Blemishes and Scars: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
13 natural approaches to Blemishes and Scars, graded by evidence — including Azelaic acid, Tea Tree Oil and Silicone Gel Sheets.
13 options2 graded A1 graded B10 traditional or ungraded
A
Guided condition explorer
Start with what sounds familiar.
Choose what sounds familiar, then choose the kind of support you want to explore. HealisticMD narrows the library without presenting the result as personal medical advice.
Azelaic acid is one of the few topicals studied for both active blemishes and the dark marks they can leave behind, making it a reasonable option for fading discoloration.
A naturally occurring acid that may help clear breakouts and reduce hyperpigmentation by calming inflammation and unclogging pores; it has also been studied for melasma.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer of cream, gel or foam to affected areas once or twice daily.
Key study Clinical studies support topical azelaic acid for acne and for hyperpigmentation, including melasma, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing effects reported.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May cause tingling, dryness or mild stinging at first; patch test and reduce frequency if irritation persists.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Topical vitamin B3 studied for uneven tone
Why it may be relevant
Niacinamide is a topical form of vitamin B3 studied for improving uneven tone, redness and the look of pores, a good fit for fading post-blemish marks.
It's a well-studied skincare ingredient that supports the skin barrier and can help even out discoloration and refine the appearance of pores.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer once or twice daily; products are commonly 2-5% niacinamide, while 10%+ can irritate some skin.
Key study Topical niacinamide has been studied in human skin for uneven tone and hyperpigmentation, with reported improvements in tone and barrier support.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4-8 weeks
Caution: Patch test first; discontinue if irritation occurs.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Vitamin A topical that boosts cell turnover
Why it may be relevant
For smoothing texture and old marks, topical retinol speeds skin cell turnover and helps remodel the skin's surface over time.
Retinol is a topical form of vitamin A studied for reducing acne, fading hyperpigmentation and improving texture by increasing cell turnover and collagen.
Dose or use Apply a pea-sized amount at night a few times weekly to start, building up as tolerated; always use sunscreen by day.
Key study Topical retinol and retinoids are well studied for acne and hyperpigmentation and for improving skin texture through increased cell turnover.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeks or longerTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can cause dryness, peeling and irritation; avoid during pregnancy and introduce slowly.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Topical antioxidant that fades dark spots
Why it may be relevant
For the marks left behind after blemishes, topical vitamin C is applied directly to the skin to lighten dark spots and even out tone.
Topical vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant studied for lightening hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone.
Dose or use Apply a serum to clean skin in the morning and follow with sunscreen; follow product labeling for strength.
Key study Topical vitamin C has been studied for hyperpigmentation, with reported improvements in dark spots and tone with regular use.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can irritate sensitive skin and oxidizes over time; patch test and store away from light and air.
Azelaic acid is one of the few topicals studied for both active blemishes and the dark marks they can leave behind, making it a reasonable option for fading discoloration.
A naturally occurring acid that may help clear breakouts and reduce hyperpigmentation by calming inflammation and unclogging pores; it has also been studied for melasma.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer of cream, gel or foam to affected areas once or twice daily.
Key study Clinical studies support topical azelaic acid for acne and for hyperpigmentation, including melasma, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing effects reported.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May cause tingling, dryness or mild stinging at first; patch test and reduce frequency if irritation persists.
Tea tree oil is a topical antimicrobial that small human trials have studied for mild-to-moderate breakouts, where it can reduce inflamed spots.
Applied to blemishes it targets acne-associated bacteria and inflammation; small trials support a modest benefit, gentler but slower than stronger acne products.
Dose or use Dilute to 1-5% in a carrier oil or use a pre-formulated product; apply to blemishes with a cotton swab 1-2x daily.
Key study Small human trials of topical tea tree oil in mild-to-moderate acne report fewer inflammatory lesions; it tends to work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide but with less irritation. Larger confirmation is limited.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2-4 weeks
Caution: Never use undiluted; keep away from eyes; not for internal use.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM point linked to inflammatory skin
Why it may be relevant
Among acupressure points LI11 is the one most linked to inflammatory skin, making it a fitting support while breakouts are active.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI11 is used to clear heat and calm inflammation, and its indications name inflammatory skin conditions.
Dose or use Press firmly for 2-3 min on each arm, 1-2x daily, located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent.
Key study Traditionally used to clear heat and inflammation; its use for skin complaints comes from traditional practice rather than controlled acne trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy; skip over broken or irritated skin.
–
Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM point used for the face and clearing heat
Why it may be relevant
LI4 is a general-purpose point traditionally used for head-and-face complaints and for what TCM calls clearing heat; some practitioners press it as a supporting point during breakouts.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is valued as a versatile point for the face and for clearing what's described as heat, used as general support rather than a targeted acne treatment.
Dose or use Press firmly 2-3 min, both sides, 1-2x daily — located in the webbing between thumb and index finger.
Key study Traditionally used in this way; this specific use for blemishes has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy — traditionally contraindicated.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Essential mineral that supports skin healing
Why it may be relevant
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in wound healing and immune regulation, and oral zinc is one of the better-supported nutritional approaches for calming inflammatory breakouts.
Taken by mouth, zinc supports the skin's healing and helps regulate the inflammation behind active blemishes.
Dose or use 15–30 mg daily with food; follow product labeling for specific formulas.
Key study Controlled trials of oral zinc for acne exist and show a modest benefit for inflammatory breakouts; it is among the better-supported nutritional options, though generally milder than standard acne medicines.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4-8 weeks
Caution: Long-term high doses may deplete copper; do not exceed 40 mg/day without practitioner guidance.
Azelaic acid is one of the few topicals studied for both active blemishes and the dark marks they can leave behind, making it a reasonable option for fading discoloration.
A naturally occurring acid that may help clear breakouts and reduce hyperpigmentation by calming inflammation and unclogging pores; it has also been studied for melasma.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer of cream, gel or foam to affected areas once or twice daily.
Key study Clinical studies support topical azelaic acid for acne and for hyperpigmentation, including melasma, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing effects reported.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May cause tingling, dryness or mild stinging at first; patch test and reduce frequency if irritation persists.
Tea tree oil is a topical antimicrobial that small human trials have studied for mild-to-moderate breakouts, where it can reduce inflamed spots.
Applied to blemishes it targets acne-associated bacteria and inflammation; small trials support a modest benefit, gentler but slower than stronger acne products.
Dose or use Dilute to 1-5% in a carrier oil or use a pre-formulated product; apply to blemishes with a cotton swab 1-2x daily.
Key study Small human trials of topical tea tree oil in mild-to-moderate acne report fewer inflammatory lesions; it tends to work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide but with less irritation. Larger confirmation is limited.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2-4 weeks
Caution: Never use undiluted; keep away from eyes; not for internal use.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Topical vitamin B3 studied for uneven tone
Why it may be relevant
Niacinamide is a topical form of vitamin B3 studied for improving uneven tone, redness and the look of pores, a good fit for fading post-blemish marks.
It's a well-studied skincare ingredient that supports the skin barrier and can help even out discoloration and refine the appearance of pores.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer once or twice daily; products are commonly 2-5% niacinamide, while 10%+ can irritate some skin.
Key study Topical niacinamide has been studied in human skin for uneven tone and hyperpigmentation, with reported improvements in tone and barrier support.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4-8 weeks
Caution: Patch test first; discontinue if irritation occurs.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Vitamin A topical that boosts cell turnover
Why it may be relevant
For smoothing texture and old marks, topical retinol speeds skin cell turnover and helps remodel the skin's surface over time.
Retinol is a topical form of vitamin A studied for reducing acne, fading hyperpigmentation and improving texture by increasing cell turnover and collagen.
Dose or use Apply a pea-sized amount at night a few times weekly to start, building up as tolerated; always use sunscreen by day.
Key study Topical retinol and retinoids are well studied for acne and hyperpigmentation and for improving skin texture through increased cell turnover.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeks or longerTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can cause dryness, peeling and irritation; avoid during pregnancy and introduce slowly.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Topical antioxidant that fades dark spots
Why it may be relevant
For the marks left behind after blemishes, topical vitamin C is applied directly to the skin to lighten dark spots and even out tone.
Topical vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant studied for lightening hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone.
Dose or use Apply a serum to clean skin in the morning and follow with sunscreen; follow product labeling for strength.
Key study Topical vitamin C has been studied for hyperpigmentation, with reported improvements in dark spots and tone with regular use.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can irritate sensitive skin and oxidizes over time; patch test and store away from light and air.
For a raised, thickened or keloid scar, silicone gel sheets are the most established self-applied option, worn over the scar to soften and flatten it.
Medical-grade silicone sheets are widely used to reduce the height, redness and hardness of raised (hypertrophic) and keloid scars over time.
Dose or use Apply a clean sheet over the healed scar for several hours daily, often 12+ hours, and use consistently for weeks to months.
Key study Silicone sheeting is a standard non-invasive approach for hypertrophic and keloid scars, reported to reduce scar height, redness and firmness with regular use.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeks or longerTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: For intact, fully healed skin only, never open wounds; remove if a rash or irritation develops.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Herb studied for wound healing and scars
Why it may be relevant
For softening older scars and uneven texture, Gotu Kola is a classic botanical whose compounds support collagen and skin remodeling.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been studied for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation, likely by boosting collagen synthesis.
Dose or use Available as a topical cream or gel and as an oral extract; follow product labeling and apply or take consistently.
Key study Studies of Gotu Kola report improvements in wound healing and reduced scarring, attributed to enhanced collagen synthesis; evidence is promising but still emerging.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 6-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Patch test topical forms; discuss oral use with a practitioner if pregnant or taking medication.
For a raised, thickened or keloid scar, silicone gel sheets are the most established self-applied option, worn over the scar to soften and flatten it.
Medical-grade silicone sheets are widely used to reduce the height, redness and hardness of raised (hypertrophic) and keloid scars over time.
Dose or use Apply a clean sheet over the healed scar for several hours daily, often 12+ hours, and use consistently for weeks to months.
Key study Silicone sheeting is a standard non-invasive approach for hypertrophic and keloid scars, reported to reduce scar height, redness and firmness with regular use.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeks or longerTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: For intact, fully healed skin only, never open wounds; remove if a rash or irritation develops.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Herb studied for wound healing and scars
Why it may be relevant
For softening older scars and uneven texture, Gotu Kola is a classic botanical whose compounds support collagen and skin remodeling.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been studied for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation, likely by boosting collagen synthesis.
Dose or use Available as a topical cream or gel and as an oral extract; follow product labeling and apply or take consistently.
Key study Studies of Gotu Kola report improvements in wound healing and reduced scarring, attributed to enhanced collagen synthesis; evidence is promising but still emerging.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 6-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Patch test topical forms; discuss oral use with a practitioner if pregnant or taking medication.
I want to support clearer skin from the inside out
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Supports digestive and immune balance
Why it may be relevant
Traditionally used to strengthen overall vitality, making it a good fit for a whole-body skin support approach.
Traditionally pressed to support digestive health, which is linked in traditional systems to clearer skin.
Dose or use Press firmly 2-3 min, both sides, 1-2x daily — located four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shin bone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid deep pressure during pregnancy without practitioner guidance.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Essential mineral that supports skin healing
Why it may be relevant
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in wound healing and immune regulation, and oral zinc is one of the better-supported nutritional approaches for calming inflammatory breakouts.
Taken by mouth, zinc supports the skin's healing and helps regulate the inflammation behind active blemishes.
Dose or use 15–30 mg daily with food; follow product labeling for specific formulas.
Key study Controlled trials of oral zinc for acne exist and show a modest benefit for inflammatory breakouts; it is among the better-supported nutritional options, though generally milder than standard acne medicines.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4-8 weeks
Caution: Long-term high doses may deplete copper; do not exceed 40 mg/day without practitioner guidance.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Low zinc can show up as skin and healing issues
Why it may be relevant
Supporting clearer skin from the inside can mean checking for a zinc gap, since delayed healing and skin problems like acne are early signs of low zinc.
Zinc is essential for wound healing, cell division and immune balance, so a deficiency can contribute to breakouts and slow-healing skin.
Dose or use Prioritize zinc-rich foods such as shellfish, meat, seeds and legumes; consider testing before supplementing long term.
Key study Skin problems such as acne and delayed wound healing are recognized early signs of zinc deficiency, reflecting zinc's role in skin repair and cell division.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically several weeks once intake improvesTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Don't exceed about 40 mg/day without guidance, as too much zinc depletes copper.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Herb studied for wound healing and scars
Why it may be relevant
For softening older scars and uneven texture, Gotu Kola is a classic botanical whose compounds support collagen and skin remodeling.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been studied for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation, likely by boosting collagen synthesis.
Dose or use Available as a topical cream or gel and as an oral extract; follow product labeling and apply or take consistently.
Key study Studies of Gotu Kola report improvements in wound healing and reduced scarring, attributed to enhanced collagen synthesis; evidence is promising but still emerging.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 6-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Patch test topical forms; discuss oral use with a practitioner if pregnant or taking medication.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Vitamin A topical that boosts cell turnover
Why it may be relevant
For smoothing texture and old marks, topical retinol speeds skin cell turnover and helps remodel the skin's surface over time.
Retinol is a topical form of vitamin A studied for reducing acne, fading hyperpigmentation and improving texture by increasing cell turnover and collagen.
Dose or use Apply a pea-sized amount at night a few times weekly to start, building up as tolerated; always use sunscreen by day.
Key study Topical retinol and retinoids are well studied for acne and hyperpigmentation and for improving skin texture through increased cell turnover.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 8-12 weeks or longerTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can cause dryness, peeling and irritation; avoid during pregnancy and introduce slowly.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Herb studied for wound healing and scars
Why it may be relevant
For softening older scars and uneven texture, Gotu Kola is a classic botanical whose compounds support collagen and skin remodeling.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been studied for promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation, likely by boosting collagen synthesis.
Dose or use Available as a topical cream or gel and as an oral extract; follow product labeling and apply or take consistently.
Key study Studies of Gotu Kola report improvements in wound healing and reduced scarring, attributed to enhanced collagen synthesis; evidence is promising but still emerging.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 6-12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Patch test topical forms; discuss oral use with a practitioner if pregnant or taking medication.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Essential mineral that supports skin healing
Why it may be relevant
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in wound healing and immune regulation, and oral zinc is one of the better-supported nutritional approaches for calming inflammatory breakouts.
Taken by mouth, zinc supports the skin's healing and helps regulate the inflammation behind active blemishes.
Dose or use 15–30 mg daily with food; follow product labeling for specific formulas.
Key study Controlled trials of oral zinc for acne exist and show a modest benefit for inflammatory breakouts; it is among the better-supported nutritional options, though generally milder than standard acne medicines.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4-8 weeks
Caution: Long-term high doses may deplete copper; do not exceed 40 mg/day without practitioner guidance.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Low zinc can show up as skin and healing issues
Why it may be relevant
Supporting clearer skin from the inside can mean checking for a zinc gap, since delayed healing and skin problems like acne are early signs of low zinc.
Zinc is essential for wound healing, cell division and immune balance, so a deficiency can contribute to breakouts and slow-healing skin.
Dose or use Prioritize zinc-rich foods such as shellfish, meat, seeds and legumes; consider testing before supplementing long term.
Key study Skin problems such as acne and delayed wound healing are recognized early signs of zinc deficiency, reflecting zinc's role in skin repair and cell division.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically several weeks once intake improvesTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Don't exceed about 40 mg/day without guidance, as too much zinc depletes copper.
How would you rather care for your skin?
I'd rather try gentle acupressure from traditional practice
–
Pressure point
LI11 (Quchi) - Large Intestine 11
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM point linked to inflammatory skin
Why it may be relevant
Among acupressure points LI11 is the one most linked to inflammatory skin, making it a fitting support while breakouts are active.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI11 is used to clear heat and calm inflammation, and its indications name inflammatory skin conditions.
Dose or use Press firmly for 2-3 min on each arm, 1-2x daily, located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent.
Key study Traditionally used to clear heat and inflammation; its use for skin complaints comes from traditional practice rather than controlled acne trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy; skip over broken or irritated skin.
–
Pressure point
LI4 (Hegu) - Large Intestine 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
TCM point used for the face and clearing heat
Why it may be relevant
LI4 is a general-purpose point traditionally used for head-and-face complaints and for what TCM calls clearing heat; some practitioners press it as a supporting point during breakouts.
In traditional Chinese medicine LI4 is valued as a versatile point for the face and for clearing what's described as heat, used as general support rather than a targeted acne treatment.
Dose or use Press firmly 2-3 min, both sides, 1-2x daily — located in the webbing between thumb and index finger.
Key study Traditionally used in this way; this specific use for blemishes has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy — traditionally contraindicated.
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Supports digestive and immune balance
Why it may be relevant
Traditionally used to strengthen overall vitality, making it a good fit for a whole-body skin support approach.
Traditionally pressed to support digestive health, which is linked in traditional systems to clearer skin.
Dose or use Press firmly 2-3 min, both sides, 1-2x daily — located four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shin bone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid deep pressure during pregnancy without practitioner guidance.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Blemishes and Scars, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Blemishes and Scars itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
The evidence behind Blemishes and Scars, in one page
We track 9 natural options for Blemishes and Scars — what each is typically used for, usual dose, cautions, and the study behind the ones with real trial data.
One email with the summary. We'll also send a short weekly evidence update — unsubscribe any time.
Build your plan in the app
Build and track your natural-health plan for Blemishes and Scars in the app.
