Using Essential Oils to Treat your Acne
Acne is something that everyone hates . Some chemical preparations can help you treat acne. Although, the healthier option is to switch to essential oils . Essential oils are safer because they are extracted from natural resources, like roots, flowers, barks, leaves, fruits, and seeds. Essential oils have been used since ancient times to treat acne due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils can be used topically, can be ingested or can be inhaled.
Essential oils contain certain ingredients that help to control acne. They aid in repairing and rejuvenating the skin. Here are some of the ways essential oils can help treat acne:
- They disinfect the skin
- They tight off acne-causing bacteria
- They purify the pores
- They tighten large pores
- They soothe inflammation
- They reduce redness
Here are some essential oils that help treat acne:
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This is yellowish in color and is extracted from the leaves of a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia from Australia. Tea tree essential oil has been used for centuries as an antiseptic for the conditions of the skin. It is antibacterial and antifungal. A small amount of tea tree essential oil will do the following;
- Unblock sebaceous glands
- Dry out whiteheads and blackheads
- Heal pimples and other blemishes
- Disinfect the pores
- Using tea tree essential oil for acne:
Get a 100% pure form of this essential oil and mix it with Witch hazel (20 to 40 drops). Take a cotton ball and dip in this mixture to apply it on the acne affected areas of the skin twice a day. Leave it for few hours or overnight. If you have widespread acne, add a few drops of this oil in your bath. There are few things to be careful about while using this oil:
- If you overuse this, it will increase the acne
- Use sunscreens as tea tree essential oil will make your skin more sensitive
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil is an effective anti-inflammatory, which reduces the redness of the skin, improves blood circulation, and tones your complexion. This is how you can use this essential oil:
- Dilute a few drops of this oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil (melted coconut oil or jojoba oil)
- Massage into the affected area
Lavender Essential Oil
If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a more soothing option, then you must try lavender essential oil due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Lavender essential oil also helps to reduce acne-related dark spots and scars. You can use Lavender Essential Oil by:
- Applying a few drops of the oil to the back of your neck, temples, or wrists every morning.
- Applying it directly to affected areas of your skin
- Using it as a moisturizer
- Massage a mixture of half teaspoons of almond oil and jojoba oil each with few drops of lavender essential oil
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the bergamot plant. It is a powerful antiseptic and can promote skin growth and treat acne-related scars. You can use bergamot essential oil by mixing a few drops of 100% pure and undiluted bergamot oil to a teaspoon of olive oil and blend this with a few drops of other acne-fighting essential oils. This will definitely help you fight acne.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil is antimicrobial and antiseptic. It also helps fight the infections of the skin. This is how you can use essential oregano oil:
- This oil should be used only in very small amounts and diluted with another oil
- Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, like olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil
- Take a cotton swab and dab this mixture on affected areas of the skin
- Don’t rinse and let it dry naturally on your skin
- Apply this mixture twice a day
- Note that you should avoid any contact of oregano essential oil with eyes, as it may cause irritation
So, say goodbye to acne the natural way by using these essential oils. Also, do remember to check if you are allergic to any of the mentioned essential oils before using them. Consult a medical expert, like a dermatologist, if required.
Keep yourself updated with the latest on Beauty . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more on Health , Diet & Nutrition and Fitness . Also, check out our Health Tools and try out our health-related Quizzes .