5 effective treatments for acne scar at home

Having acne scar after treating the acne itself can be frustrating for many of you. But don’t worry, acne scars can be treated even at home if you know the right treatment for you.

But, before you try to treat your scars, it’s important to know what type they are.

Each type responds to treatment differently, and some treatments are better for particular types than others.

Depressed scars

Depressed scars (atrophic scars) are most common on the face. This type of scar sits below the surrounding skin. They’re formed when not enough collagen is made while the wound is healing.

Raised scars

Raised scars (hypertrophic scars) are most common with chest and back acne. They stand above the surface of the surrounding skin and are caused by too much collagen during healing.

Dark spots

It’s a discoloration left behind after a zit has cleared isn’t a scar. The purple, red, or brown marks will fade over a few months on their own.

Now, after you understood what scar do you have, it’s about time to know all the available home treatment options for each type of these acne scars:

1-Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are often found in products made to treat acne since they help to remove dead skin and prevent clogged pores. Even better, AHAs can also help make acne scars appear less noticeable.

The mild acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to help remove discoloration and rough skin.

Used for: All types of acne scars.

2-Lactic acid

Don’t worry, this one has nothing to with the gym. A small 2010 study found that dermatologist-performed lactic acid peels done once every two weeks for three months improved the texture, appearance, and pigmentation of the skin and lightened acne scars.

There are countless peels, serums, and ointments with lactic acid, but you can also use diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner or spot treatment thanks to its natural lactic acid.

Used for: All types of acne scars.

3-Retinoids

Topical retinoids are another acne treatment with scar-smoothing benefits. In addition to speeding up your cell regeneration and improving your skin’s texture, retinoids can also help reduce discoloration and make scars less noticeable according to a recent review.

However, they can also make your skin, especially sensitive to the sun. Always wear sunscreen daily when using anything that contains retinoids.

You can find creams and serums with retinoids over the counter, but your healthcare provider can also prescribe you higher concentrations. Look for products that list retinol as one of the active ingredients.

Used for: depressed scars.

4-Salicylic acid

Chances are high that you’ve already used salicylic acid to treat your acne in the past. From pads to spot treatments and lotions to face cleansers, it’s in just about every kind of acne treatment these days.

Salicylic acid clears pores, reduces swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It’s considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars.

Related: All the effective treatments for acne

You can add products with salicylic acid into your daily routine or your skin care specialist may use it for less frequent chemical peels.

It might take a few weeks to see a difference when using salicylic acid. It can also cause dryness or irritation. You may need to use the product less often or try spot treating if you have sensitive skin.

Used for: All acne scars.

5-Sunscreen

Yes, really. It’s vital to wear sunscreen every day over scars. Sun exposure can darken scars or make them more noticeable.