Our skin is how our bodies talk to us if we don’t pay attention to what we put into our bodies, it might not be good for us. While some are lucky enough to have flaws that come and go, others leave behind visual reminders of their past breakthroughs, which can have a bearing on our confidence and self-esteem. As if pimples weren’t serious enough, acne scars that appear after pimples can take weeks or months to fade. So can we void having acne scars? In this article, we’ve made a list of what you can do to prevent or reduce acne scars for better skin quality, complexion, and to boost our confidence inside and out.

What causes acne scars?

There are many reasons for having acne scars. When acne breakouts penetrate deep into the skin, they damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. As the acne subsides, the body tries to repair the damage. During the healing process, the body produces collagen to provide support for the skin. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, you may experience some acne scarring. 

How can we prevent acne scars?

Acne scars are quite difficult to remove, but you can reduce and prevent your skin from having more acne scars with the following:

Topical retinoids

Topical retinoids can help reduce acne scars by removing dead skin layers, reducing skin sebum production, and preventing clogged pores. Creams and gel retinoid topicals are the most effective treatments for acne. If you have sensitive skin or are afraid to use active ingredients, don’t worry as some of its derivatives are suitable for most sensitive skin types.

Sunscreen 

Sunscreen protects your skin from harsh UV rays. It helps prevent your skin from having further damage like scarring and discoloration.

Fruits

Eating fruits are not only good for your health, but they are beneficial for your skin as well. Berries are filled with antioxidants that can prevent having dark spots and vitamin C that can help your blood circulate properly to have an even skin tone. Lemon juice is a natural astringent, which is why it helps tighten loose skin and blurs blemishes, you can simply mix it in your food(not as a topical as it may be too strong for your skin). Lemon peels are also helpful because they have anticarcinogenic effects.

Papayas have papain, a digestive enzyme that does wonders to our skin such as exfoliating dead skin cells, moisturizing, unclogging pores, and fading dark acne scars and spots on the skin.

Vegetables

Like fruits, most vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help your skin heal, look, and feel healthier. Vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, kale, bell peppers, and pumpkin are filled with vitamins that your skin needs(like vitamin A, B6, C, and K, Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium, and Fiber).

Legumes

Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts can help prevent and reduce acne scars. Most legumes are low-glycemic, which helps keep your blood sugar more consistent and helps you have lesser acne breakouts. Adding a small amount to your meals can help a lot in preventing the development of acne.