Old Acne Scars Home Remedies
If you were one of the unlucky people who went through relatively serious acne in their childhood or younger formative years, then you will have had a lot to deal with while trying to manage your hormones, fit in around your peers and impress the opposite sex (I feel your pain).
The good news – everyone told you – was that you were going through this now and that meant you wouldn't have to go through it again later – when you were meeting long term partners and when you were applying for jobs – when it really mattered. At the same time, they told you, acne is caused by testosterone which will mean that when you're older you will be stronger and more driven than your contemporaries. And if that's not enough? Acne is also caused by sebum and oil – and that means that when you were older you wouldn't have wrinkly skin and would stay ever youthful and exuberant looking.
That all sounded great most likely and probably this was some kind of consolation. However what they didn't tell you was that you were also going to be scarred by the acne. Permanently. And so the rest of your skin could be as soft and baby-like as you wanted, but people would still be looking at your spots or at least the ghost-like impression they left (on the other hand they also told you not to pick them... and there's a good chance that you didn't listen).
How to Remove Acne Scars
This then leaves you with a range of bumps and divots in your skin which aren't all that attractive. So you have a few options – fortunately if you know what you're doing and how the skin works it is possible to remove these acne scars entirely by using home remedies. Here we'll look at some that can work wonders.
Home Remedies for Acne Scars
Lemon: If your scar is a darker colour than the rest of your skin then there are a few things you can do and all you need to achieve is to lighten that skin again so that you can't see them. You can do this by using lemon which should bleach the skin and this way lighten it significantly so that your scars might not be as noticeable. Squeeze a little lemon onto the area then leave it on over night for the best chance of bleaching your skin to the same shade.
Tan: Likewise, why not try and bring the rest of your face up to a darker shade? To make your angry spot scars stand out less, try developing a tan on your face and enjoy a more even skin tone.
Moisturise: Moisturising is a great way to make your skin more flexible and pliable and this will cause it to cover up the dips and divots.
Exfoliate: Your skin likely looks more damaged than it is because of dead skin cells. A great way to prevent this problem is to exfoliate which will rub away the damaged skin cells meaning that your skin is brighter and all at a more similar level – much like refinishing a hardwood floor.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a vitamin that is crucial for the skin's ability to heal. You can apply this directly on the skin using a vitamin E cream, or you can supplement with a vitamin E tablet. Either way it should encourage your skin to heal.
Note: Vitamin E creams are quite expensive. For a cheaper alternative purchase dietary vitamin E capsules and burst them before applying the vitamin E directly onto your skin.
Bio-Oil: Bio-Oil is a product that works by delivering the nutrients to a much deeper layer in the skin and it's used in order to treat everything from stretch marks to scars from accidents. It's a great product you can use at home to remove the scars gradually over time. There are many other creams and products you can also use that remove wrinkles and any of these should be equally effective in removing acne scars.
Other Things You Can Do
If you don't want to use these home remedies and want something a little more immediately effective then a great option is to use laser treatment which can tighten your skin and eradicate the appearance of scarring with only a mild discomfort. The downside of course is the price.
Lastly you can also use foundation and concealer to cover up acne scars whether you are a guy or a gal and though it won't have any lasting effect it can certainly make the problem easier to live with.
How to Improve Skin Elasticity
By Holly Brewer
Elastin is an essential skin protein that gives skin its "stretchy" quality. As we age, it is inevitable that our skin will lose some of its elasticity, or firmness. However, there are a number of habits you can adopt that will slow down, and possibly reverse some of the effects of aging on your face.
#1: Avoid the Sun
Simply put, sun exposure, over time, gradually damages skin elastin. If not prevented, eventually this defective elastin will completely replace healthy elastin. Naturally, the skin begins to take on a wrinkly and less supple appearance. It extreme cases, it will take on the leathery quality that you commonly see in older adults who have spent an exorbitant amount of unprotected time in the sun. Simply put, the skin no longer bounces back to its stretchy, healthy form. Sun avoidance (or wearing sunblock) will not reverse elastic impairment in of itself, but will certainly prevent further damage from occurring. In addition, it will allow other skin-firming activities to be more effective.
#2: Treat Your Skin Gently
Resist the temptation to use every highly-promoted skin product that hits that market. Some of these products can be harsh, especially to sensitive skin. If you have dry skin, use a gentle moisturizer with as few chemicals and preservatives as possible. A good example is pure, unrefined Shea butter. In addition, wear little or no makeup whenever possible to let your skin breathe. Mineral makeup is recommended, because unlike some liquid and pancake foundations, it will not clog your pores. Avoid hot water and use gentle cleansers, not harsh soaps that will dry out skin. Keeping your skin healthy and supple is a major factor in maintaining its elasticity, especially in persons over the age of 30.
#3: Quit Smoking
There are numerous reasons why tobacco smoking should be avoided, and not surprisingly, skin damage among them. Smoking constricts blood vessels in the skin, which reduces its supply of oxygen and other nutrients. Conversely, increased blood flow will make the skin look more plump and glowing. Smoking also has the added drawback of adding wrinkles around eyes due to squinting, as well as around the mouth from puffing and pursing.
#4: Exercise and Be Physically Active
One way to achieve increased blood flow to the skin is to engage in physical activities. Even going for a walk outside (with sunscreen, of course!) will stimulate vitamin D metabolism, which promotes healthy skin. Any physical movement contributes to muscle tone and mass. Furthermore, ample blood flow will not only supply much-needed oxygen, but will also aid in the expulsion of toxins from your skin.
#5: Eat Organic Foods and Healthy Fats
Consume natural foods which are organically grown and free of chemicals and processing. Doing this will limit your body's intake of toxins, and maximize its intake of essential nutrients. Sorbitol, which is found in berries, grapes, and seaweed, among other places, helps your skin hold moisture, which is also critical to retaining skin elasticity. Omega 3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, are great for your skin and overall health. While most people don't wish to consume enough oily fish to make a difference, omega 3 supplements can be found pretty much anywhere that vitamins are sold.
#6: Take Vitamin Supplements
In addition to a multivitamin daily, persons concerned with skin health will find increased benefits in taking extra doses of vitamins A, B, and C. Vitamin A, especially in its purest form, retinol, helps to repair and protect the skin. The presence of B vitamins increases the amount of red blood cells, which increases blood flow to the skin and elsewhere. Finally, vitamin C produces collagen, which an essential protein that helps keeps skin soft and pliable. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant, which fights free-radicals that break down skin cells.
#7: Try Facial Exercises
There is some evidence that certain face and neck exercises can have a positive effect on inelastic, sagging facial skin. The theory behind this goes back the benefits of increased blood flow and muscle tone. While this sounds promising, it should be noted that exercises won't necessarily repair damaged elastin, but will make skin healthier overall due to the above-mentioned benefits. For best results, exercises should be performed in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and sun avoidance.