but regrettably, that popping act gets us rid of the zit for a while but leaves on a difficult-to-heal scar.

As your wedding is nearing, we truly understand your quest to look at the best version of yourself. Hence, after giving you effective tips on how to have thick-long hair, get gorgeous bridal feet and achieve bridal glow at home, today we tell you how to get rid of acne scars! Trust us, you won't have to use Instagram filters or apply multiple layers of foundation & color correctors to hide those ugly scars anymore. Right from some natural home remedies to most effective clinical treatments, we explain how to get rid of the acne scars to achieve the skin of your dreams in this guide.

Natural remedies and medical treatments to get rid of acne scars

Home Remedies to treat acne scars

Indian kitchens boast of a lot of beneficial natural ingredients for the skin that can help remove your acne scars. Below enlisted are some of the most effective ways to treat acne scars at home. However, remember, natural remedies can only lighten the acne scars and cannot completely get you rid of from them. Especially, if your scars are severe. Consulting a dermatologist is a MUST when you are planning to treat the scars. In fact, you should practice the above-mentioned natural remedies only after confirming it with a skin specialist. 

1. Orange Peel Powder

Orange peel powder is the miraculous natural product that you always needed for your skin. It has wondrous lightening properties that further aids in lessening the appearance of pimple marks. Not just that, it also brilliantly enhances the texture of the skin. Mix 1 tsp of orange peel powder with milk/honey (for dry skin) or water (oily skin) to make a thick paste and apply it on your face. Keep it on for 15 minutes until it dries and then rinse it with lukewarm water. Do this 3-4 times in a week. You can sun-dry orange peels and grind to a powder, or can buy it from local stores.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Packed with anti-bacterial properties, tea tree oil fights the bacteria that cause skin issues. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil in your regular face wash and rinse your face with water after 5-10 minutes. Do this twice a day and results will start showing within 15 days.

3. Lemon

Enriched with the goodness of Vitamin C, lemon acts as a natural bleaching agent that promotes clear skin. Dab a few drops of lemon juice on your acne scars with cotton swabs and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. The citric acid present in lemon kills the dead cells that cause scarring and makes your skin look fresh than ever before. However, refrain from using lemon if your skin is dry.

4. Egg Whites

A yet another way to lighten the acne scars is to use egg whites on the affected area. Apply it on the scars using lemon balls and leave it on overnight to get the best results. Egg whites are rich in protein which helps tighten the pores, prevents surfacing of acne breakouts and lightens the scars.

5. Coconut Oil

Right from our moms to their grandmoms, coconut oil has been the go-to remedy for skin scars since time immemorial. Rightly so, it is packed with a lot of benefits for your skin. It is enriched with antioxidant properties and contains Vitamin E and Vitamin K that repair skin and promote the growth of new skin tissues. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties prevent from developing new acne.

However, to treat your acne scars, rub a little amount of coconut oil in your palms and apply it on the scars. Leave it on overnight and wash with lukewarm water in the morning. Do this every day or at least thrice a week depending upon the type of your skin. If your skin is oily, apply coconut oil not more than thrice a week.

6. Oatmeal Honey Scrub

The ones with sensitive skin, fret not! This amazing natural remedy is what you need to try your hands on. Let cool the boiled 2 tablespoons of oats, and mix it with 1/2 tablespoons each of honey and coconut oil. Massage the mixture on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Use this scrub once a week.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

All hail to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, Apple Cider Vinegar (also known as ACV) is one of the most raging products in the skincare scene right now. It has also proved to emerge as a great help to reduce acne scars. Mix a tablespoon of ACV with two tablespoons of honey and dilute the mixture with a little amount of water. Apply it on the scars with cotton swabs and let it stay for at least 10-15 minutes. Then, wash off with water. Do this every alternate day.

8. Turmeric Powder and Besan

This is one of the best home-made scrubs to get rid of acne scars and brighten the skin. Mix one tablespoon of gram flour (besan) with a pinch of turmeric and mix it with milk and water to form a thick paste. Apply it on the affected area for 20 minutes and then wash with water.

9. Green tea bags

Put those used green tea bags to use that effectively reduce the appearance of acne marks. All you gotta do is, take a used green tea bag and generously dab it on your pimple marks.

10. Mix lemon and coconut oil with baking soda

This is yet another effective way you can get rid of pimple marks! Mix 2 teaspoons each of coconut oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice with baking soda. Apply the mixture on affected areas with cotton balls while avoiding the sensitive area around eyes. Gently massage in circular motion for around 2 minutes and then leave it on for 30-45 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a week to witness miraculous results.  

Medical treatments for acne scare treatment

While natural remedies help lighten the appearance of the scars, it is the clinical treatments work best when you want to completely get rid of the acne scars. Depending upon the type of your acne marks and the level of scarring, a dermatologist will suggest a specific treatment or a combination of some. In case you are looking forward to flaunting a flawless bridal face, here are some common acne scar removal treatments you might be suggested.

1. Laser

When one is suffering from severe acne scarring, the laser is the most prescribed solution. The idea is to remove the outer/affected skin, contour the area of marks and let new skin take its place. Heat produced with the laser burns the affected skin and helps stimulate the collagen production, which further leads to young and healthy skin.

2. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is yet another one of the most effective techniques to remove acne scars. It uses a tool with a coarse end which is gently brushed on the affected skin to remove the top skin layers and help the skin regenerate. It is similar to the concept of laser treatment, but the laser is given in severe scarring cases.

3. Micro-dermabrasion

 As the name suggests, it is the less intensive type of dermabrasion. In this scar removal treatment, the dermatologist uses a spray of tiny crystals instead of an abrasive tool to remove surface skin.

4. Chemical Peels

Using chemical peels is a non-surgical way to reduce shallow acne scars. The chemicals are chosen and applied according to your skin type and severity of scarring which then deeply exfoliates the top layers of skin.

5. Fillers

Substances like collagen, hyaluronic acid or fat are used as fillers for certain types of acne scars. They add volume and fill in the fine lines, wrinkles, and depressed acne scars.

6. Retinoic Acid

The scars that can't be treated with traditional scar removal treatments are dealt with strong retinoic acid creams.

7. Skin Needling

The skin needling procedure involves the insertion of fine needles into your skin to create micro wounds. The micro-injury triggers skin repair process by producing collagen and elastin in the skin, thereby rejuvenating it.

There are many other treatments available (surgical and non-surgical) that can improve your skin's appearance. Your skin might not get completely restored, hence it is also important to set realistic expectations and take sheer care of your skin.

Do you have some more home remedies to share? Write in the comments below!

Medha Chawla

Author, WeddingBazaar

Follow