In partnership with Maya Kislykh

Acne can affect people of all ages at any point in their lives. Some adults need years to clear up acne completely. Unfortunately, getting rid of painful pimples and blackheads isn’t the end of the battle.

Many people have to deal with acne scars and marks. As you can understand, they don’t go away so easily when untreated.

There is some good news, though! First of all, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin and get rid of dark spots and acne scars. Secondly, the whole process shouldn’t take longer than three months if you do everything right.

If you are ready to start, here is what you need to know about treating your skin after acne:

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

If you only have minor acne scars and dark spots, you should try some home remedies. It goes without saying that before you start any treatment, you need to consult a dermatologist. Some remedies listed below might not be suitable for your skin type.

LEMON JUICE

 

Lemon juice can help you solve the problem of dark spots, but only if you use it once in a while. Regular usage of lemon juice might lead to a painful chemical burn. Also, there is no research that proves that lemon juice can help get rid of old scars.

If you want to try it out, follow safety guidelines. First of all, mix lemon juice with another ingredient such as yogurt, honey, or oatmeal. Secondly, don’t keep it on your face for too long; five minutes would be enough. It’s important to stay out of the sun the day you apply the mixture.

 

ALOE VERA

 

Some studies have shown that aloesin (a compound in aloe vera) can help lighten pigmentation. Aloe vera is safe and effective when used at home. According to PrimalHarvest.com, it can reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and boost immune response.

You can either use pure aloe vera and apply it topically, mix it with honey and lemon juice, or buy a beauty product that contains aloesin.

If you want to incorporate pure aloe vera into your beauty routine, there is nothing to be afraid of since this natural component doesn’t cause side effects.

Using aloe vera won’t help you get rid of acne scars completely, but it will hydrate your skin and fade dark spots.

 

BLACK SEED OIL

 

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa, has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation as well as make your scars less visible.

Moreover, this natural component can nourish your skin and slow the signs of aging thanks to Vitamin A and amino acids. It’s also worth mentioning that black seed oil can also be beneficial for patients with eczema and psoriasis.

Feel free to apply it topically on your skin. Test this natural ingredient on a small area of your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or allergic reactions.

In-Office Treatment for Acne Scars

If you want to see results faster, consider in-office treatments for acne scars. Before you choose any of these treatments, make sure you don’t have any active acne. It’s important to find a reliable provider who will also give recommendations on how to treat your skin after the procedure.

 

LASER TREATMENT

 

Laser treatment is one of the easiest ways to reduce the appearance of acne scars on your face, back, neck, upper torso, and arms.

Only your dermatologist can decide whether you are ready for this procedure. People with wrinkles, darker skin tone, or acne breakouts can’t have laser treatment as it might only worsen their skin condition.

If you are the right candidate for laser treatment, plan for unexpected finances. A single procedure of laser skin resurfacing can cost up to two thousand dollars. You should also take into account the number of procedures you will need as it’s impossible to treat all scars in one sitting.

During the procedure, a doctor will remove the top layer of your skin with a laser. It might sound a bit scary, but there is nothing to worry about. You will not feel any pain after two hours. The only side effect is redness; it can take up to two weeks for it to subside.

Your provider will give you instructions on how to prepare for laser treatment. Two weeks prior to the procedure, you will have to quit smoking and stop using skincare products that contain retinol.

After the procedure, your scars will be less visible, and your skin will become smoother. It’s important to mention that this procedure will not help you get soft baby skin right away, your acne scars might not disappear completely.

 

MICRONEEDLING

 

Skin needling can help you get rid of acne scars and the first signs of aging. The science behind the procedure is simple — skin produces more collagen during the skin pricking process. Extra collagen helps increase blood flow, improve skin elasticity and texture. Microneedling is recommended for patients with depressed acne scars.

After the procedure, you might notice some side effects such as inflammation, redness, and bruising. If you drink a lot of water, protect your skin from the sun, and follow your doctor’s recommendations, side effects will go away within a few days.

Microneedling could also be used for sun damage, hair loss, surgical scars, and stretch marks.

One session costs around $300. Keep in mind that you might need more than one session in order to see the first results. Choose your provider carefully — only professional dermatologists can perform this procedure.

 

CHEMICAL PEEL

 

If you want to see the results faster, consider trying chemical peels. You can rejuvenate your skin by removing the top layer of your skin with this procedure. A chemical peel is also recommended in case of active acne and clogged pores.

The only challenge is to find the right type of chemical peel.

At-home chemical peels can help you get rid of fading dark spots. If you have pitted acne scars, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before you try anything on your own.

Use glycolic, lactic, salicylic, phytic, mandelic acids for at-home chemical peels. These acids are good for all skin types. Stay away from peels that contain TCA (trichloroacetic acid) since it can damage your skin if used incorrectly. Before and after the procedure, you should avoid using acne-clearing products and Retin-A.

If you do a peel without expert supervision, the results might not meet your expectations. Also, at-home peels are weaker than the ones used at the doctor’s office. An effective deep peel will require throughout skin cleansing and general anesthesia. You might need to have a chemical peel once every six weeks.

 

The Bottom Line

Getting rid of acne is just the first step. To win the final battle, you need to remove acne scars and dark spots. Even though it’s never too late to start this process, the earlier, the better, as getting rid of old scars can be more complicated.

Consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin. They may recommend chemical peel, microneedling, or laser treatment. You can also try different home remedies such as aloe vera, lemon juice, or black seed oil.

Remember, it is possible to get clear, smooth skin. You are halfway there! Find the right option for your skin now and enjoy the results!