Acne is very a common inflammatory skin disorder, especially among teenagers, that originates due to over-production of sebum by sebaceous glands. The excess accumulation of dirt and sebum in the pores of the skin and hair follicles leads to infection and inflammation, thus resulting in formation of acne.The factors that are known to trigger acne in most cases include hormonal imbalances, poor diet, stress, monthly menstrual cycle and cosmetic use.
Today skin care companies are constantly developing costly creams and lotions that claim to cure acne successfully. But most of them leave side effects and doesn’t prove to be as effective as they claim. This is why more and more people are looking for alternative treatments. Essential oil can be your greatest ally if you are suffering from acne because essential oils have antibacterial, antiseptic and calming properties that can easily prevent the formation of acne as well as treat them.
They are so effective because they are easily absorbed by the skin and have the capacity to dissolve sebum and kill the bacteria as well as reserve the acid mantle of your skin. Topical use of some specific essential oils not only provide defense against the bacteria that causes acne, but also have natural skin toning properties that works to close the pores and save your skin from inflammation.
Best Essential Oils to Treat Acne
Some of the most effective essential oil for preventing and treating acne include:
Lavender Oil
Lavender is a well-known antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory essential oil with soothing properties that effectively treats acne and prevents future breakouts.
Research conducted by Charles Sturt University of Australia shows that lavender is very effective in treating Propionibacterium acnes which is the prime cause of most type of acne. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help acne scars to heal. It has a great balancing effect and is suitable for all skin types. It can be used topically without causing irritation.
Rosewood Oil
Rosewood essential oil is highly antiseptic and works as an excellent acne treatment for people with oily skin. It also helps to reduce stress, which is one of the leading causes of acne. By reducing the sebum production, rosewood limits the breakout of acne. However, this essential oil is not suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the most effective essential oil for treating acne for its antimicrobial properties. This oil has great healing properties due to which it is one of key ingredient of many anti-acne products.
Tea tree oil should be diluted before using on acne prone and sensitive skin. Add 2 to3 drops of tea tree oil in Aloe Vera gel and apply on the affected area. It restricts the breakout of acne and reduces inflammation and itchiness associated with acne.
Bergamot oil
Bergamot oil is an antiseptic essential oil which blends well with other essential oils to make an excellent remedy for acne treatment. The refreshing effect of this essential oil rejuvenates the dull acne prone skin. It has excellent drying properties which soaks excess oil from acne prone skin and its antibacterial properties fights acne effectively. It is recommended to use this oil after mixing it with other carrier oils to avoid extreme dryness of the skin. Its fragrance provides calming effect and relieves one from stress.
Clove oil
Clove oil is another very effective essential oil that kills acne causing bacteria completely. But it should be diluted and blended with carrier oil before use because it is very strong and can cause irritation in its pure form.
It has great purifying and burning properties. It acts very fast to clear existing acne and future acne breakouts. Therefore, essential oils can treat acne effectively and help you achieve healthy and clear skin when used properly.
Choosing the Best Essential Oils for Acne
Which essential oil suits your skin type most can be a matter of trial and experiment. But generally, our skin responds very well to essential oils by healing and nourishing the cells and reducing inflammation. You can blend one or two oils or use them separately.
Application of Essential Oils
Mix 15 to 30 drop of essential oil with 30 ml of carrier oil or a combination of 10 drops each of 2-3 essential oil in 30 ml carrier oil like almond oil, grape-seed oil, olive oil, canola oil or mineral oil. Apply essential oil only after diluting them. Pure essential oil can irritate your skin.
Buy essential oils after closely examining the labels to find out whether the oil is pre-diluted or not. It is best to buy organic, pure and undiluted oil to avoid any kind of adulteration which would aggravate the symptoms rather than healing acne. Before applying essential oils, make sure that your skin is clean and dry.
