How To Use Essential Oils For Acne

Lemongrass Essential Oil For Acne

Lemongrass is widely considered one of the best essential oils for acne prevention. When used in a facial steam, lemongrass essential oils antimicrobial properties help eliminate bacteria trapped in follicles. Additionally, its natural anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce the severity and discomfort of pimples already growing.

How To Use Essential Oils For Acne

As essential oils are highly potent, they must first be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive, almond or grapeseed oil. If used in their pure form, there is a risk of triggering severe irritation and allergic reactions.

Perform a patch test first to determine if you have any sensitivities before applying to larger areas of skin.

When treating acne, avoid blending essential oils with comedogenic substances such as coconut oil as these can contribute to clogged pores. Also avoid carrier oils with strong fragrances, as these may exacerbate inflammation.

Jojoba and rosehip oil are both lightweight, noncomedogenic and fragrance-free oils ideal for blending.

Citrus oils such as lemon or orange can increase skin photosensitivity and cause rashes and discoloration when exposed to the suns UV rays.

Benefits Of Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, a kind of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health or applied topically to the skin.

Studies have shown that essential oils may help:

Here are some common essential oils and their benefits:

Lavender oil

Lavender is Dr. Lins go-to oil. Its gentle and has a lot of benefits. You can use it in a variety of ways, she says.

Try adding it to a bath or diffuser as aromatherapy, adding to water to make a room spray or body spritzer, or combining with a base oil to make body oil.

Lavender can help with stress, pain and sleep. Before the discovery of antiseptics, lavender was also used as a cleaning agent in hospitals, Dr. Lin says.

There have also been studies that show using lavender oil can potentially disrupt hormones in young boys.

Tea tree oil

Dr. Lin says most people use tea tree oil as an antiseptic, antimicrobial or antifungal. You can also use it to help with:

• Acne. Take a cotton swab and dip it into tea tree essential oil. Then, apply it directly on the acne this is one exception where you dont have to dilute it, says Dr. Lin. It can help resolve acne faster.
• Athletes foot and ringworms. Dilute it with a carrier oil and put the blend on the affected skin.

One note of caution: Since tea tree oil can be neurotoxic, Dr. Lin says you shouldnt diffuse it if you have small children or animals at home.

Frankincense oil

Peppermint oil

• Support digestion.
• Support memory.

Eucalyptus oil

Lemon oil

Read Also: Are Facials Good For Acne

Essential Oil Extraction Methods

You may be wondering, how are essential oils made? In short, professionals extract essential oils from plant materials through different removal methods that suit the section of the plant containing the precious oil. Hence, the essential oils we use today are liquids that have been isolated from plants. This way, the beneficial effects of the plant will reach the bloodstream quicker than would be possible by ingesting the plant itself.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Also known as Melaleuca essential oilLatin name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree essential oil has been one of the #1 best home remedies for acne and is also one of the most studied natural options. It has known anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties. It has been known to help improve oily skin, soothe pimples, and cool inflammation. The antibacterial properties may help reduce the chance of infection due to popped pimples.

Safety Notes: Tea Tree oil has a low risk of any issues and is generally well accepted by most people at a dilution rate of up to 15% It is prone to oxidization issues which means you should keep the bottle tightly capped and stored in a cool, dark location. If the oil does become oxidized, it may cause skin irritation or sensitization.

Recommended Reading: Are Eggs Good For Acne

What Causes Acne And Pimple Breakout

We have seen that acne and pimples can be formed because of hormonal shifts, excess sebum production, improper cleaning of the face, and several other reasons. Irrespective of the reason or cause of acne scars and pimples, they make you uncomfortable and ugly. Therefore, you must immediately take care to neutralize them as soon as they appear on your face. Also, dont forget to follow preventive measures so that they dont bother you again.

Precautions On The Use Of Essential Oils For Acne

• Before using essential oils for the first time, check that they do not cause irritation or allergies by performing a patch test.
• Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying topically.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when treating acne with essential oils, especially because some oils are photosensitive.
• Buy good quality, 100% pure, and organic essential oils like the ones I use and recommend in each article.
• Make sure you buy the ones you need.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Acne Scaring

How To Use The Essential Oil

Sadly, natural doesn’t always mean side-effect-free. As mentioned, pure tea tree oil is heavily concentrated, which means it can cause some serious skin irritation if used undiluted. This is especially true if you’re eczema-prone or the owner of temperamental skin.

Also, Green notes that as with most essential oils, tea tree oil “contains chemicals that can increase skin photosensitivity, which makes it more susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.” Bottom line: Avoid exposing your skin to the sun when pure tea tree oil is on the skin care menu, or just use it as part of your p.m. skin care routine to avoid the risk altogether.

You should also be mindful of using tea tree oil in conjunction with other potent active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol, warns Peredo, as the combination can be extremely drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin types.

Using products that are pre-formulated with tea tree oil is your best bet if you’re concerned with exacerbating your acne flare-ups. This decreases your risk of a dermal disaster, and your skin will benefit from the other complementary ingredients in the product’s formulation.

Geranium Essential Oil For Acne

The benefits of geranium essential oil stem from its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, both important qualities for treating acne. In a 2012 study, geranium essential oil was proven to significantly reduce growth of five different strains of bacteria. When tested for its anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model, geranium essential oil was found to act like a common anti-inflammatory drug.

When choosing a blend of essential oils for zits, those containing geranium essential oil may be particularly good for pustules. Geranium essential oil may simultaneously ease inflammation and reduce the amount of pus.

Don’t Miss: Does Differin Gel Help With Acne Scars

How Can I Reduce Blemishes Naturally

The real key to maintaining a clear complexion is keeping the skin clean. When pores get plugged because of excess oil production, other matter that normally inhabits the surface of the skin often manages to infiltrate the clogged pore. This irritates the skin surrounding the pore, giving it a red, bumpy appearance. Cleaning up the dirt and impurities that get into the pores is the most important thing you can do to keep that from happening.

When To Use Tea Tree Oil For Pimples

You can basically use tea tree essential oils at any time of the day, but its important to know how to use tea tree oil on your face without damaging your skin. Depending on the condition and sensitivity of your skin, you may prefer to include tea tree oil in your nightly skincare routine. Applying tea tree oil at night allows your skin to absorb the mixture and combat acne bacteria while you sleep.

If you plan on lying in the sun or spending the day outside, allow your skin enough time to completely absorb your essential oils before exposing your skin to sunlight. The sun can make your skin increasingly sensitive, which might trigger an uncomfortable reaction.

You can combine your tea tree oils with the rest of your skincare routine too. Want to look like youll never leave your 20s? Consider using an anti-aging face mask before your tea tree solution. Dont want your skin to reflect just how busy your life is? Vitamin C booster serums work fabulously to revitalize your skin with or without a complimentary tea tree treatment.

Read Also: Does Retinol Cream Help With Acne

How To Safely Use Essential Oils

Unless you do a lot of research and mix essential oils properly, you run the risk of doing damage to your skin. Thats because its tough for the novice to know how concentrated their essential oil mix is. Without a lot of knowledge, you could be mixing something thats far too strong for your skin. This will actually have the opposite effect on your skin and will cause skin reactions.

In addition, some essential oils may contain fragrance ingredients, which can irritate skin further. Sowhy take the risk? Instead of mixing your own acne products, use products that are proven to be safe and effective.

How To Use Essential Oil For Skin

Essential oils can be either inhaled or used directly on the body. But, it is not safe to ingest them. It is always advisable to use a patch test before topically applying it to the skin to make sure you are not allergic. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the skin, say your forearm and wait for about 24 hours before using it on a larger area of skin. The following are more dos and dont while using essential oils.

Also Check: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Acne

Diluting Essential Oils With Carrier Oils

To get the result that you like, you dont need to use massive quantities of essential oil. You do so in terms of drops when you weigh the oils. You weigh them in teaspoons with the carrier oils. First, decide the dilution you want, then blend the oils with the correct quantity.

For instance, you d add six drops of the essential oil to two teaspoons of carrier oil if you want a two percent dilution. If you want a three-percent dilution, so two teaspoons of carrier oil will be nine drops of the essential oil.

Castor Oil Benefits For Acne & Pimple Treatment

Using castor oil for acne and pimples can give you instant results. The strong anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it effective against any kind of inflammation or irritation. Therefore, the pain or irritation associated with pimples and acne scars will immediately heal.

Castor oil fades acne scars, and it also nourishes the skin. In addition, it exfoliates your skin and prevents bacteria, oil, dead skin cells, and other toxins from hiding beneath your skins surface. Some of the main reasons for using castor oil for pimples and acne are described below:

• Treat Acne: Ricinoleic acid is present in castor oil. It possesses antibacterial, antiviral, fungicidal, and antiseptic properties. Therefore, it has the ability to eliminate any bacteria or other microbes that can irritate your skin. It also heals swollen skin and proves to be instrumental in treating acne and pimples.

• Moisturises Skin: The essential fatty acids found in castor oil moisturise the skin deeply. They also expedite the healing process of acne scars and pimples. Massaging your skin regularly with this oil will prevent the formation of scar marks permanently.

• Deep Cleanse Open Pores: Your skin pores might contain a lot of microorganisms, dust, dead skin cells, and other pollutants. These toxins are mainly responsible for the formation of pimples and acne. By cleansing your skin pores deeply, castor oil reduces the possibility of their formation.

You May Like: How To Stop Acne On Face

How To Incorporate Essential Oils Into Your Routine

Exposed Skincare products are formulated with low levels of very powerful anti-acne actives. This means we use powerful ingredients, but only in a concentration thats effective without being damaging. Plus, we combine these powerful actives with natural botanicals, including oils like tea tree and even maracuja oil. This combo is what makes our products so effective. Not only is the Exposed Skincare routine proven to clear acne in less than 30 days, it also helps soothe and heal skin, leaving it in better condition.

Our products are made in North America and only use responsibly-sourced ingredients. Our products have no added fragrance, parabens or other harmful ingredients, so you know what youre putting on your skin is the safest.

Ready to try? You need the Basic Kit, which contains our Facial Cleanser, Clearing Tonic with maracuja oil, Acne Treatment Serum with tea tree oil and Clear Pore Serum.

What To Know Before Using The Best Essential Oils For Acne

Like with any new skin-care product or ingredient, its highly recommended to perform a patch test before applying your chosen essential oil directly to your face, especially if youve decided to use it as a spot treatment or have known skin sensitivities. This will ensure that your skin isnt irritated by the essential oil and guarantee a successful acne treatment.

Essential oils are also known for their dense oil composition, which may result in the clogging of the pores in some users. As a general rule of thumb, its always best to combine your essential oil with water or carrier oils such as jojoba oil or rosehip seed oil in order to effectively dilute it without hindering its efficacy. This dilution process will also help minimize irritation as well.

Below, explore the best essential oils for acne that will help you combat acne in all of its forms.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Acne Without Drying Skin

Roll Directly On Your Skin

You can also reap the benefits by applying essential oils to your skin, where its absorbed into your body. But Dr. Lin cautions against directly applying most essential oils to your skin without diluting them.

With few exceptions, its best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to avoid skin irritation, she says.

Some people put their essential oil blend into a small rollerball bottle for easier application.

Essential Oils Could Be The Essential Treatment For Your Acne

Thanks to their accessibility, functionality and economical price point, essential oils are both a safe and efficacious means of treating acne. Once youve purchased or made an essential oil, you can also use it in aromatherapy to treat cold and flu symptoms, soothe your cough, and even for weight loss.

When shopping for essential oils, make sure the label reads 100% essential oil. Every bottle of Public Goods essential oil is 100% pure, organic and carefully sourced for the highest quality. Dont go cheap when it comes to taking care of your skin its the largest organ in your body, and one of the most important.

Also Check: How Long Does It Take For Acne Scars To Fade

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne

The antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-everything-and-more properties of tea tree oil are the reasons acne doesnt stand a chance against this potent treatment. Pores clogged with bacteria and dirt are sterilized by tea tree’s antiseptic qualities. Inflammation is also reduced by tea tree’s anti-inflammatory powers. This ingredient not only kills the acne-causing bacteria and reduces the inflammation, but it moisturizes and hydrates the skin after treatment. Tea tree oil is an all-in-one treatment that reduces acne and simultaneously heals the skin.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil In An Acne

Acne treatments that incorporate tea tree oil are even more effective when they combine other proven acne-busting ingredients. For example, the Exposed Skincare Acne Treatment Serum uses tea tree oil to disinfect and treat blemishes. It also has benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria. This combo knocks acne out while also keeping the skin soothed.

Tea tree oil is a smart choice for treating body acne as well. Its powerful antibacterial and immunostimulant properties allow it to boost the bodys natural defenses while fighting pathogens. Thats why we put tea tree oil in our Body Wash, plus salicylic acid to unclog and shrink pores. If you want to get rid of body acne fast, get our Body Acne Kit, which comes with Body Wash and two tubes of Acne Treatment Serum.

You May Like: Does Kyleena Iud Cause Acne

Essential Oil Recipes To Treat And Prevent Acne Outbreaks

It is very easy to make your own acne treatment at home using some essential oils. As a general rule of thumb, you should use 10-12 drops of essential oil for every 1 ounce of carrier oil. If you use a combination of essential oils in your recipe, you should adjust the amount accordingly.

How to use:

To make a natural treatment for getting rid of pimples, pustules, and unblocking pores to treat acne, this is what you should do:

• In 1 ounce of carrier oil, mix 3-4 drops of tea tree oil, 3-4 drops of lavender oil, and 3-4 drops of any other essential oil from my above list.
• Pour the home remedy in a dark glass bottle and gently shake to mix all the oils.
• Apply 2 or 3 drops of the essential oil acne remedy to your skin and gently massage .
• Repeat this every morning and evening until your acne has gone for good.

This recipe also works for treating red marks and scars left after an acne outbreak, and can be used for treating stretch marks as well.