How to Quickly Treat Pimple Scars

Pimples are a bothersome skin issue that often leave you feeling uneasy and self-conscious. What's worse is the scars they leave behind, which are far from desirable. While most pimple scars will fade naturally after some months, you can accelerate this process and avoid skin discoloration with just a few simple steps. While you can't expect your pimple scars to vanish overnight, the treatments, products, and skincare tips described below will certainly bring noticeable improvements over time. All you need to do is choose the right method for your skin type.

Identify your type of scar. If the scar is indented (pitted), you might need the help of a dermatologist. Different types of scars respond differently to various treatments.

• Round pitted scars are usually deep, causing your skin to appear uneven.
• Square pitted scars tend to be wide with noticeable grooves.
• Sharp pitted scars are often small, deep, and narrow.

Treatment with Laser. Small to medium-sized scars can be treated with laser for smoothing. The abrasive laser beams will cause the moisture in the scar to evaporate, allowing new skin to form in its place. Non-ablative laser beams are used to stimulate collagen production, helping restore the surrounding skin.

• This method is most suitable for round pitted scars and square pitted scars.
• Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss options and ask about potential risks and side effects.
• You may opt for ablative laser treatment if your scar is deep, or non-ablative laser treatment if the scar is more superficial.

Ask your dermatologist about scar puncture treatment. If you have square pitted scars or sharp pitted scars, your dermatologist may treat them using a scar puncture technique. This method involves cutting around the scar and allowing it to heal naturally into a flat layer of skin.

Consider dermal fillers. Pimple scars can leave indentations in the skin that may not heal on their own. Dermal fillers can temporarily fill in these depressions to smooth out the skin's surface. However, you will need to repeat this procedure every four to six months.

Use silicone to treat raised scars. Silicone sheets or gel can help reduce raised scars. Apply silicone to the scar every night, then wash it off in the morning with a gentle cleanser. After a few weeks, your skin will appear smoother.

Start with a cortisone cream. Cortisone creams help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. Consult with a doctor to determine which cortisone cream is right for you.

• Cortisone creams may be available by prescription or over-the-counter. Apply only to the scarred area and carefully follow the instructions on the label.

Try an over-the-counter skin brightening cream. Skin brightening creams with ingredients like kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, mulberry extract, and Vitamin C can safely lighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars without irritation or harm.

• Avoid products containing hydroquinone. This common skin lightening chemical may cause skin irritation and is listed as a potential carcinogen.
• If you have darker skin (especially for Black/African American individuals), avoid skin lightening creams, as they can permanently reduce melanin and worsen skin damage.

Use glycolic acid and salicylic acid treatments. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are found in many skincare products such as creams, exfoliating masks, and ointments. These exfoliants help remove dead skin, pushing pigmented skin to the surface before gradually fading it away.

• You can also schedule a dermatologist appointment for a glycolic mask, which can penetrate deeper layers of skin for similar results.

Use products containing retinoids. Retinoids, derivatives of Vitamin A, are widely used in many skincare products to treat crow's feet, wrinkles, discoloration, and acne. Retinoids stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, making them an excellent option for treating pimple scars. These creams may be pricey, but dermatologists highly recommend them for their quick and effective results.

• You can purchase over-the-counter retinoid creams, such as those from major skincare brands. However, stronger options may require a prescription from a dermatologist.
• The ingredients in retinoid creams are very sensitive to UVA rays, so apply them only at night to protect your skin.

Laser therapy. If your pimple scars don't fade after a few months, you might want to consider laser treatment. Depending on the therapy you choose, laser beams can be used to stimulate collagen production or 'vaporize' the scar to allow new skin to form.

• Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your options and the potential risks and side effects involved.

Consider using dermal fillers. Acne scars can leave permanent indentations on your skin that may not heal on their own. Dermal fillers can temporarily smooth the skin's surface, but you will need to repeat the treatment every four to six months.

Consider microdermabrasion and chemical peels. These treatments won’t erase acne scars overnight, as they are quite intense and the skin requires time to heal. However, these methods are worth considering if creams and lotions haven't been effective, or if you are particularly concerned with evening out your skin tone.

• Chemical peels with concentrated acids are applied to the skin. These will burn away the outer skin layer, revealing fresh, healthy skin beneath.
• Microdermabrasion also provides similar results but works by exfoliating the skin with a rotating brush.

Apply fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice contains natural whitening properties and can effectively lighten acne scars. Simply mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water and apply it directly to the scar, avoiding surrounding skin. Rinse after 15 to 25 minutes or leave it overnight as a mask.

• Remember to moisturize immediately after washing off the lemon juice, as citric acid in lemon can dry out your skin.
• Yellow lemon juice also contains citric acid, which can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Since lemon juice has a pH of 2, and skin has a pH of 4.0-7.0, this method should be used cautiously. If left on for too long or undiluted, it can cause severe chemical burns. Citrus juice also contains a chemical called Bergapten, which binds with DNA and makes the skin more susceptible to UV damage, so be extra careful when exposing skin to the sun after applying lemon juice. Always rinse off and apply sunscreen before going outside.

Consider using baking soda for exfoliation. Baking soda can be used to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of acne scars. All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to create a paste. Gently apply the paste to your entire face in a circular motion, focusing on acne-prone areas, and leave it for about two minutes. Then rinse off with warm water and gently pat the skin dry.

• You can also use the baking soda paste directly on individual acne spots, leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off.
• Some skin types may respond well to this method. However, because baking soda has a pH of 7.0, which is higher than the skin’s optimal pH of 4.7-5.5, it may encourage the bacteria responsible for acne to survive longer, leading to potential infection or inflammation. Proceed with caution and discontinue if this method doesn't work for you.

Use honey. Honey is a natural remedy that helps reduce acne and redness, as it has antibacterial properties that soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Pure honey is the most effective option. You can apply honey directly to the scar using a cotton swab.

• For sensitive skin, honey is an excellent choice due to its soothing properties and its ability to moisturize rather than dry out the skin like other treatments.
• If you have pearl powder (which can be found in health stores or online), mix a little with honey to enhance the treatment. Pearl powder is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and helps fade scars.

Try aloe vera. Aloe vera gel is a natural, gentle substance often used to treat burns, heal wounds, and fade scars. Aloe also rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin, gradually making acne scars less visible. You can buy aloe vera products at pharmacies, but the best option is to buy an aloe vera plant and use the gel from the leaves. Simply extract the gel from the plant and apply it directly to your face without rinsing.

• For a more intensive acne treatment, mix one or two drops of tea tree oil (which helps with skin cleansing) with the aloe vera gel before applying it to your face.

Use ice cubes. Ice is an incredibly simple home remedy that helps fade scars by soothing inflamed skin and reducing swelling. To use, wrap an ice cube in a clean towel or paper towel and apply it to the affected area for one to two minutes until the skin numbs.

• Instead of using regular water, you can freeze strong tea to make ice cubes and apply these to acne spots. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, enhancing the cooling effect of the ice.

Make a sandalwood paste. Sandalwood has skin-healing properties and is very easy to prepare at home. Simply mix one tablespoon of sandalwood powder with a few drops of rose water or milk to create a smooth paste. Apply this paste to the scarred areas and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process daily until your scars fade.

• You can also mix sandalwood powder with a little honey as a spot treatment for individual acne scars.

Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar helps regulate your skin’s pH, improving its appearance gradually and reducing the visibility of red marks and acne. Dilute the vinegar with water to reduce its strength by half, then use a cotton ball to apply it daily to the scarred areas until the scars fade away.

Always protect your skin from the sun. The UV rays from the sun stimulate skin cells to produce pigments, which may worsen the appearance of acne scars. When heading outdoors, apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade whenever possible to protect your skin.

Use gentle skincare products. At times, people become so desperate to remove acne scars and even out their skin tone that they resort to harsh products that can irritate and worsen the situation. Pay attention to your skin's signals – if a product irritates your skin, discontinue use immediately. Stick with mild cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, and exfoliating masks that soothe your skin rather than inflaming it.

• Avoid using water that is too hot when washing your face. Hot water can dry out the skin, so use lukewarm water instead.
• Avoid using washcloths, sponges, or loofahs as they can be too rough and might irritate your skin.

Exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath. Since acne scars often affect only the top layer of skin, exfoliation can speed up the process of fading scars. You can exfoliate with a facial brush, ensuring it is designed for sensitive skin.

• You can also use a soft washcloth and warm water, gently rubbing it in circular motions around your face to exfoliate.
• Exfoliate at least once a week, but no more than once a day. If your skin is very dry, exfoliate 3 to 4 times a week instead.

Avoid popping pimples and scars. While many people enjoy popping pimples and scars, this actually disrupts the skin's natural healing process and makes things worse. Additionally, popping pimples can cause scarring from bacteria on your hands being transferred to your face, leading to swelling and infection. Therefore, avoid popping pimples at all costs.

Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. While drinking enough water and eating a healthy diet won't magically make acne scars disappear, they help your body function optimally, aiding in your skin's natural healing process. Water flushes toxins from your body and keeps your skin plump and firm, so aim for 5 to 8 cups a day. Vitamins such as A, C, and E also nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.

• Vitamin A can be found in vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and carrots. Vitamin C and E are present in oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
• Avoid fatty and starchy foods as they are not beneficial for your skin.

• Ensure you're drinking enough water to keep your skin hydrated and healthy for the long term. Proper hydration also accelerates the skin's natural healing process.
• The sooner you begin treating scars, the more effective the treatment will be.
• Patience is the most effective method for healing acne scars. Over time, the scars will fade as new collagen fills in the damaged areas of your skin.
• Try making a homemade oatmeal mask. Mix one tablespoon of oatmeal with water to form a paste, then apply it around your face for one minute. Avoid applying the mask near your eyes and mouth. Though it won't give instant results, it works for some people.
• You can also apply turmeric powder to the affected skin. Turmeric is a natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory that helps heal acne and scars. Mix it with water or lemon juice, then wash it off with cold water after 15 minutes. Another method is applying potato juice, which can brighten the skin and reduce acne.
• Apply a mixture of lemon, flour, and milk to your skin.
• Apply coconut oil to the scars, and gently massage olive oil around the damaged area.
• Use cucumber and honey as a remedy.
• Popping pimples pushes dirt deeper into your pores, causing more damage.
• Apply a mixture of honey and baking soda to the scarred areas using a cotton swab.

• Do not use makeup to cover acne. Makeup can cause redness in the surrounding skin and make the acne worse. Wash your face with acne treatment cleanser twice a day to clear up the acne.
• Do not wash your face and then apply makeup again, unless you want to make the pimples worse. Makeup will sink deep into the skin and leave red flakes behind.