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Unfortunately, the word "scar" is often synonymous with the word "permanent." Luckily for acne sufferers, the natural elements in honey and cucumber can at least lessen the visibility of scars left behind by pimples and blackheads. Though you may never completely rid yourself of the marks from your battle to stay clear, there are a few affordable home remedies that can make a difference.
Honey Treatment
For thousands of years, honey has been known as an effective anti-microbial agent and moisturizer. The ancient Greeks used honey on wounds and for sore throats and coughs. The practice continued all the way up until the 1800s. So it should be no surprise that honey is a powerful healer of the damaged facial tissue left behind by severe acne. The gooey stuff actually helps revitalize and replenish scarred, blotchy skin, including scarred areas.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, which makes them ideal for the treatment of scars. The gallic acid found in cucumber can help sooth the inflammation surrounding scar tissue, which aids the skin as it rebuilds itself. Combining cucumber juice with the juice of a lemon will enhance collagen and skin repair.
Natural Antiseptics
Both cucumber and honey are known to be mild antiseptics, which can end the growth of harmful bacteria on your skin. As your skin attempts to produce collagen to repair dead skin tissue, it can get a little carried away. Sometimes the overproduction of collagen leads to what are called "raised" scars. The antiseptic properties of both honey and cucumber will halt the spreading of the infected lesions that cause scars to form to begin with.
Application
To begin your scar treatment you will need to first wash your face with your chosen mild cleanser. To use honey, you should first purchase only organic, all-natural honey to avoid contact with additives and dyes. Simply swab generous amounts of honey over the scar areas and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It can be messy, so keep a towel handy. When complete, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Treating acne scars with cucumber can be slightly more complicated. You can either peel and mash a cucumber in a mixing bowl, or use a vegetable juicer. It may be easier to use a blender to simply chop it down and turn it into a puree. Either way, the resulting juice should be applied as a regular facial scrub or mask, but allowing it time to soak in is best.
