People usually relate acne with adolescence and hormonal problems in the youth. Unfortunately, anyone’s skin can develop acne at any age which can be really frustrating. Breaking out can lower one’s self-esteem as it acne can be uncomfortable to look at. However, not everything is dark and gloomy. There are plenty of treatments for acne, including natural ones which are quite effective. Essential oils are one of most popular natural skin treatments for acne.
What Makes Essential Oils the Ideal Acne Treatment?
As we already mentioned, there are many pharmaceutical treatments for acne, but almost all of them result in drying the skin and making it prone to irritations for a long time. What’s more, some acne treatments have allergens in their ingredient list which can make things worse.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural and milder type of solution that can help you get rid of acne and scars while improving your skin tone. The different types of essential oils for acne are designed to target different acne types without irritating your skin. For instance, cystic acne can benefit a lot from the use of a stimulating oil, while pimples which are already out are in need of a calming essential oil that will help them to dry out faster.
Which Essential Oil is Best for Acne?
The truth is that there are many essential oils that can treat acne and scars. All of them can deliver great results if used regularly and properly.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This is one of the most commonly used oils as it has anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for treating acne. It has been said that tea tree oil can kill any bacteria that makes your skin break out, while drying out any existing pimples (without drying the skin) and treating the place by getting rid of scars.
Peppermint Essential Oil
This oil can reduce swelling and inflammation. The irritated pores on your face can result in blackheads and can look really bad. Fortunately, these unsightly pimples can be treated with the contained menthol in peppermint oil by decongesting the skin and reducing any redness.
Frankincense Essential Oil
This oil is great for those of you who are dealing with dry and irritated skin, and a face full of pimples. The frankincense oil is extremely gentle perfect for the use by those with the most sensitive skin. It acts as the perfect calming treatment, soothing the sensitive and dry skin while healing scars that are caused by popped pimples.
Oregano Essential Oil
While most of us are familiar with this herb as a cooking spice, the truth is that oregano can be extremely beneficial for our health as well. With its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, oregano essential oil is the perfect treatment for your existing pimples. An important thing to have in mind is that this essential oil needs to be diluted with a carrier oil of your choice (jojoba, coconut, etc.).
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Pus-filled pimples can be extremely painful and this essential oil can help them dry out safely and completely. Except for being the perfect calming ointment, this essential oil can prevent infections from development, thus ensuring that the pimples can heal without any danger of further spreading.
Lavender Essential Oil
When spread on the entire face, cystic acne can look really bad. The problem with these acne is that they don’t respond to an average spot treatment as the pimples lurk deep beneath the skin. So, it can take weeks to appear on the skin surface. Fortunately, lavender essential oil with its antimicrobial properties can help that cystic acne to gradually appear on the surface without irritating the rest of the skin. Additionally, it is considered that lavender oil can evoke a calming effect which can result in an improved sleep cycle.
Lemon Essential Oil
Natural lemon essential oil is the ideal type of product that can clarify the skin while de-clogging the pores. In other words, lemon essential oil can prevent breakouts while giving your skin a natural glow thanks to the antioxidants and the contained skin-brightening Vitamin C. Except for this, this essential oil can promote faster skin healing as it acts as a natural mild exfoliant, keeping the acne wounds free of microbes.
How to Use Essential Oils for Acne?
All of these essential oils should be used on dry and clean skin. They should be applied directly to the affected skin area as a spot treatment.
When Not to Use Essential Oils?
You should stop using a particular essential oil if you notice rashes on your skin or a runny nose after the application. For the reason, it is recommended for you to do a patch test on the back of your hand or some other body area. If you notice one of the aforementioned symptoms, you should not apply the oil on your face.