Here’s some not so fun news: acne affects nearly 50million Americans every single year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. That’s a lot of pimples, blackheads, scarring and skin blemishes wreaking havoc on the innocent. And trust us, we know firsthand how frustrating blemishes and acne scars can be -- hence the birth of August + Monroe. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure-all for getting rid of blemishes or scars permanently. Fortunately, we can take matters into our own hands when it comes to treatment and prevention. We’ve scoured through the research, tested at-home remedies, and even invented a product that works miracles to find the top 3 most effective treatments for getting rid of annoying skin imperfections and working to keep them at bay.

1) Reduce The Appearance of Acne Scars with Essential Oils

The benefits of essentials oils don’t stop at aromatherapy. In fact, many of the smell-goods next to your diffuser hold the power to treat unwanted acne scars on the face, and quickly! At the top of the list is frankincense oil, which boasts the ability to smooth and tighten the skin over time. In addition, frankincense oil won’t dry out your skin or cause a burning sensation like other harsh acne treatments on the market. 

It’s important to note frankincense oil is potent and may cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. To offset this side effect, dilute 1 drop of frankincense oil with 1 drop of olive oil (or other carrier oil you have on hand). For best results, stay consistent with this treatment for at least one month.

Other essential oils shown to improve the appearance of acne scarring include lavender oil, geranium oil, tea tree oil and Vitamin E.

2) Harness The Healing Powers of Vitamin C, AHA Masks and Retinol

We. Love. Vitamin C. Not only does this miracle ingredient promote collagen production in the skin and provide protection from free radicals, but it also brightens dark pigmentation to give you a more radiant appearance. We use a fat-soluble form of Vitamin C in our Blemish Camouflage to ensure it is absorbed more quickly into the skin. 

Another effective acne scarring treatment comes in the form of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which help everything from clogged pores to treating chronic acne, and that’s why you'll find AHA ingredients in most skin care products on the market today. If acne scarring is a recurring issue, try an AHA mask a few times a month to reduce their appearance. Additionally, cream or serum products with retinol work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten the skin and eliminate uneven texture caused by acne problems.

For a natural, plant-based alternative to retinol (which can be harsh on the skin for those who are sensitive), consider treating acne scars with bakuchiol, an ingredient derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant. This powerhouse ingredient has the ability to restore your skin and improve texture and discoloration over time.

In fact, we love the restorative properties of bakuchiol so much that we added it to our bestselling Blemish Camouflage formula to aid skin cell turnover and improve the appearance of acne scars.

3) Utilize Blemish Camouflage As Your All-In-One Remedy

If you’ve tried and tested dozens, or hundreds, of spot treatment products for acne scarring or unwanted blemishes only to yield poor results, utilize the healing and blemish-fighting benefits of Blemish Camouflage. Named the #1 fast-acting treatment for mask acne, Blemish Camouflage is a 3-in-1 treatment formula that primes, conceals and heals blemishes at once. 

Formulated with color-bursting technology and plant-based ingredients, Blemish Camouflage works with your skin by utilizing pigment-bursting beads to best match the pigment of your skin; hiding unsightly pimples, blackheads, acne scars, discolorations, and other skin imperfections on the spot. With a roster of clean, skin-loving ingredients; like Vitamin C, Squalane Oil, Aloe and Arnica, Blemish Camouflage aims to hydrate, nourish and heal your skin for a radiant, blemish-free appearance. 

To discover how our 3-in-1 treatment works, learn more here.

Bonus Tip: Prioritize A Healthy Lifestyle

Diet and exercise play a huge role in the overall health and appearance of your skin. Countless studies have shown that the nutrients you ingest affect the premature wrinkling, dryness and thinning of the skin, a.k.a. if you eat like crap you'll age faster. No thanks!

In addition to being more careful about what you eat, water intake is essential for providing your body (and skin) the hydration it needs. Drinking the minimum recommended amount of water per day keeps the skin from becoming dehydrated. Without appropriate water intake, the skin is unable to function as a natural barrier and the appearance and texture of your skin will become less smooth. 

Coupled with a healthy diet, exercise helps you maintain stress levels that could be causing unwanted breakouts or blemish problems. It's important to fuel your body with the food, drink and movement that it craves in order to promote clear skin and a healthy mental state. Your mind, body and skin are more connected than you may realize.

For additional tips on how to treat blemishes and acne scarring, or for feedback on this blog post, contact us or comment below.