How to reduce acne scars? Acne scars are not serious but are permanent skin condition that can cause severe distress and depression in a person. There are home remedies and medical procedures that can help improve the skin and diminish or reduce acne scars.

Home Remedies to Reduce Acne Scars

1. Keep a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is an important part of acne healing process. A balanced and nutritious diet containing fish, leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and high fiber help repair the damage and develop new and healthy skin. It also improves the immune system to aid against infection and prevents other disease conditions that cause acne outbreaks.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

• Avoid rubbing and touching of the affected skin. Pinching, picking or squeezing will lead to more scar formation and darker skin blemishes.
• Avoid exposure to sun or getting a sunburn or suntan, which causes darkening of acne and scars.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes that cause too much sweating; avoid areas with high humidity.
• Avoid use of hairspray or gel or prevent it from reaching the face.
• Choose the right cosmetics.
• Shave the affected areas carefully. Before shaving, soften the area using soap and water before applying shaving cream and use gentle strokes when shaving.

3. Apply Natural Cures

Natural home remedies should be used regularly and consistently, and for a prolonged period to produce a visible effect.

• Tomato and Cucumber. Slices of cucumber or tomato can be applied over acne scars or as facemasks for about 20 minutes. Cucumber and tomatoes can be eaten or taken as a juice to produce healthy skin.
  
• Honey. Honey is a natural moisturizer that can be applied to the acne scars and allowed to dry. And then the area is washed with soap and water. Honey also acts as an exfoliant to remove the dead skin cells which helps to reduce acne scars.
  
• Ice. Ice is one of the best and the least irritating home remedies for acne scars. Rub the ice cube over the acne scars for about fifteen minutes and allow it to dry. It helps reduce inflammation, soothes irritated skin, and reduces the size of the pores.
  
• Essential Oils. Using a few drops, tea tree oil, rosehip oil, olive oil, or lavender oil can be applied over the acne scars to smoothen as well as moisturize the skin. Lavender essential oil makes a great home remedy for acne scars. Apply this oil consistently on your scars to make them fade away and give you bright, even complexion.
  
• Pureed Fruits. Fruits high in ascorbic acid like pineapple can be pureed and applied over acne scars for about fifteen minutes and rinsed using warm water. The ascorbic acid content helps diminish acne scars and improve the skin.
  
• Lemon Juice. Lemon juice also helps to reduce acne scars. It is prepared by adding the juice of one lemon to a cup of water. The juice is applied every day to the scar area for a few minutes using a washcloth or cotton ball. 
  
• Baking Soda. Baking soda is used in dermabrasion treatments. Water added to baking soda is made into a paste and applied over the acne scars for about two minutes then rinsed with water. It acts as an exfoliant, which reduces acne scars and acne outbreaks.
  
• Egg Whites. Egg whites can be used as facemask and left overnight. It helps diminish acne scars and prevent outbreaks.
  

4. Take Over-The-Counter Medications

• Skin products containing alpha-hydroxy acid, for example, glycolic acid is used as a chemical peel to smoothen the skin and decrease the number of pimples and blackheads.
• Bleaching creams with hydroquinone decrease the production of melanin and help diminish acne scars.
• Corticosteroids and antihistamines decrease redness, itching, and inflammation of acne.
• A concealer or foundation can help hide or conceal skin blemishes.

Medical Procedures to Reduce Acne Scars

1. Dermabrasion

There are also derma rollers, which are used for dermabrasion. It involves applying a skin medication, after which the derma roller is used to create micro-holes over the skin. The upper layer of the skin is sloughed off and the medication is allowed to penetrate to allow formation of new skin.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peel involves the use of organic acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or citric acid to remove the outer layer of the skin. These chemicals lighten dark scars and soften scar tissue.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy or laser resurfacing involves the application of laser beam, which damages the skin’s surface. New collagen forms to fill out the scar resulting in a smoother surface. This procedure requires several treatment sessions.

4. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, also called 'power peel', is a procedure where the skin is treated using a special device that smoothens the skin and enhances tissue regeneration. It removes acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and skin discolorations. The device uses tiny crystals that contain chlorides, oxides, and elements to brighten skin tone and reveal healthy skin. This treatment may consist of 10-12 sessions.