Unfortunately, scar formation often takes less time than treatment. Often, you have to apply compounds like aloe vera to the skin on a twice-daily (or more) basis for several weeks or months to see an improvement in acne scarring. That's because skin cell turnover can take 28 days or more (slower as you age).
It can't heal scars, but it can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Acne scars come in many different shapes and sizes. For pitted scars (that are depressed into the skin) and raised keloid scars, professional treatments are often necessary—in these cases, topical aloe vera won't help heal these scars.
It depends upon the individual lifestyle changes, water intake, and diet but you should expect to see the result within 3 weeks!
Aloe vera gel can not only increase the amount of collagen in wounds but also change the composition of collagen, increase collagen cross-linking and thereby promote wound healing. Scientific studies have shown that the gel can increase the flexibility and reduce the fragility of the skin since 99% of the gel is water.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses powerful wavelengths of light to eliminate scar tissue below the surface and stimulate collagen production. After repeated applications, this type of treatment can cause a scar to fade.
Aloe vera has been found to have many health benefits for the skin, from helping to heal wounds to moisturizing. There's a small amount of scientific evidence suggesting that applying aloe vera to your skin may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented areas, though it won't completely get rid of these darker spots.
Aloe vera can help to fade dark spots
“A compound called aloesin, found in the aloe vera plant, could help to fade dark spots,” Dr. Frieling says. “According to one study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloesin was found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation.”
Aloesin, a compound present in aloe vera, may lighten hyperpigmentation. Aloesin works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin. A 2017 study suggests that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnancy. People can apply aloe vera gel from the plant directly to the skin daily.
All our experts recommend using silicone-based patches (called sheeting) or gels (more on those to come) to treat scars in the early stages of formation. “Silicone sheets are very effective in treating scars, providing an optimal dressing for helping scars heal,” says Karp.
Dermatologists consider products with hydroquinone, alone or combined with other lighteners, to be the gold standard for fading dark spots because it slows the production of pigment.
Aloe vera can be used to lighten acne scars
A 2018 review of studies found that a compound in aloe vera called “aloesin” may help to reduce hyperpigmentation in acne scars. Aloesin helps reduce the overproduction of melanin, a darker pigment that can make acne scars more noticeable.
Aloe vera has shown dramatic results in helping improve dark spots and pigmentation. Take the gel out from the leaf of an aloe vera plant and add to it some freshly grated cucumber, lemon juice and 1tsp of sandalwood powder. Apply this on the skin and let it dry completely. Wash off with ice cold water and pat dry.
Can I leave aloe vera on my face overnight? A. Yes, aloe vera gel is completely safe to be kept on your face overnight. You can replace your regular moisturizer with aloe vera gel and wake up to soft, nourished and glowing skin.
For best results, leave the aloe vera gel on your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water and pat dry. Pure aloe vera gel may have a drying effect if you leave it on your skin for too long.
Some users may experience itching or slight burning as the aloe vera goes to work in your skin. However, if you experience a rash or hives, you could have a sensitivity to the gel and should stop using it immediately. Don't use aloe vera gel on infected skin.
Humectants in aloe vera bind moisture to the skin. Using it as a moisturizer can help stimulate both collagen and elastin fibers, boosting the elasticity of your skin. This could mean fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Silicone. Gels or sheets made of silicone are available over the counter to help with healing and fading fresh scars and are the most suggested and effective at-home scar healing product, Dr. Rogers suggests.
Cocoa butter works as a great moisturizer. It has lightening properties, which help fade acne scars and lighten skin tone. Take some cocoa butter and apply it evenly on your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning.
Another homemade remedy to clear scars is by the use of baking soda, which is a natural exfoliator and aids in gently scraping the scar tissue layer by layer. Make a light paste using two parts of water and one part of baking soda. Scrub this gently on the scars for about a minute after which you can rinse it off.
Aloe vera does not darken the skin. However, it is known to lighten darker skin tones or patches of discoloration. Aloe vera is rich in aloin, which is a naturally depigmented compound.
Apply a small amount of the gel to the face and leave it on for 5–10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and gently pat dry.
Prakrat Aloevera Gel to Reduce Blemishes and Dark Spots (100 gm)