If you suffer from acne, you know that the worst part is never the pimple, but the annoying scar that it leaves behind. If you struggle with acne scars and want to get rid of them naturally, here are 11 natural remedies for fading acne scars. (However, do keep in mind that all scars are different and some scars cannot be removed naturally. Deeper and pitted scars will need special laser/chemical methods for them to be removed. Consult your dermatologist to learn more about your scars.)

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties. It works best on fresh scars by helping strengthen the collagen structure within it. The gel contains many nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. It helps the skin repair. The proteins found in aloe vera have properties that enhance cell growth, help speed wound healing, and fight acne scarring.

To use: Slice open an aloe leaf, scrape the gel inside of the leaf into a bowl. Whisk it up with a fork and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash off.

2. Raw Honey

The application of raw honey on acne reduces the swelling and kills the acne-causing bacteria. This antibacterial action is because the enzymes present in honey produce hydrogen peroxide. Honey helps the skin to heal faster and helps fade acne scars.

To use: Take raw honey and apply on the affected area. Leave on for 30 minutes and wash off.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal can attract toxins to help detox your skin. It works by absorbing impurities and excess oil and sebum. It can help fade scars by lifting off the darkened dead skin.

To use: Take activated charcoal pills (you can find them in medical or beauty stores) and empty out the powder into a bowl. Add coconut oil to make a paste and apply the mask onto your scars. Leave on for 30 minutes and wash off.

4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has fatty acids that maintain moisture and keep your skin smooth. It also has vitamin E and proteins that help with cell repair and regrowth. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help fade scars.

To use: Make sure to use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil (if you can’t find cold pressed buy dried coconut and take it to your local cold-press oil shop) and slather it onto the affected area.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural alkaline product and counteracts your skin’s acidity during a breakout, helping neutralize the PH levels in your skin. The white powder is anti-inflammatory, which will help soothe redness, fade pigmentation, and reduce swelling.

To use:  Add two teaspoon of water to one teaspoon of baking soda to make a scrub. Apply this liquid paste gently on the face in circular movements for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with water. It can be drying to the skin so make sure to moisturize afterward.

6. Orange Peel Powder

Orange peels contain vitamin C  that not only combats free radicals that destroy functioning skin cells but also helps your skin get that glow. These can also help absorb excess oil and sebum from your skin and the citric acid can help with pigmentation.

To use: Take the peel from one large orange and allow them to dry out in the sun. Once dried, grind them into a fine powder. Mix the powder with rose water or milk and apply to the affected area. Leave on for 30 minutes and wash off with water.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is packed with antibacterial properties, which allows it to fight the bacteria that cause skin problems as well as reduce redness and inflammation.

To use: Buy a natural and organic tea tree oil and apply on the affected area before sleeping.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help eliminate dead skin cells and help fade away acne scars.  It has a high acidity that can aid in restoring the natural acidity and pH levels in your skin. It works because it can slough away the dead skin cells.

To use: Take two parts of distilled water and one part of ACV in a small spray bottle, mix, and spray on the face as a toner.

9. Tomato

Tomato has the ability to balance the pH levels of your skin. It can help to close large pores and it also prevents bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, and dirt from clogging them. In addition, tomato has antioxidants which protect your skin from being damaged by free radicals causing acne.

To use: Cut tomato into slices. Take a slice and rub over the affected area. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.

10. Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, which is why it’s praised for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin and improve elasticity within the skin. The fat in cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over the skin to hold in moisture and heal your skin.

To use: Take half a teaspoon of 100% pure cocoa butter and apply it to your scars. Leave it on for 1-2 hours and wash off.

11. Turmeric

Turmeric helps balance melanin production and treats it internally. Turmeric also contains curcumin, which inhibits pigmentation in the skin and reduces the appearance of sun spots and pigmentation.

To use: Take 1/4 of a teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with one teaspoon of yogurt. Apply this paste to your scars and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Remember that you are beautiful with and without scars. You don’t HAVE to do this, but if you’re trying to get rid of a pesky scar for a function, we gotchu. Let us know in the comments below what you thought about these remedies.

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cover image via Garnier