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Acne is a fairly common skin condition that occurs due to the clogging of the hair follicles under the skin. The pores become clogged due to the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells, which leads to pimples, also known as zits.
Acne can pave the way to more skin issues, acne scars being one of them. People often confuse acne scars with the marks that appear on the skin as your acne heals. However, acne scars are lesions on the site of acne that are either depressed or raised.
When pus fills the acne, skin damage can result, and when these pus-filled cysts eventually heal, they leave behind some scarring. (1)(2)
A lot of home remedies for scars can be found on the Internet, and aloe vera is considered the best of them all. This article will discuss how to use aloe vera to fade acne scars and how long it will take for results to show.
Aloe Vera for Acne: How Long Will It Take to Fade Acne Scars?
The use of aloe vera for acne scars is nothing new. It has been around for several years. There also have been experiments that show how aloe vera has a strong anti-inflammatory activity, which is beneficial in combating acne problems.
According to a study, aloe contains a compound called aloesin, which is responsible for dealing with the hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars. (3)
Studies have shown that when aloe vera was used in a base like silicone gel, it significantly reduces hyperpigmentation associated with acne scarring after 4 weeks of regular use. (4)
Leaving aloe vera in the affected area overnight is a good way of dealing with the issue. Using aloe vera twice daily for at least 2 weeks is needed to achieve noticeable results. Early treatment of active acne remains the best way to prevent or limit acne-related scarring. (5)
Note: The time it takes for acne scars to resolve depends on various factors such as scar types, severity, and location of the acne scar. The presence of erythema and the patient’s baseline skin prototype also influence the treatment and time of resolution of acne scars. (5)
When to Start Acne Scar Treatment?
Treatment of acne scars should be started as soon as possible, but it is also critical that active acne has been dealt with prior to acne scar treatment so that active lesions don’t continue to scar in areas you’ve already treated. (5)
How Aloe Vera Reduces Acne Scars
Aloe vera is rich in compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties such as:
- Enzymes
- Amino acids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
These compounds are responsible for aloe vera’s effectiveness in reducing acne scars. (6)
Aloe vera fades away acne scars in the following ways:
1. Increases collagen and elasticity
Collagen and elastin fibers are needed for the repair of scarring. Using aloe vera on the affected area will help stimulate the production of these fibers. (7)
2. Boosts immune responses
Aloe vera is known to boost the skin’s immune response. This leads to reduced inflammation, which is beneficial in preventing scarring due to acne. (8)
3. Reduces inflammation
Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory property is its most beneficial attribute when it comes to dealing with acne scars as inflammation can be the main cause of scarring. (5)
Other properties of aloe vera:
- Providing elasticity
- Healing wounds
- Delaying wrinkling
- Treating acne issues
- Reducing the risk of spots/scars
How to Use Aloe Vera to Reduce Acne Scars
Apply aloe vera for acne scars by following these steps:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Dry it with a clean cloth.
- Apply natural or organic aloe vera gel to your entire face. You can also apply it only to the affected area.
Presentation of Acne
Acne can present in several forms, including:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Red bumps
- Painful nodules under the skin
- Cystic lesions
Acne scars can be of four types:
- Boxcar scar
- Icepick scar
- Rolling scar
- Papular scar
Causes of Acne
It is believed that acne occurs due to the following:
- Excessive sebum production
- Buildup of dead skin cells
- Bacterial growth in the pores
Risk Factors for Acne
These factors can contribute to acne formation:
- An increase in androgen (male sex hormones)
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- A family history of acne
- Medications such as corticosteroids and lithium
- An unhealthy diet
- Increased levels of stress
- Environmental irritants, pollution, and high humidity
- Unhygienic skin care practices
Most-Asked Questions About Acne Scars
When does acne go away?
In most cases, acne goes away by the time you reach thirty years old. But there have been cases of people having acne in their forties and fifties. (1)
Is it okay to not treat my acne scars?
Some people feel okay with their acne scars and they do not feel the need to treat them. It is completely fine as acne scars aren’t harmful. (2)
How do dermatologists treat acne scars?
A dermatologist will treat your acne scars based on your needs and scar type. The treatment can include: (2)
- Acne scar surgery
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peeling
- Dermabrasion
- Microdermabrasion
- Fillers
- Skin tightening
Final Word
Acne scars can be a big problem for a lot of people and can lower their self-esteem. A lot of chemical products and various home remedies are available for the treatment of scars, and aloe vera gel is one of them.
Aloe vera has proven to be beneficial for reducing acne scars without causing side effects or harm to the skin. If used correctly and regularly, aloe vera can do wonders for your acne scarring.
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