Acne is a problem that affects many people, and I happen to be one of them. For years I have struggled to find natural treatments for my problem skin, and I know that I’m not alone. Fortunately, there are several essential oils for acne that may help provide relief for problem skin. In this article, I will discuss the various essential oils for acne and how you can use them as a natural treatment for clearer skin. Please note that this natural remedy is intended for mild acne and that you should see a doctor if your acne is severe.
Essential Oils for Acne – Natural Treatment for Clear Skin
Ever since I was about 10 years old, I have struggled with problem skin. My acne took a turn for the worse when I was in middle school. This was an extremely difficult time for me as I was bullied and made fun of because of my skin. I dreaded going to school and began to withdraw from social gatherings. I experienced deep cystic acne on the majority of my face. It was very painful and so severe that no amount of makeup could hide it. Because of my personal experience, I have a passion for helping others discover natural treatments for improving their skin.
I wish that I could say that I was able to obtain clear skin through natural treatments, but that is not the case. The time period in which I experienced severe acne was much different than today. Back then, natural treatments for acne were not mainstream. Therefore, I was prescribed Accutane for my acne. While this powerful drug did help to clear my skin, I experienced some side effects such as extremely dry skin and depression. I also believe that it may have contributed to the demise of my health several years later. You can read more about my health journey here.
Essential Oils for Acne – Get Clear Skin
Fortunately, natural remedies for various ailments are beginning to be accepted by some mainstream doctors. In addition, there is a wealth of information about natural treatments for acne available through the Internet, books, and other forms of media. It is my hope that this positive trend continues so that more people can be exposed to natural treatments for acne.
One of the most challenging parts of improving acne through natural treatment is to figure out what is triggering your acne. Acne can be caused by a long list of triggers including hormonal imbalance, food sensitivities, environment, water contamination, and many more. You may benefit from keeping a journal and paying attention to how your skin worsens or improves based on the food you eat, when you travel, etc. Pinpointing your specific acne trigger can take some detective work on your part, but clearer skin is definitely worth the effort!
Which Essential Oils to Use as an Acne Treatment
Melaleuca Essential Oil
Also known as Tea Tree Essential Oil, Melaleuca is one of the best essential oils for acne. This beneficial oil possesses antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. In addition, it may help to calm the skin (Modern Essentials, 2015, p. 140).
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Juniper Berry Essential Oil can be used as an effective natural treatment for acne. This amazing oil has antiseptic, astringent, cleansing, and detoxifying properties (Modern Essentials, 2015, p. 129).
Lavender Essential Oil
The most popular of all essential oils, Lavender is wonderful for acne as it provides antifungal, anti-histimine, and antiseptic properties for the skin. In addition, Lavender Essential Oil is a may help feelings of sadness. This is a bonus as acne can negatively affect one’s emotional state (Modern Essentials, 2015, p. 130).
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood Essential Oil is another effective natural treatment for acne. It has antifungal, antispetic, and astringent properties (Modern Essentials, 2015, p. 98).
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage essential oil may help to improve acne as it may help with hormonal balance. Some forms of acne can be a symptom of hormonal imbalance in women. Clary Sage Essential Oil has antifungal, antiseptic, and astringent properties that make it a great natural treatment for acne (Modern Essentials, 2015, p. 102).
How to Use Essential Oils for Acne
As I previously stated, discovering your specific acne trigger is half the battle. While essential oils can be effective on their own to improve acne, eliminating your acne trigger and supplementing with essential oils will be your best bet for clear skin.
To use essential oils for general mild acne:
- Dilute 2-4 drops of Melaleuca Essential Oil with 1/2 teaspoon of organic unrefined coconut oil. Coconut oil also helps to improve acne as it possesses anti-bacterial properties.
- Place 10 drops each of Melaleuca, Lavender, and Juniper Berry Essential Oil in a glass roller bottle and fill the rest of the way with fractionated coconut oil. Roll onto skin after cleansing every night before bed.
- Apply 2-4 drops of Lavender Essential Oil directly onto skin. Dilute with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil is sensitivity occurs.
- Mix several drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply to affected area.
Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Many women, including myself, experience hormonal acne. This type of acne typically appears along the chin and jawline. In order to improve hormone balance and hormonal acne, you can:
- Diffuse 2-4 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil into the air.
- Inhale Clary Sage directly from the bottle.
- Dilute 1-2 drops of Clary Sage with 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil and apply to the bottoms of feet, lower back, and back of neck.
When striving for hormone balance, diet plays a significant role. Avoiding sugar and processed grains will help to keep blood sugar and hormones stable. Eat plenty of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables for optimal hormone levels.
Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils for Acne?
As I discussed, there are several essential oils for acne that can be used as an effective natural treatment. When using essential oils, it is imperative to understand that all oils are not created equal. Please be sure that you purchase quality essential oils that are certified pure from a reputable source. Many oils found in stores and online are filled with cheap filler oils and some are even toxic. Please do your homework before using any essential oil brand. Please note that all essential oils are not intended to be used internally and some may cause sun sensitivity.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product/website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
Reference:
Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils (6th ed.). (2015). Orem, UT: Aroma Tools.
