Acne itself is already a burden, what more the scars that it leaves behind. Since most of us experience these unwanted scars on our face, there’s no doubt that we’ve checked the internet of ways to treat acne scars– professionally and at home. Surprisingly, a lot of people have tried using olive oil on their acne scars. If you want to eliminate the acne scars ASAP, does olive oil really help?
Trying different home remedies can be tempting and convenient, but in reality, it won’t give the same results as what you can get in aesthetic treatments. An example of these treatments includes an acne scar laser treatment that most dermatologist would recommend. You should contact your derma to know more about it.
But if you choose to stick to a more cost-effective solution, then home remedies might help tone down the acne scars. Olive oils may have their benefits in some areas of the body or face, but it is not a suitable cure for acne scars. In the case of an acne mark or dark spots, olive oil may work in some way. Continue reading to find out how.
Olive Oil as a Skin Remedy
Olive oil has a long and illustrious past. It’s not all about eating. Olive oil has been used as a skin treatment for decades. It was used in ancient cultures for beauty ceremonies, with people rubbing olive oil scented with herbs onto their skin and hair. It was used to moisturize and preserve the skin. Olive oil is still used as a skin moisturizer and hair oil as a folk remedy. It’s also used in artisan bath oils, soaps, and lip balms, among other things. Olive oil serves as a lubricant in these handcrafted items, giving them a good, smooth feel.
Nowadays, we’re starting to pay more attention to the impact olive oil may have on the skin. Olive oil is known to contain many antioxidants and vitamins that have been shown to be beneficial to the skin. However, it’s unclear how readily such elements are absorbed by the skin.
Can Olive Oil Treat My Acne Scars?
Although olive oil can benefit a lot on the overall body, we must be honest about the capabilities of olive oil. Olive oil would not completely fade away marks, remove scars, or prevent scarring if applied to the skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) refers to the black spots that remain after a pimple has healed. It’s the skin’s normal response to the lesion. This discolouration would not disappear by just rubbing olive oil on it. What it does, though, is it can help support the fading process if you’re using certain otc ointments. Keep in mind that you must consult with your derma regarding the skin products you use to know if such are causing any complications.
The same can be said for scars that are depressed or pitted. Olive oil cannot remodel the skin, nor does it allow the skin to remodel itself when skin tissue is lost. The reason for this is because olive oil does not get absorbed into the skin completely.
Other Ways to Treat Acne Scars and Spots
You may feel disappointed with what you’ve learned about olive oil and acne scars, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other home remedies. There are so many natural ingredients and products that you can find at home that will work ten times better than olive oil. When it comes to severe acne scarring, the only way to get rid of that is to opt for professional acne scar treatments.
OTC Products for PIH
OTC or over-the-counter products containing glycolic acid may help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly with mild discolouration. Prescription drugs include topical retinoids and azelaic acid, are a safer bet for greater discolouration.
Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scars:
Unfortunately, acne scars are more difficult to remove than those dark marks that acne or pimples leave behind. Instead, see a dermatologist to learn about the scarring options. Scars may be reduced by professional treatments. Acne scars are often treated with laser therapies. Your dermatologist may even recommend dermal fillers to plump up the stressed patch, making the skin smoother and more uniform, but only briefly. Your dermatologist will inform you about the therapies that are most appropriate for you.
Olive Oil: Downside
While olive oil can do so much for certain parts of our body, it can take its toll on the skin. Here are some of the downsides of olive oil to the skin:
Dries the skin
Unfortunately, olive oil can make the skin dry. This thick oil that lies on top of the skin could be doing the very opposite of what you want. Olive oil has a greater concentration of oleic acid than most vegetable oils. According to newer studies, oleic acid weakens the skin’s barrier structure, which can lead to drier skin in some individuals, but not all.
Clogs the pores
The most important excuse to avoid rubbing olive oil on your face is that it will clog your pores. Olive oil has a relatively low comedogenic level, which means it may clog pores for some people but is safe for the majority. Although you may be doing it in the hopes of reducing acne marks, you may simply be exacerbating the current acne.