Those yellow-red spots on your glowing cheeks or the one that just burst right next to your lip — gosh, nothing can make one look as hideous and ugly as an acne can! And nothing can be worse than a pimple popping up a night before those grand celebrations, parties or even worse, weddings. On top of all that, pimples can be extremely painful and difficult to remove.
No, it’s not just the teens who suffer have acne trouble. About 70% of the young adults in America are suffering from the never ending acne problem and one can become acne prone at any age. To add to the not-so-exciting stats is a report that highlights the prevalence of acne in female population is more than their male counterparts. Now, weren’t females dealing with enough problems already? And no girl in the world would be happy with those unwanted spots all over her face!
Pancakes of cosmetics make your acne worse; you burst it and the mark never goes away and those ointments just don’t seem to work. Then, how can one get rid of this problem? Well, fret not people because you have just been trying the regular, conventional methods. What we have in store for you are the age-old granny beauty secrets that are known to not only work effectively on the acne but also leave the skin healthy and spotless.
What causes acne?
While there are a lot of reasons why you may be suffering from the pesky issue, the primary reasons behind acne outburst could be changes in hormone levels, diet, and food intake, genetic issues, stress overload, and medication can all lead to acne and skin issues like clogged pores, excess oil and bacteria. That’s not all. Scrubbing your skin too hard, cleansing your skin too often or not washing your face at regular intervals can lead to acne issues.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to clogged pores and the production of a natural body oil called sebum. If the pores on your face are blocked with dirt or some other obstruction, then the sebum will not be able to leave the skin. Instead, it will build up, causing a pimple. The worst part is if it gets infected, then the pimple will become inflamed and painful. Bacteria living in your skin will multiply in the built-up sebum, creating a problem that should be solved as soon as possible.
Why should you use essential oils for acne treatment?
Usually, people suffering from acne issues resort to medications prescribed by skin specialists or opt for over the counter treatment. What they don’t realize is these medications might contain harsh chemicals which can cause further irritation and do more harm to the skin than good. There are medicinal treatments that shut off oil production by flooding the system with excess vitamin A and others that are harmful antibiotics. Even with these drastic and unnatural measures, there is still the chance that it won’t effectively deal with the acne.
Essential oils, on the other hand, are natural extracts of plants. They are neither constituted of harsh chemical nor do they worsen the affected area. Moreover, they have multiple benefits that help in alleviating the root causes behind acne. They are gentle and lead to healthier and glowing skin. Best of all, these essential oils for acne are cost-effective both on your wallet and your body.
So whether you need a natural way to open the pores, relax the skin, kill the bacteria, reduce the sebum output, mitigate stress, or help regulate hormones, here are the best essential oils for acne on the market to get you into healthier skin.
Top 9 essential oils for acne and blemishes
1. Tea Tree Oil
Amongst all the natural products available, Tea tree oil, undoubtedly is amongst the best essential oils for acne and blemishes. The oil is well known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties and forms a major part of many over the counter medications available for acne treatment. Why go for these man-made remedies with harmful side effects when you can go straight to the natural source?
Best suited for: Oily skin type.
When to use: To be used on skin prone to acne caused by excess oil, dead skin, and bacteria.
How to use tea tree oil for acne treatment: Dab two to three drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball and apply it topically over the affected area. Alternatively, one could add a few drops to face wash or body wash for mild acne treatment.
Note: Tea tree oil dries the skin and should be used in a limited quantity only.
2. Lavender Oil
Acne treatment and dark spot reduction are among the many benefits that this oil has to offer. This oil is known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics, making it one of the best essential oils for acne. The extracts treat acne, heal dry skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, soothing the skin and nourishing it from within. Moreover, lavender oil always helps in alleviating stress and headache naturally and improves the quality of sleep, thereby promoting a healthy skin.
Best suited for: Normal to dry skin types.
When to use: To be used on skin affected with acne due to hormonal imbalance, stress, and sleep deprivation.
How to use lavender oil for acne treatment: On dry skin types, the oil can be directly used to fight acne. Pour two to three drops of oil on a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area. Alternatively, diffuse the oil in a steamer. Inhale the to refresh your system from within and open clogged pores on the face. The best time for a steam would be last evenings or night.
3. Rosemary Oil
This versatile essential oil has many beauty benefits. Use rosemary as an ointment to reduce excess oil on the skin. The oil has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces redness and puffiness caused by acne. Besides keeping the skin clear, rosemary oil also helps improve circulation and keeps the skin firm and tone. This oil also helps in fighting hair loss.
Best suited for: Normal to oily skin types.
When to use: To be used for mild acne and blemish related issues.
How to use rosemary as an essential oil for acne treatment: Mix two drops of rosemary oil in virgin olive oil and dab the mixture on your skin using cotton. You can also mix a few drops of the oil in your tub for a refreshing bath.
4. Clary Sage Oil
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities make clary sage oil one of the best essential oils for acne and one of the most popular natural remedies for fighting blemishes. The oil regulates the production of sebum, thus, monitoring the production of oil on the skin. The oil is known to curb the growth of bacteria on the skin and alleviate the feelings of stress, making it not only a great essential oil for acne and blemishes, but also for mental health and general well-being.
Best suited for: Normal to oily skin.
When to use: To be used in case of acne that is caused and spread due to bacteria on the skin.
How to clary sage as an essential oil for acne: To treat the acne prone skin, apply two to three drops of clary sage oil on the affected area. For normal skin type, mix clary sage oil with jojoba oil and massage it onto the skin. For oily skin type, dab the oil directly onto the skin using a cotton ball. Also, use this oil to relieve anxiety and alleviate stress — a primary reason behind breakouts and skin irritation. Diffuse five to six drops of oil at home every alternate day for a period of two weeks.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano essential oil contains a high percentage of phenol. Phenol is a strong disinfectant and works wonders on a pimple prone skin. Use this oil, once a day, regularly until the skin clears up.
Best suited for: All skin types.
When to use: In case of dead cell and acne caused due to bacteria.
How to use oregano as an essential oil for acne: The best way to use oregano as an essential oil for acne is by massaging it topically or dabbing it using a cotton on the affected area. However, it is advised that a drop of oregano oil is diluted in three to four drops of carrier oil before application.
Note: Oregano oil can act as a skin irritant. It should be used in limited quantities and always be diluted in a carrier oil or water before use.
6. Bergamot Oil
The citrus scent and amazing antimicrobial properties of bergamot add the magical touch to this essential oil for acne. The natural extracts of this potion are known to cure blemishes, dark spots and patches on the skin.
Best suited for: All skin types.
When to use: Use this oil to treat blemishes and black spots.
How to use bergamot as an essential oil for acne: Blend a two to three drops of bergamot oil with a carrier oil and massage it on the affected area. Practice this at night after cleansing your face.
7. Geranium Oil
Known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, Geranium oil is a personal favorite essential oil for acne for most people. It has wonderful pimple elimination and anti-aging properties.
Best suited for: All skin types.
When to use: It is preferred by young adults due to its anti-aging properties.
How to use geranium as an essential oil for acne: The best way to use this oil for acne is via face steam. Mix a drop or two in the steamer and let the steam do the magic for you. Another way of using the oil on your skin could be by diluting it in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. Massage the mixture gently on your skin.
Note: It is highly recommended that you use this oil at night before sleeping to achieve best results.
8. Lemongrass Oil
This nourishing, herbal medicine consists of antimicrobial properties and Vitamin A & Vitamin E. The oil removes dead skin cells, enhances skin repair, and aids in lightening the acne spots. The vitamins on the oil help in toning and firming the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Best suited for: All skin types, especially sensitive skin.
When to use: Ideal for mature skin that is prone to dead cells, acne, spots, and aging.
How to use lemongrass as an essential oil for acne: Apply good quality lemongrass oil topically using a cotton ball on the affected area. One can massage this oil, mixed with a carrier oil for a healthier and radiant skin.
Note: Never step out in the sun after using lemongrass oil.
9. Frankincense Oil
If that pimple on your skin pops up once in awhile but leaves a dirty scar behind, then this oil is for you. Keep this secret magical oil in your beauty box and use it wonderful healing and revitalizing powers to fight the acne away.
Best suited for: All skin types. It works wonders on sensitive skin.
When to use: In the case of mild acne, blemishes, and dark spots & patches on the skin.
How to use frankincense oil to treat acne: Mix a drop or two of the oil in jojoba oil or olive oil and gently massage it on your face. Alternatively, dab two drops of frankincense oil on a clean cotton ball and apply it over the affected area.
Did we miss out on your granny’s secret? I hope not! Yet, if there are any magical tricks you use to fight acne naturally, share it with us in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you! 🙂
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