If you struggle with acne or have struggled with it in the past, you’re most certainly not alone. Women everywhere have to deal with problem skin, whether it’s due to genetics, oily skin, or the pesky hormones that hit your system once a month. Acne can create a dent in anyone’s self-esteem, but when it leaves behind a dark mark or scar, you may be left feeling discouraged.

When you notice a lingering scar just when you thought that pimple had healed, don’t lose hope yet! There are plenty of affordable methods to heal acne scars and leave your skin glowing. The tried-and-true acne scar remedies listed below can quickly be incorporated into your regular skincare routine for truly great results.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that is effective at healing acne scars and can be found at any drugstore. Applying an astringent like witch hazel to your skin will remove excess oil and give your pores a refreshingly deep clean.

Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling to minimize the appearance of scars. Just apply a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton pad and swipe across the surface of your skin a few times a day. You’ll likely notice an improvement in the look and tone of your skin right away, with lasting results becoming visible within a few weeks.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a beloved skincare product for those with acne-prone skin. This essential oil is included in many beauty and skincare products, but it can also be purchased on its own and applied directly to the skin.

Tea tree oil minimizes inflammation and can lessen the look of active pimples. You can apply it to the skin once or twice a day to reduce the look of raised acne marks. We love tea tree oil because it’s a natural acne remedy, it smells fantastic, and it gives your skin a rejuvenated, deeply-cleaned feeling. 

Lemon Juice

For a powerful make-at-home acne scar treatment, reach for a lemon. Lemon juice can help clear up bacteria in your pores, lighten dark marks left behind by acne, and speed up the production of new skin cells.

Lemon juice is harsh and very acidic, so it should be used sparingly or mixed with another ingredient, such as oatmeal, egg whites, or water. Apply only a small amount to your scars and dark marks (after washing your face), leaving the juice on your skin for one to two minutes at most. Then, rinse your skin and apply a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you’re headed outside). You should only treat your skin with lemon once or twice a week, given its high acidity, and those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution.

Tip: If your skin is just too sensitive for a dose of topical lemon juice, squeeze some into your glass of water instead. Your skin will still benefit from its antibacterial properties.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter treatment for acne, but it can also work wonders for fading scars. It not only helps to clear clogged pores and ease inflammation but also to improve skin’s overall tone and appearance. There are countless top-notch skincare products with salicylic acid available at your neighborhood drugstore, so it’s an easy and practical treatment option–no prescription from a dermatologist required!

With any breakout, there’s a chance that acne scars will be left behind. But, that doesn’t mean they’ll stay for good. The wonderful acne scar remedies listed above are trusted, inexpensive, and easy to get your hands on. So, the next time a dark mark or scar is causing you anxiety, take a deep breath and know that there’s a simple skincare solution at your fingertips.

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