Are Essential Oils For Acne?

Essential Oils for Acne

Can essential oils be an effective acne treatment?

The answer is Yes but you will need a little patience with it.

Many essential oils have anti-fungal, anti-bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties and are well worth exploring for a more holistic and natural approach to acne and acne scar treatment.

First of all, you will need to find the oils that are best suited to you.

Even with specified essential oils for acne and acne scars, everyone will react differently to different essential oils and so it is through trial and error that you will find the best one for you.

Essential oils for acne is therefore a very personal experience.

Before we go into the different essential oils for acne, a few safety notes :

1. If you are pregnant or ill, check with your doctor first as some essential oils can be dangerous for certain conditions.
2. Essential oils (with the exception of lavender oil) needs to be applied with a carrier oil. This means the essential oil or oils are added to a base oil before application. The recommended dosage is 12-15 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil.
   
3. Do not rub the oils into your eyes or ingest them. They cannot be taken internally.

So with that out of the way, let’s look at some essential oils for acne:

Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil

Lavender is probably the most used and most versatile essential oil.

It has all the anti-bacterial properties to combat infections and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic.

Applied directly onto spots, it will reduce inflammation and kill off bacteria. A few drops onto a tissue used over the day to sponge off excessive face oil will also help reduce outbreaks.

For those who suffer body acne, a few drops in a bath, or applied with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil will also help reduce outbreaks.

Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil – 10 ml

Geranium Oil

A good oil to restore your skin to its natural state. Geranium has the ability to restore balance your skin whether it is too dry or too oily.

As an essential oil, it has a very pleasant aroma and mixes well with most other oils such as rose, jasmine, lavender and bergamot.

Aura Cacia Essential Oil Geranium

Bergamot Oil

Bergamot Oil

Bergamot has a citrus fragrance and is the aroma found in Earl Grey tea.

Refreshing, up-lifting and light, bergamot has drying and anti-bacterial properties that is effective in combating pimples and zits.

Be careful though with the sun when using bergamot as it makes the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Bergamot 100% Pure Essential Oil – 10 ml

Clove Oil

Unlike bergamot, clove is quite strong in both aroma and in its healing properties.

Applying the oil direct is strongly not recommended even though it has strong anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to treat more stubborn acne.

Use sparingly to start with as it has the ability to irritate more sensitive skin.

Natures Alchemy Pure Essential Oil Clove Bud

Tea Tree Oil

tea tree flower

Tea tree oil is used to heal wounds, rashes, dandruff, burns and stop infections.

As an essential oil to combat acne, tea tree’s anti-bacterial properties has proven very effective.

Not only will it kill bacteria, it also has the ability to sooth and stop irritation.

Tea Tree 100% Pure Essential Oil – 10 ml

Rosewood Oil

Rosewood oil is best used on oily skin as it has a strong drying ability.

It can be used to dry out individual spots and breakouts, but people with normal or dry skin should avoid using it on other areas.

Rosewood 100% Pure Essential Oil- 10 ml

Carrier Oils

The best type of carrier or base oil are oils derived from the “cold press” method.

This means that the oils are extracted naturally with no heat applied which does not distort the natural properties of the oils.

There are many carrier oils but for acne treatment, it all depends on your skin type.

Greasy Oily Skin : Almond, Grape Seed and Apricot oils are best.

Sweet Almond Oil

Normal Skin : Jojoba, Calendula and Sesame are best.

Desert Essence Organic Jojoba Oil

Dry Skin : Wheat germ, Olive and Avocado are best.

Wheat Germ Oil

Blending

You may also want to try and blend some of the essential oils to get better or more individual results. Lavender with geranium, rosewood with bergamot, the decision or preference is up to you.

Other uses for Essential Oils

Adding a few drops to your bath water, or a few drops to a bowl of water for a final rinse after you wash your face, or simply to steam your face with some water and essential oils before applying a face mask, are all good alternatives for your essential oil use.

The more you use essential oils for acne or for anything else for that matter, the more ideas you will get for its uses. Soon you will find essential oils an integral part of your daily life.

For further reading on essential oils, try :

Essential Oils Desk Reference

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health – Beauty – a Safe Home Environment

Here is a quick essential oils for acne video on how to apply lavender oil neat onto spots:

Natural Plants and Herbs to Treat Acne Rosacea

Last post we looked at what Acne Rosacea was and how you can stop the early symptoms.

This post we will look at treating acne rosacea with herbs and plants.

Although there are no fix cures for rosacea, there are drugs and prescribed medication to keep it under control.

This however could lead to side effects long term.

Today we will look into nature’s garden and discover some natural treatments for treating acne rosacea using herbs and plants.

Garlic

In another post about acne vitamins, I mentioned garlic as a potent healing plant. Garlic has antiseptic properties and has been used to treat infections and boost the immune system. Taken in Odorless Garlic Capsules form, garlic will help rosacea sufferers fight infections.

Great Burdock

Again this is one of the most effective herbs to combat skin disorders. Burdock helps to purify our blood and has great antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The root powder can be taken in capsule form just before meals and can help minimize dilated blood vessels on the face.

Grape Seed Extract

For centuries the grape vine has been used to treat many circulatory problems. The extract of its seed has one of the richest antioxidant proanthocyanidins and is used to treat small capillary damage.

It can also help to erase small spots and marks left on the skin caused by weakened and burst capillaries. Take as a Grape Seed capsules or infusion.

Dandelion Root

To detox the liver and improve skin tone, take Dandelion root in capsule form or as infusions.

Aloe Vera

Nothing beats Aloe Vera for its healing properties. Apply pure Aloe Vera to dry skin to sooth and nourish the skin. Some people may have a reaction to Aloe Vera so please test a small area before using.

Dong Quai

Also known as Chinese Angelica, this root plant is mainly used for women especially those in menopausal stages. It helps reduce hot flashes, acts as a pain reliever, and improves the blood.

Be careful though not to take it while pregnant or if you have diabetes.

Seek Treatment as Soon as Possible

As mentioned in the last post about Acne Rosacea, seek treatment as soon as you see the first signs or suspect the first signs of Rosacea. In rare cases Rosacea can spread to other parts of the body which although not fatal, could be quite distressing. Lack of care and treatment could also lead to disfigurement so seek professional help as soon as possible.

Cautionary Note: Consult a qualified physician before taking any herb and plant supplements.

Related Articles About Treating Acne Rocasea

• How To Reduce Facial Redness (howcast.com)

Natural Acne Cure with Herbs

We all know that for a natural acne cure, lavender and tea tree oils have both antibiotic and antiseptic properties

natural acne cure with herbs

and are nature’s acne treatment.

You can apply the oil directly onto the affected area, or mix the oil with water for a more general cleansing of the skin.

The natural bacteria killing properties of these two oils will help clear blemishes and prevent pimples.

But did you know that there are other lesser known herbs that will also help heal acne and make acne scars fade naturally?

(Don’t forget to check out this  three part system for specific acne herbal supplements and acne blemish treatment)

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Natural Acne Cure with Herbs*

Burdock

What is it?

It is essentially a weed that you find growing on the roadside mainly in the northern hemisphere. Its flowers have little tiny hooks that attach themselves to clothing and animal fur.

How can it help my acne problem?

Its roots and to a lesser extend its leaves have great anti-fungal and anti-bacteria properties. Taken internally in capsule form, burdock root has blood cleansing, diuretic and purging effects, and will cleanse and detoxify your body of toxins. It will also restore liver and gallbladder functions. Burdock also contains inulin, which can improve the quality of your skin by removing the bacteria.

So how do I take it?

One way to help improve acne prone skin is to seep 5g of dried burdock leaves in 1 liter of boiling water, and drink the infusion after ten minutes. Do it twice a day.

In root powder form, capsules of 350g can be taken three times a day before meals. (note: can interfere with iron absorption).

There are also creams, lotions and ointments available.

Dandelion Leaves

What is it?

A plant that is found commonly on roadsides and in fields with small yellow flowers in April and May. Later on, a ball of fluffy seeds can be picked up by the wind and dispersed over a wide area.

How can it help with my acne breakouts?

The French call it “piss in the bed” for its cleansing and diuretic powers. It increases bile production and cleanses the liver and blood, and has known to help those with kidney, water retention, cellulite and constipation problems.

A cleansed body means clean skin, and it can also prevent age spots.

So how do I take it?

You can get dandelion leaves in small sachets that you infuse in 1 cup of boiling water like tea. Drink twice a day.

In capsule form, 300mg can be taken three times a day.

Red Clover

What is it?

Also called purple or wild clover, this perennial is found mainly in Europe. It is the pink flowering heads that are used.

How can it help with acne removal?

Red Clover has isoflavones, which contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. Used externally as well as internally, it can also fight bacteria infection and has blood purifying effects. It also strengthens the immune system and has been used for eczema and psoriasis.

So how do I take it?

Make an infusion from 2 teaspoons of flower head and 1 cup of boiling water and drink three times a day.

Alternatively, soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in the infusion and apply over the infected area.

(note: Avoid if you are trying to conceive, have tumors, or taking blood thinning drugs)

Aloe Vera

What is it?

A green plant found in dry regions, its thick fleshy leaves with its jagged edges contains the aloe juice found in many natural skin care products.

How can it help heal acne?

Known for its astringent, anti-fungal, antibacterial and antibiotic effects, the aloe plant can stimulate cell growth, heal wounds and reduce inflammation. It also has moisturizing properties that has been used to heal burn wounds.

Aloe Vera also has laxative properties which can cleanse the body of toxins.

So how should I take it?

There are many available drinks, capsules, ointment, gels and lotions on the market. Consult your doctor for best results.

Basil

What is it?

It is a herb found in many kitchens and is known for its aromatic fragrance. An annual plant, the flowers grow along the tops of the plant along its stem on the spike.

How will it help to reduce acne?

Basil has antibacterial and astringent effects when applied externally, and can heal wounds and inflammations.

So how should I take it?

An ointment applied to the effected area is the best solution.

Marigold (also known as Calendula)

What is it?

A pretty plant with gold/orange flowers originally from the Mediterranean countries. The Romans prized it for many centuries for its ability to cure skin ailments.

How will it stop acne?

Marigold reduces inflammation and is used in many cosmetic preparations as well as products for babies. It is effective against skin rashes, cuts, wounds, sunburn, diaper rash, insect bites and other skin problems found in young and old alike. It also has antibacterial properties.

So how should I take it?

Make an infusion with 5g of dried flower heads and 1 liter of boiling water. Apply a compress to the affected area 3-4 times a day.

(note: to be taken externally and not internally unless under qualified supervision)

Stinging Nettle

What is it?

Stinging nettle can be found in ditches, road sides and abandoned grounds. With stinging hairs on it leaves, stinging nettles has many uses including clothing.

How will it help in treating acne?

The leaves have strong anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to regulate oil buildup in the scalp and skin.

So how should I use it?

Infuse 5g of leaves in 1 liter of boiling water and wash your face or affected area with the infusion after it has cooled to a luke warm temperature. Alternatively, make a poultice from the leaves or the roots and apply to the infected area.

This  doctor approved cleansing and herbal supplement system comes with natural herb capsules to help combat pimples and zits from the inside, an effective cleansing wash and a facial protection cream to combat unsightly blemishes from the outside. Check it out today!

*Caution Note:

Herbs can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision. Please consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.

More Natural Acne Cure Information:

See also Essential Oils for Acne

Chinese Herbs for acne