Having acne on your face can definitely be uncomfortable. Using essential oils for acne can help you see the wonders of nature’s own medicine on your skin. They are a simple home remedy that is easy to try.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, genders and races. It can cause physical and emotional scars.
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There are many different ways to treat acne, but using essential oils can be an effective way to get rid of pimples. Essential oils are natural, so they won’t harm your skin like some chemical-based treatments can. And they smell great, too!
In this post, I’ll explain how to use essential oils for acne and blackheads. You’ll learn which essential oils are best for treating acne, how to use them, and more.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a condition caused by bacteria 1. When dirt, oil, and dead skin cells clog the pores on your skin, the results can be pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.
Acne is an issue most common among teenagers. However, it can affect younger kids and adults as well. It is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, affecting millions of people of all ages.
The blockage of pores on your skin leaves toxic deposits that irritate and inflame the skin. This leads to outbursts of pimples and acne.
Acne can appear because of changes in hormone levels.
Genetic factors, menstruation, and hormonal imbalances commonly cause acne. Other factors that can result in acne include emotional stress or applying greasy cosmetics.
Acne isn’t related to hygiene, although there’s a stereotype that people with acne have poor hygiene. There are quite a lot of causes of acne. Doctors believe it is usually a combination of a few things at play.
Why Essential Oils?
Essential oils are extracts from plants that were used in traditional medicines. Modern studies examine their potential effectiveness in the treatment of various health conditions. Oils have been gaining popularity in beauty and skin care industries. As an example, tea tree oil has made a name for itself for a while now.
The cost of the oils will depend on the plant that they’re extracted from. Different oil companies also sell their oils at varying price points, so be sure to check brand quality before you buy. You want to end up with potent, therapeutic grade essential oils to treat your acne.
Use essential oils in small quantities. They are highly concentrated essences and therefore a very small quantity can last a long time.
5 Best Essential Oils for Acne
The following oils are useful in treating all forms of acne such as pimples, zits, and blackheads. The next time you find acne erupting from the very place you though it may have left, give these essential oils a try!
1. Rosemary
Rosemary Essential Oil from Plant Therapy
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Rosemary oil is fantastic for soothing itchy skin. This essential oil functions as an organic analgesic, and may also help to relieve body aches of all kinds.
Rosemary oil is native to the Mediterranean regions. It is one of the traditional medicines used by the Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Before applying rosemary oil, get a teaspoon of carrier oil and dilute 2-3 drops of the rosemary into it. Rub on your face or other affected body parts twice daily. You can also make a rosemary body-wash. Combine 10 drops of rosemary oil with 1/2 cup rose hydrosol, 1/2 cup green tea, and 3/4 cup powdered oatmeal. Use this mix instead of traditional soap to cleanse skin pores and handle inflammations caused by acne.
2. Tea Tree
REVIVE offers a beautiful Tea Tree oil
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Many over-the-counter products that help treat acne contain tea tree oil. It has an appealing fragrance, making it ideal for application on the body.
The oils’ therapeutic benefits includes antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
This essential oil is native to Australia and also known as ‘melaleuca oil’..
A small amount of tea tree oil can help prevent pimples, blackheads, and blemishes.
To make a natural skin cleansing toner, mix 3 drops of tea tree oil to thirty drops of witch hazel. Use a plastic pipette to measure your quantities.
Rub onto your acne at least two times daily using a cotton ball. Do not wash it off after application. It would be best to use before bed time, where the oil can remain on your skin overnight.
3. Oregano
Oregano Essential Oil
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You can treat acne, zits, and other skin conditions with oregano essential oil. It has anti-bacterial properties and can enhance your complexion and restore glowing skin.
There is an organic element found in a higher proportion of oregano oil called phenol. Phenol is highly disinfectant and antiseptic.
These properties are effective in reducing soreness and irritations caused by acne.
Use a cotton ball or cosmetic round to apply the essential oils
Use a cotton ball to lightly rub this essential oil on your skin. Do a a skin test on your hand first, before applying to other parts of the body. This ensures there won’t be undesirable side effects such as an allergic reaction.
You may experience a burning and itchy sensation on the affected areas at first. This is normal and after a few minutes, it will stop. If you notice soreness or redness on the skin long after rubbing the oil, stop use immediately.
Apply twice daily, especially morning and evening for a better result.
4. Bergamot
Organic Peppermint Oil from Plant Therapy
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Bergamot essential oil is a hybrid of lemon and sour orange, belonging to the citrus family. Be careful with sunlight exposure within 12 hours of applying it as it is photosensitive.
Bergamot has excellent antifungal and antibacterial properties. This is very valuable for treating acne and other disorders of the skin. Bergamot helps in promoting skin regrowth, reducing scars, and hiding other skin spots caused by acne.
Get an undiluted Bergamot oil that is 100% pure and mix a few drops with a teaspoon of base oil. Then, apply the mixture to the affected body parts. Its antimicrobial properties can help reduce acne-related skin infections.
You could also add 2-3 drops of Bergamot essential oil to a clean cotton ball and apply topically to your skin that’s needing care.
5. Lavender
Certified Organic Lavender from Rocky Mountain Oils
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Get rid of acne, blemishes, and other skin infections by using lavender essential oil. Lavender has powerful antioxidants that can help in treating your skin.
Not only does Lavender heal the epidermis, it also supports scar-free healing.
Stress and anxiety are other factors that can trigger pimples and acne on your body. Lavender oil has tranquilizing and soothing properties that can improve your mood and invoke feelings of calm.
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of sunflower seed oil and 1/2 teaspoon of evening primrose oil with 3 drops of lavender oil. Apply the mixture on the affected areas at least two times daily.
Rub it onto your wrists, forehead, and back of the neck if you want to ease stress and anxiety due to its calming nature.
Best Carrier Oils For Acne
Choosing your base oil for treating acne can be just as much of a question as which essential oils may work. Acne plagued skin has a deficiency in linoleic acid 2, so you’ll want to choose a carrier that’s high in linoleic acid 3.
The following carrier oils work best for treating acne:
- Safflower Oil: Linoleic acid content: 74.62%
- Evening Primrose Oil: Linoleic acid content: 65-80%
- Grape Seed Oil: Linoleic acid content: 69.6%
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Linoleic acid content: 65.7%
- Hemp Oil: Linoleic acid content: 54.3%
There are a lot of other factors that can go into choosing your carrier oil. Find a complete guide here. It’ll help you select an oil that’s right for you whether you have dry, oily, mixed, mature, redd-ish, or damaged skin.
Final Thoughts
Acne is definitely troublesome. In severe cases, it can lead to low self-esteem and sometimes depression.
You can use essential oils to treat your acne in a natural, holistic way. Make a mix of carrier oil plus essential oil(s) of choice, and apply 2-3 times daily until condition improves.
You may also opt to make a DIY home remedy face lotion or body scrub with essential oils and natural base products. Use it to cleanse your skin instead of chemically formulated products.
If you’re still not able to manage your acne with the home remedy tips above, please consult a skin specialist in your area or see your doctor.
References
1 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146.php
2 https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2886%2970025-X/abstract
3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linoleic_acid
Mayra S
Thanks for sharing your wonderful post. You are doing amazing work! After having acne almost all my life. At first I discovered lavender oil on pimples will dry them and slowly kill the bacteria. It did work wonders. Now I use it every night and my face is smooth, no acne and barely any scars. I want to cry. Tears of happiness, of course. Acne is the worse for your confidence. Struggling with acne is no fun. Whatever you do, just don’t stop. Keep going. It will get better and you won’t regret it.