There are very few things in life that are as annoying as pimples. They appear right before important events and refuse to go, no matter how hard you try. And the worst part about pimples is that they leave marks and you just don't know how to remove pimple marks. Right after your pimple dries out, it usually leaves a brown or red spot . This is a temporary inflammation of the skin that leads to darker or thicker skin and gets repaired on its own in a few weeks. But those deeper marks, the ones that look like tiny craters or depressions in the skin are the ones you should be careful about. These are true pimple marks or acne scars and won't disappear on their own unless treated the right way. While it is extremely important to invest in the right type of skincare products to care for acne prone skin, you should also never touch a pimple or pop, because that is the number one cause of pimple marks. To know more about how to remove pimple marks naturally, read on.
01Types of pimple marks
Before we learn how to remove pimple scars naturally , it is useful to recognize three main categories of depressed acne scars—ice pick scars (deeper than wide), boxcar scars (wider than deep with distinct edges), and rolling atrophic scars (these can be smoothed out if stretched). Here are the 5 types of pimple marks or acne scars:
1. Ice-pick scar:
Ice-pick scars are small and narrow indentations that point down into the skin's surface. They are most commonly found on the cheeks and require persistent and aggressive treatment to heal.
2. Rolling scar:
Rolling scars are the biggest contributors to textured skin - they vary in depths and have slopes for edges. Their shape is the reason why some pimple marks make your skin look wavy and uneven.
3. Boxcar scar:
Boxcar scars are broad in shape and appear in the form of box-like depressions with sharp edges. They mostly show up on your lower cheeks and jaw, where the skin is thicker than the rest of your face. Apart from acne, they can also be caused by chickenpox and some viral infections of the skin.
4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation:
Unlike the kind of scars we saw above, PIH is a superficial dark patch on the skin and usually goes away on their own. All you have to do is apply sunscreen every day and keep your skin hydrated!
5. Keloids
Keloid, and hypertrophic arks, appear as raised bumps on the surface of your skin. This is triggered by the scar-tissue buildup on acne sites that are usually the same size, or bigger, than the acne itself. They appear on your jawline, chest, back and shoulders.
02Causes of pimple marks
Pimple marks can be attributed to a number of causes, some of which have been listed below:
- Puberty induced breakouts
- Skin damage caused by inflammation
- Popping or picking on acne before they subside naturally
- Sun exposure triggering hyperpigmentation around damaged skin
- Increased production of melanin (caused by hormonal changes) during the healing process
- External aggressors like pollution and harsh skincare products, Certain medication, etc.
03How to remove pimple marks naturally at home
Dedicated, dermatologist-recommended acne treatments along with an effective CTM (Cleansing-Toning-Moisturising) routine are essential to prevent acne breakouts, remove pimple marks and achieve an overall flawless complexion. But there are a ton of effective homemade remedies that help heal and prevent acne, lighten pimple marks and deliver an overall flawless complexion . Using various home remedies for pimple marks such as lemon, aloe vera and honey help reduce pimple marks over time. These remedies are not only safe but also super effective if used diligently.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and is no surprise. This makes tea tree oil an amazing remedy for acne and acne scars. This wonder oil not only helps in eliminating acne but also helps remove pimple marks and you won't have to ask the question "how to get rid of pimple marks" again.
How to use:
Step 01 : In a mixing bowl, take a teaspoon of coconut oil Step 02 : Add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to it and mix it well Step 03 : Apply this mixture to your face each night before bed Step 04: Leave it on overnight and wash off with a gentle cleanser in the morning.
Vitamin E oil is the perfect remedy for acne and pimple marks thanks to its skin regenerating properties. It also helps to slow down the process of skin aging and hydrates the skin to restore the glow.
How to use:
Step 01 : Extract oil from Vitamin E capsules Step 02 : Wash your face with a cleanser before applying the oil Step 03 : Using a cotton ball, dab the oil on your skin Step 04 : Leave it for 10-15 minutes so the skin can absorb the oil Step 05: Rinse with a face wash
Is there anything that coconut oil does not do? It has a wide range of skincare benefits, thanks to the high content of antioxidants and vitamins E and K. Coconut oil helps repair your skin and promotes the growth of healthy skin tissues that help reduce pimple marks. Owing to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, this oil can prevent the surfacing of new acne lesions.
How to use:
Step 01 : Rub a teaspoon of coconut oil in between your palms Step 02 : Dab the oil lightly all over your face, concentrating more on the acne scars Step 03: Leave it on overnight and wash off the next morning
From weight loss to clear skin, there is a lot that apple cider vinegar does. It possesses antimicrobial properties that help prevent the occurrence of acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar reduce the inflammation and reddening of your acne scars and help them to fade. It may be drying, but this remedy can be extremely drying, so make sure to moisturize your skin afterward.
How to use:
Step 01 : Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of honey Step 02 : Add a little water to this mixture to dilute it and mix well Step 03 : Using a cotton pad, apply this mixture to the entire face or only the acne scars. Step 04: Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and wash it off with water
If you're wondering "how to remove pimple marks permanently " then lemon juice is another super effective home remedy for pimple marks. It has skin lightening and brightening properties that help **reduce acne scars **and make them less visible over time.
How to use:
Step 01 : Squeeze the juice from half a lemon Step 02 : Dip a cotton pad into this and apply it to the affected areas Step 03: Leave it on for 10 minutes Step 04: Wash it off
Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy to reduce pimple scars if used regularly. This is because it contains a compound called aloesin, which helps to reduce pigmentation that is usually left behind by a pimple. This compound helps in reducing melanin content in the area.
How to use:
Step 01 : Start by cleansing your skin with lukewarm water. Step 02 : Next, slice open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel. Step 03: Apply this gel to the affected area and then go ahead and apply the rest of your skincare products.
There is no denying the incredible moisturizing benefits of honey and this is the main thing that helps in the healing of pimple marks. Honey helps fasten your body's healing process, and that is how it also reduces pimple marks over time. Applying honey every day to the affected area helps to reduce scarring and keeps your skin clear and flawless.
How to use:
Step 01 : On a thoroughly cleansed face, apply a tiny bit of honey as a spot treatment. Step 02 : Allow it to rest on your skin for about 20 minutes. Step 03: Wash it off with gentle antibacterial soap and tepid water and follow it up with a moisturizer. If you want to get rid of pimple marks naturally, then it is best for you to avoid the sun as far as possible; especially the harsh afternoon sunlight. This is because the harmful UV rays of the sun make your skin produce more melanin, which can in turn lead to your scars appearing darker and more prominent. Therefore, always apply sunscreen several times a day and wear a hat if you absolutely need to be out in the sun. These steps will go a long way in helping to get rid of pimple marks naturally. Keep your hands off your face at all times. Popping pimples or squeezing them is never a good idea. Poking pimples will irritate your skin and spread germs, which means more pimples, and more marks. To quickly recover from acne , it is important to steer away from using anything harsh on your skin. It is best to avoid harsh exfoliators, soaps and creams. Also, avoid ingredients like alcohol or fragrances as they tend to adversely affect the pimple. Don't irritate your skin by using harsh towels on your face and don't over-apply acne scar medication, expecting faster results. If you're prone to acne, make sure your skin is always clean, use a salicylic acid based face wash, keep yourself hydrated and take all your makeup off before you hit the sack.
04FAQs about pimple marks
Q. Do pimple marks go away naturally?
A. Yes, a lot of times it is indeed possible for normal, not-so-severe cases of pimple marks to go away in a couple of weeks. But to ensure that this happens a lot faster, it is important to take certain precautions such as wearing sunscreen, applying the right kind of skincare products, as well as using certain natural remedies for better results.
Q. How do I stop pimples from coming back?
A . The best way to stop pimples from coming back is to cleanse at least twice a day, follow a stringent skincare routine that contains non-comedogenic products, as well as consume a healthy diet.
Q. How can I get clear skin fast at home?
A. Using certain natural ingredients from the kitchen such as apple cider vinegar, honey, aloe vera, cinnamon, green tea, etc, all work to clear out your skin and keep it looking fresh and glowing.
Q. What causes pimples?
A. Pimples are caused by clogged or inflamed oil glands, often resulting from a combination of dead skin cells, excess sebum, and bacteria that block pores, leading to various types of acne like blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
Q. How can I quickly get rid of a pimple?
A. To quickly reduce a pimple, apply a mixture of 2% salicylic acid, 2. 5% benzoyl peroxide, and 1% hydrocortisone cream to help reduce inflammation and dry out the pimple. Alternatively, using acne patches can also be effective
