We are all connected by a common desire to have flawless skin. A lot of us are guilty of piling on the creams and gels galore, especially when suffering from an acne breakout, but sometimes these products just don’t solve the problem.
Essential oils have several amazing benefits...
But which essential oils are best for acne in particular?
1. Tea Tree
The reasons why Tea Tree is so wonderful:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties
- Supposedly the best natural remedy for acne
- It has a delightful, fresh fragrance
- It moisturises the skin, helping to restore its natural oil balance
- It kills bacteria that may be causing you to break out
- Can help speed up the skins healing process
According to the Organic Soil Association, Tea Tree oil is considered one of the best natural oil for acne-prone skin due to its cleansing ability. It can help successfully fight infectious organisms such as bacteria and fungi.
A bit of the science-y stuff:
According to research, tea-tree oil is rich in terpinene-4-ol, which makes it significantly more effective in treating acne than commercial options like benzoyl peroxide. Terpinene-4-ol causes antimicrobial activity, and this destroys the skin-based bacteria responsible for acne (Vitagene, 2020).
Acne often forms inside the pores, therefore acne treatments have to penetrate deep into the skin in order to be successful. Our good friend Tea Tea, successfully does this, as it works its way into the skin, it helps disinfect and unclog pores.
Also, here’s a bonus for you! It has a delightful fresh fragrance and promotes general wellbeing, so you may need to get your mittens on this stuff.
2. Rosemary
From food to face, good old fashioned rosemary doesn’t just work its magic in the kitchen. It is excellent in reducing redness from breakouts as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.
Elina Fedotova, cosmetic chemist and CEO of Elina Organics states that:
“One of the main causes of acne is excessive oil production and bacteria in the pores.”
Rosemary oil is so effective in aiding the prevention of acne due to its ability the help remove excess oils from your skin. It also consists of powerful disinfectants and strong antibiotic properties, which can result in an improved skin complexion and a boost in circulation.
Sounds like a win-win right? It keeps getting better…
Rosemary is stimulating and revitalising, helping to clear the mind and invigorate the body, helping you to feel energised - especially with its strong, refreshing fragrance.
3. Lavender
Gone are the days where lavender was nothing more than Grandma’s go-to fragrance. Lavender essential oil is not only good for preventing an acne breakout due to its ability to kill bacteria, but is also great at healing wounds, making it an ideal treatment for popped spots. It is an extremely versatile ingredient, it’s soothing, so it can help relieve itchiness and irritation (Jackson K, 2019).
Lavender oil is full of antioxidants that will keep your skin young and soft. If your breakouts are due to stress, hormonal changes or sleep deprivation, essential oils such as lavender could be your miracle.
Lavender has the ability to ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Try placing a few drops of the oil on your pillow before going to sleep. It is sure to relax you and promote an improved nights rest.
Using the oil directly on acne isn’t recommended, however blending with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) can help dilute the solution, do this for best results against acne scarring. You can use the mixture on a daily basis.
Sensitive skin you say?
A drop or two of these delightful oils mixed with water, or blending with a carrier oil, is recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Let’s remember that everyone’s skin is different, and can react in different ways.
Maybe try a patch test:
- Apply a small amount of the oil on the inside of your elbow.
- Allow 24 hours before washing it off.
- If you don’t register any sort of discomfort or irritation within this time, the oil should be safe to apply anywhere else.
If you don’t want to apply the oil directly to your skin, add a few drops to your bath and bathe away your worries!
*You should stop using essential oils if you notice irritation or sensitivity on the skin*
So, there you have it, the 3 essential oils that are best for acne-prone skin. Let us know if these work their magic for your skin.
References
Awesome ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne (2020) Vitagene <https://vitagene.com/blog/tea-tree-oil-for-acne/>
The Best Essential Oils for Pimples (2019) Kristen Collins Jackson <https://www.bustle.com/p/the-5-best-essential-oils-for-pimples-8066015>