Best essential oils for acne
You know how it goes. There’s an important meeting, a hot date or a big event. You get up and look in the mirror – Aaaaaakkkkk! A spot has sprouted overnight. And it’s red, angry and seems to be throbbing. It may even be a dreaded white head! So, what’s the best way to treat acne naturally without harsh chemicals? Better still: What are the best essential oils for acne and acne scars? Can natural solutions really help?
Should I use a pimple cream if I have acne?
Amazingly, 85 per cent of people experience acne at some point in their lives. And many still get spotty in their twenties and thirties: up to 50 per cent of women and 42 percent of men
When you have a big blaring spot, it’s tempting to grab something strong from the pharmacy and try to ‘nuke’ the pimple off the face of your face! But this can do more harm than good.
While conventional acne treatments can get rid of pimples, they’re often associated with adverse effects, such as skin irritation and dryness. This can lead to even more breakouts.
Best Home remedies for acne using essential oils
The good news is that there are many powerful botanical acne home remedies and treatments all around us. And many of them draw on the power of plants. Essential oils concentrate all the healing benefits of plants and flowers. So, what are the best essential oils for acne?
*Most powerful essential oil for acne
Organic Tea Tree oil
Studies show that Tea tree oil has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. And it can fight two bacteria that cause acne — P. acnes and S. epidermidis
Tea tree oil is just as effective at reducing pimples as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication. Tea Tree oil is also less drying and irritating then over-the-counter pimple creams.
How to use Tea Tree oil for acne
- It’s very potent and should be diluted with a carrier oil or it can cause redness.
- Do a patch test on your skin before using
- After cleaning your skin, add 2–3 drops of 100% organic Tea Tree oil to 10 drops of a carrier oil like Arnica oil
- Dab on the breakout.
*Most gentle essential oils for acne scars
Organic Lavender oil
A more soothing essential oil for fighting acne. Lavender oil calms your skin and reduces blemishes at the same time. It’s a great idea to incorporate lavender into your skincare routine to prevent breakouts.
How to Use Lavender oil for acne
- add 3 drops of Lavender oil to your moisturiser or make your own by combining jojoba, almond or Rosehip oil with lavender essential oil.
Organic Patchouli oil
Warm, sweet and sensuous, Patchouli oil is often called the “scent of sixties” after the hippies who discovered it in Asia. It is deeply relaxing, soothes irritation and can regenerate cells, making it ideal for fading scars.
How to use Patchouli oil for acne
To help acne scars heal faster, add 5 drops of Patchouli oil to 15ml of a carrier oil and apply to the affected area.
*Best essential oils to clear pores
Lemongrass oil
Will instantly relax you and remind you of a spa but is also highly antibacterial and anti-fungal. Lemongrass oil will clean out your pores and tone the skin.
How to use Lemongrass oil for acne
- cleanse your skin
- add 5–10 drops of Lemongrass oil to a bowl of steaming hot water
- drape a towel over your head and place your head over the bowl.
- breathe in and relax for at least 5 minutes.
Organic Clary Sage oil
The word “clary” comes from the Latin “clarus” and means “clarifying” or “cleansing”.
Clary Sage oil cleanses and clarifies oily or clogged skin.
How to use Clary Sage oil for acne
To make a natural astringent face wash, in a bowl, combine:
- 20 drops Clary Sage oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil (coconut, almond)
- 3 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Using a hand blender, mix all ingredients. Store in a glass bottle in a cool place. Regular use will reduce breakouts.
*Best essential oil to dry out pimples fast
Organic Turmeric oil
Turmeric is packed with antioxidants that clarify the skin and heal inflammation. The compound curcumin dries out pimples and eases acne flare-ups
How to use organic Turmeric oil
- Mix 2–3 drops Turmeric oil with 10 drops of a carrier oil
- Apply directly on a pimple.
Rosemary, Rose, Cinnamon and Clove oils are also proven acne-fighters and can kill acne-causing bacteria S. epidermidis and P. acnes
*Best essential oil blends for acne
When so many oils can claim to be the best essential oils for acne, knowing which one to reach for can be a bit bewildering. But before another pimple pops up from the stress of choosing which essential oil to use, how about using a blend of the best?
Derma Botanica is a luxurious healing face serum made from 11 organic essential oils, including some with amazing acne-fighting properties:
Lavender – to fade scars and soothe red, raw skin
Rosehip – Powerful antioxidant, rich in Retinoic acid (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C for healthy cell production
Frankincense – repairs damaged skin
Tea Tree – highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, combats oily skin
Myrrh – antioxidant and moisturising
Carrot seed – protects from environmental stressors and soothes sensitive skin
Niaouli & Neroli – treat scars and wounds, prevent infections, speed up new cell growth
Some people worry about putting a facial oil on their acne but many acne-prone complexions are also stressed and dehydrated. The gentle yet powerful oils in Derma Botanica are like a long, cool thirst quenching drink for this kind of parched, unhappy skin.
Use it twice a day after cleansing. You can use it under a moisturiser or on its own.
So, next time you’re tempted to blast your spots or acne with a harsh chemical-based cream, remember the treasure trove of healing that nature has provided in the form of super-charged acne-blitzing essential oils. Hope this guide to the best essential oils for acne and acne scars will help you choose the right one for you, so you can let them care for your skin, and destroy the nasty acne bacteria, without turning your face into a war zone.
