When you’re having trouble in your ongoing fight with acne, using essential oils may seem counter-intuitive. Oils are commonly identified as one of the main causes of acne, so adding more oils may seem like it would only make the problem worse. However, with smart usage, essential oils can actually help you treat your blemishes. Some may even be more effective than commercially produced medications. This is because essential oils do not have all of the harsh chemicals that are in commercially produced products that can make your skin break out even more.
Essential oils can also be helpful in reducing scars from blemishes. Some essential oils have properties that heal blemishes quickly and nourish the skin so that scars do not form. The antimicrobial properties of the oil heals the infection, which has a major effect on preventing scars from forming. Other essential oils can work on already existing scars and make them fade partially or even completely.
Five essential oils in particular are very good for people of all skin types to use when trying to treat acne.
- Tea tree oil is a staple skin and hair care product for many people with oily complexions. It is an excellent treatment for acne because it has astringent properties that help tone the skin and make it healthier so that scarring will be less likely. It also kills bacteria, keeping new blemishes from forming. Niaouli oil has similar properties and can be used instead of tea tree oil.
- Rose oil has antiseptic properties. It also nourishes the skin by providing emollients and softening the tissue.
- Bergamot oil is another oil that is good for oily skin. It is antibacterial. It also has a drying effect on the skin, making it useful in spot treatments and in all-over treatments for people with oily skin.
- Lavender oil is used in many natural skin care products because of its soothing properties. It is good for relieving redness from blemishes, and it can also help prevent future breakouts.
- Clove oil is an effective spot treatment. It should be used sparingly, since it can cause burns to the skin when it is used at full strength.
Using Essential Oils
It is important to be careful when using essential oils to treat acne, since most of them are potent enough to cause burns when they are not diluted. Many people choose to put a few drops of the essential oil into a carrier oil like grape seed or jojoba oil. These oils will not clog pores and will allow the essential oils to work their magic. The essential oil blend can be used instead of moisturizer twice a day. Moisturizing is important even if you have acne, since it can inhibit excessive oil production.
