Acne scars can remain on the skin for weeks, or even months, after the active acne blemishes have disappeared. This can be frustrating to the sufferer, and can make the skin seem blotchy, discolored and uneven. Luckily, there are a few natural masks that can reduce the appearance of the acne scars and can help balance the skin tone.
Oil Masks
Oil masks soften the skin and loosen the tough, discolored and dried skin cells of . It is important to only use oils that will not clog the pores. Non-comedogenic oils like these include olive oil, castor oil, peanut oil and jojoba oil.
To apply an oil mask, pour 2 tbsp. of a selected oil into the palms of your hands and spread the oil onto the skin which contains the acne scars. Use the fingertips to gently massage the oil into the skin for about three minutes, then let the oil sit on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes longer. After the time has elapsed, place a steaming towel onto your face to soften the discolored skin even more, and wipe off the excess oil once the cloth cools down. An oil mask can be used every day to reduce acne scarring.
Soda Masks
Soda is highly alkaline and helpful in both sloughing off dead and discolored skin as well as lightening darker areas on the face.
To apply a baking soda mask, pour 2 tbsp. of baking soda into the palm of your hands and drizzle in 1 tsp. of water. Mix the two until a paste forms, then smooth the paste onto the area of scarring. Allow the baking soda mask to remain on the skin for five minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water. A baking soda mask can be used three times per week to diminish the appearance of acne scars.
Vitamin C Masks
Vitamin C is helpful in removing dead skin cells as well as building new skin cells in their place. One source of Vitamin C that is easily applied to scarred skin is concentrated lemon juice.
To apply a lemon juice mask, soak five cotton pads in concentrated lemon juice and place them on your face. There will be enough pads to place two on the forehead, one on the chin, and one on each cheek. Leave the cotton pads on the face for at least five minutes, then remove them and allow the skin to air dry. A Vitamin C mask can be used to remove acne scars once per day.
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