Acne and acne scars. Two of the most dreaded enemies of teenagers and young adults in the Philippines. The causes can be genetic or hygiene-related and can be problematic for one’s own self-esteem. It can also worsen as an individual progress into adulthood. That is precisely why the affected look for various treatments.

Harmful habits out of desperation such as pimple popping, and trying out untested products can exacerbate breakouts or even develop acne scars that will need treatment. One can try proven medical treatments which are recommended but may be expensive. And on the other hand, there are natural acne scar treatments that may help in varying degrees. Among these are:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains vitamins essential for helping your skin heal from acne scars. Aloe Vera gel is widely available in the Philippines as you can get it straight from the source (if you have an Aloe Vera plant), from drugstores, and even online.

If you’re going to use it straight from the source as treatment, all you have to do is to break off one leaf, peel the flesh to get the gel and massage it gently onto your skin. Let it set in for 30 minutes before washing it all off.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the many byproducts of the tree of life. According to Healthline, most of the research on coconut oil is related to wounds and eczema and it is also alleged that coconut oil can boost collagen production.

Coconut oil is also a source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can somehow aid for acne scar treatment. While the research surrounding coconut oil is inconclusive, there’s no harm in using it so long as the area is healed, and not infected.

Honey

Honey is another readily available natural remedy that can aid in acne scar treatment. Honey has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that can help fight bacteria that cause acne. It also has glucose oxidase which is an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide (an antiseptic).

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that are effective for burns, wound healing, and can also ease acne-related discomforts (pain, redness, swelling).

Baking Soda

Baking Soda has sodium bicarbonate crystals that help soothe inflammation and remove dead skin cells. You can use it as a scrub for acne scar treatment but only in small amounts. This is applied after using a facial cleanser. Just mix no more than two teaspoons of baking soda with a small amount of warm water until a paste is formed. If used as a facial mask, leave it on for no more than 15 to 20 minutes, and as an exfoliant, rinse immediately after massaging it onto your face.

Apply a moisturizer for both applications to prevent your skin from drying out.

Sebo de Macho

Source: http://philusa.com.ph/product/apollo-sebo-de-macho/

Sebo de Macho is a stable of Philippine households. It’s been around since the time of our great-grandparents. It’s the all-around solution for skin-related problems and even acne scars. The secret to its efficacy is its sole ingredient: Sheep fat/mutton tallow. It penetrates layers of dead skin and softens hard areas. It’s effective in doing its job but it takes some time before improvements can be seen.

Before you try them

Treatments via the use of these products may vary in efficacy. These are cheap alternatives but as always, consult with a dermatologist if unsure about using a product. There’s no harm in trying but don’t forget to take caution.