If you’ve ever battled acne you’re probably well aware that long after the breakout is gone, you’ve still got some leftover red marks, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Basically, too many melanocytes (aka the skin cells that carry our skin pigment) accumulate in inflamed areas, causing the darker spots of skin.
Depending on your skin tone, they can look dark brown to red and are super stubborn to fade. It’s especially frustrating because while the acne is gone, your face still looks like it’s in the midst of a breakout! Ugh!
Unlike true scarring–the kind that leaves an indentation or raised mark on the skin–these kinds of scars will fade with time. Luckily, they’re not textured—that’s way harder to change!
But sometimes, PIH needs a little assistance to fade away and we have just the face masks for scars to help, plus some other tips to ensure that they’re banished for good.
Acne Relief Cucumber Mask
Especially beneficial for recent acne scarring that may still have some residual inflammation, this simple cucumber mask is the perfect choice. Cucumbers have lightening agents as well as anti-inflammatory properties that will tone and hydrate the skin.
- 1 peeled cucumber
- 1 tablespoon organic Greek yogurt
Puree the cucumber (seeds and skin included!) and then mix in the yogurt. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Using ingredients that are cold out of the fridge will be super soothing to sensitive and irritated skin too—so this is one that my rosacea-prone readers can use!
Avocado & Lemon Mask
Avocado stimulates collagen production, which aids in cell regeneration. It’s incredibly nourishing for skin, providing moisture as well as anti-inflammatory benefits! The honey is antibacterial and also promotes skin healing from trauma, while the lemon juice lightens hyperpigmentation.
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- Half of a lemon
Mash one ripe avocado until smooth, mix in 1 tablespoon of honey and squeeze the half lemon. Mix together thoroughly before applying to face.
While this can be applied as a spot treatment in targeted areas, it can also be used all over the face to brighten skin. Leave on skin for about 15 minutes, before gently rinsing away and continuing with the rest of your skincare routine.
If you have sensitive skin, use less lemon or skip it altogether. There’s still a lot of amazing benefits that your skin can get from the combination of avocado and honey to even out your skin and hopefully prevent any scarring from forming in the future!
Tips to fight acne scars:
always wear sunscreen, as the sun can darken acne scars–minimum of SPF 30!
do not pick at acne scars, it will only make them worse
the best way to fight scarring is to prevent the scars in the first place, so put together a good skincare routine and stick with it
don’t pop pimples! It’s super tempting (especially when they’re ripe for popping!). What I find helps is using a pimple patch—they help to absorb the icky moisture in the zit, will protecting the zit from any prying, picking hands.
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Mixture of Gram flour, turmeric and milk is also very beneficial home remedy to fade acne scars and provide smooth skin. I have used it to fade my face acne.
Very useful post and I totally LOVED your pictures!!