- Essential oils make an effective acne treatment - netnomad
Essential oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, vulnerary and calming properties that help to treat and prevent acne. Essential oils are a more natural acne treatment that can help manage acne by:
- helping to clear the infection
- reducing and controlling the amount of sebum produced
- minimizing scarring
- promoting healing
- reducing redness and inflammation
- reducing stress and anxiety
- helping the body to eliminate toxins.
There are many essential oils that can help in the treatment and management of acne; however, these are the top five.
Essential Oil #1 for Acne: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective essential oils for the treatment of acne. Tea tree has impressive antimicrobial properties, acting on viruses, bacteria and fungi. Known as the natural Dettol, it has many similar uses and is effective for other skin conditions such as infected wounds, warts, athletes' foot, dandruff, blisters and oily skin rashes.
Essential Oil #2 for Acne: Niouli
Niaouli has similar antiseptic and bactericidal properties to tea tree. It is a non-irritant and therefore well suited to sensitive skin. It is recommended for the treatment of acne and boils.
Essential Oil #3 for Acne: Lavender
Lavender is also effective, with research by Charles Sturt University in Australia showing that it displays good antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes, the cause of most acne. It is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and helps scar tissue to heal. It has a balancing effect on skin and can be used for all skin types.
Essential Oil #4 for Acne: Bergamot
Bergamot's antiseptic action and ability to promote skin growth makes it perfect for treating acne. It is great for oily skin types and is effective for other skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Essential Oil #5 for Acne: Rose
Rose is highly antiseptic and very effective for treating acne as well as for reducing stress (one of the leading causes of acne). It is emollient, softening and nourishing, making it effective for all skin types.
Other Essential Oils Effective in the Treatment of Acne
These include:
- Palmarosa, geranium, lemon and petitgrain help to regulate the control of sebum.
- Juniper, lavender, lime, neroli, rosemary and sandalwood are also very effective.
- Studies by researchers in Thailand show that since P. acnes has a role in the inflammation of acne leading to scar formation, citronella may help to relieve acne blemishes.
How Do I Use Essential Oils?
Combining essential oils with carrier oils is a good method for application.
- Jojoba controls the accumulation of excessive sebum and reportedly prevents its build up.
- Carrot oil is rich in beta carotene and lots of vitamins, making it a great skin tonic good for acne.
A facial serum can be made from five drops of essential oil and 15 ml of carrier oil. It can be applied to the face twice per day in place of a regular moisturiser.
Aromatherapy compresses and steam baths also make effective treatments for acne.
What Else Can I Do to Treat My Acne?
It is recommended to consult a nutritionist to design a balanced diet that can help treat and prevent the occurrence of acne. You can also do the following:
- Ensure diet is fresh and raw and avoid refined sugars, fats and processed foods.
- Zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B6 are said to be effective for reducing sebum production, healing and tissue regeneration.
Sources
- Battaglia, Salvatore, 2007, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, The Healing Arts Press
- Clarke, Sue, 2008, Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, Elsevier Ltd
- P. Lertsatitthanakorn, S. Taweechaisupapong, C. Aromdee and W. Khunkitti, 2006, In vitro bioactivities of essential oils used for acne control, 2006, International Journal of Aromatherapy, Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages 43-49
- T. Moon, J.M. Wilkinsonand H.M.A. Cavanagh, 2006, Antibacterial activity of essential oils, hydrosols and plant extracts from Australian grown Lavandula spp., International Journal of Aromatherapy, International Journal of Aromatherapy, Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages 9-14
Stephanie Holland - Stephanie graduated with a BCom in Business from Edinburgh University, Scotland in 1999. She has held variety of roles in the media ...
