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How to Get Rid of Acne Scars Naturally

Updated on August 8, 2009

Acne-Free Skin with Lemons

Lemon Juice - Acne Fighting Power

Lemon juice acts as a core ingredient to a number of natural remedies. It has a number of favorable properties that make it suitable for use as a treatment agent in a number of disorders, from acne to uneven skin tone to stained teeth. In comparison to traditional, OTC acne treatments, lemon juice is far more affordable and effective. Few OTC treatments can stake the claim that they help drastically reduce the appearance of acne scars. Their main objective is to clear the skin, not to treat post-acne symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and scarring. Below we will discuss how to get rid of acne scars and acne itself by using the potent properties of lemon juice.


A Power Disinfectant

Straight from the lemon, lemon juice is a powerful disinfectant. It can help kill any bacteria that poses a threat to our body. A main component of this juice is citric acid. This substance, which has a low pH (used to indicate acidity), is largely responsible for destroying bacteria cells. How can one use this disinfecting property to treat their acne-prone skin? Simple, by applying lemon juice topically to any problem areas. It should seep into the skin killing any acne bacteria that may be waiting for a pore to become clogged so that it can multiply. Whiteheads and other inflamed lesions form from due to this multiplying effect that occurs in the pores and the body's subsequent response to this bacteria invasion. You can apply lemon juice regularly to your skin using a cotton ball. If need be, you can create a diluted solution using water.

Although the disinfectant characteristic plays little role in helping treat existing acne scars, it does help prevent new ones. And you know what they say, prevention is the best medicine.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars with Lemon Juice

Natural Exfoliant - Acne and Acne Scars are History!

Lemon juice, due to its acidic nature, is a natural exfoliant. In helping expedite the process through which the skin gets rids of dead cells, it prevents new acne lesions from forming. Lesions form when said dead cells penetrate pores, causing sebum to accumulate and allowing p. acnes bacteria to run rampant. Acne cannot form when nothing is present to cause a blockage. Even though p. acnes bacteria may be present on our skin, they remain non-problematic until they are suppled with large amounts of sebum to help them mulitply.

Acne prevention is but one of the functions which this exfoliating property serves. Those who use lemon juice on a regular basis have reported marked improvement in the appearance of their acne scars. Lemon juice brings replenished skin out, leaving behind unsightly scars. Although you will not experience a complete disappearance of your acne scarring, lemon juice should drastically soften its appearance. It works in much the same way as the skin peeling treatments offered in dermatologist's offices.

Be aware that you will have to be patient and consistent in your treatment before you notice any effect on acne scarring. Even professional-grade treatments often ask that you wait several weeks for results to finally materialize. Don't try to rush your treatment by using excessive amounts of lemon juice. This can result in irritation and will actually exacerbate your acne breakouts.

Skin Lightening

When your battle with acne is finally over, you will notice that two new battles have begun - one with acne scarring, and the other with hyperpigmentation. On one front, you have to deal with hyperpigmentation. This post-acne symptoms appears as discolored spots on the skin, where acne lesions were once present. While these spots will eventually go away on their own, some can't bear the thought of having to wait several months for an even skin tone. Although there are professional treatments available to help expedite the healing process, lemon juice is a better bet. In addition to its other wonderful properties, it is also a natural skin lightener. It will help dwindle the appearance of discolored spots and thus allow for a more even complexion.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars Without Damaging Skin

As much as we have raved about lemon juice, there are some precautions you have to take before incorporating it into your acne treatment regimen. For one, it has been known to induce an uncomfortable drying effect. Regardless of whether or not your like this drying effect, it is not healthy for your skin. Shortly after applying lemon juice, you need to get some moisturizer on your skin. This will help prevent irritation, which can lead to subsequent breakouts. Only use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and one that is free of irritating additives such as SLS and alcohol.

The sun is not your best friend when it comes to treating acne. When your skin is in an especially fragile state, as it will be while you are treating it with lemon juice, you need to protect it from the sun's rays. That means using generous amounts of sunscreen, in addition to moisturizer. You can actually now purchase moisturizers that have some SPF, so you take care of two problems in one.

A failure to heed to these precautions can be disastrous. You may ultimately worsen your acne breakouts if you get a sunburn or otherwise irritate your skin. This is what often happens to those who use lemon juice and being misinforming others about its dangerous nature. It is not dangerous when used properly, so be cautious!



Lemon Juice for Oily Skin

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