Incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine is a great way to prevent and treat acne.
Essential oils can be effective treatments for every acne stage, from prevention, to healing pimples, and reducing the appearance of scars.
Not all essential oils are created equal. There are essential oils that in particular can help with acne breaks.
One laboratory study found the most effective essential oils against P. acnes include:
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thyme
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cinnamon
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rosemary
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Tea Tree Essential Oil for acne
Tea tree essential oil is probably the top choice and best known oil for acne. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used in many skincare products.
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Rosemary Essential Oil for acne
Rosemary has antibacterial properties and can help control oil production, making it a top choice for acne blemishes.
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Cinnamon Essential Oil for acne
Cinnamon oil has been proven effective at fighting P. acnes and staphylococcal bacteria and E. coli.
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Frankincense Essential Oil for acne
Frankincense has astringent properties, which makes it effective at fighting acne (and wrinkles, too).
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Oregano Essential Oil for acne
A study found that oregano essential oil had the strongest antimicrobial activity against P. acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is acne-associated bacteria. (Thyme was a close second.)
Similarly, thyme was proven to be effective in fighting the bacteria that cause acne. Researchers in the UK have tested the effects of thyme on acne when it’s used in a tincture with good results.
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Lavender Essential Oil for acne
Lavender is a great acne essential oil because it can kill bacteria and unclog pores, reduce the appearance of existing pimples, reduce redness and irritation, and prevent new ones.
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How to use essential oils for acne
Mix one drop of your favorite essential oil with 8-10 drops of carrier oil (like jojoba or almond).
You can also add essential oils to your favorite skin care products, like toners or serums.
Use a cotton pad to gently dab the oil onto a blemish. If you’re using other acne products, talk to your dermatologist before applying essential oils to ensure there are no interactions.
Ideally, avoid oils with a greasy texture like olive and coconut oil, as they can clog pores.
In the evening, add two drops of tea tree oil to a clean cotton pad and apply on your blemishes and clean skin.
Lavender oil in particular can be applied directly on your pimples, since is is gentle enough to not irritate the skin. The more concentrated oils should be used in small amounts and diluted with a carrier oil (with light texture such as jojoba or almond) first. Also, avoid applying these oils to any open wounds or lacerations, or to your eyes, and discontinue them if any redness or irritation occurs.
Last but not least, essential oils can be an effective part of your acne treatment, alone or in combination with other treatments. Be sure to check with your dermatologist how to best treat your acne, especially if it’s more severe or you have repeated acne blemishes.
Clinically proven to help repair skin damage and scars from acne, aging, pregnancy, injury, surgery, injury, accidents, C-section, and more.
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Can oils improve my acne scars?
Some experts suggest that rosehip oil and lavender essential oil are great natural remedies to help reduce scarring.
One popular and bestselling product for acne scars and stretchmarks, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types is Bio-Oil.
Bio-Oil – the #1-selling multi-use skincare oil in 25 countries and winner of 369 skincare awards.
92% of participants reported an improvement in their scar appearance after 8 weeks.
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Vitamin A in Bio-Oil promotes new collagen formation and assists in skin renewal and increasing skin elasticity. Vitamin E Oil, Chamomile Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Lavender Oil are anti-inflammatory and promote healthy skin.
Bio-Oil unique formulation combines vitamins, plant extracts, and oils which help to increase the moisture content of the skin, reducing itchiness caused by stretching and making the skin appear more smooth and supple
Rosemary oil has soothing and mild antiseptic properties, and helps invigorate the skin.
Calendula oil help reduce inflammation and is good for sensitive and sunburned skin.
Lavender oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, offering a calming and soothing skin feeling.
Chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory, with soothing and calming benefits, and particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
Purcellion oil imporve smoothness and acts as an emolient, leaving the skin smooth and supple.
Vitamin E increases the moisture content of the skin, improving the overall texture and tone of the scar and surrounding skin. Lavender and rosemary oils also act as a mild antiseptic assisting in the effective healing of the injured skin.
Mineral oil, one of Bio-Oil’s base oils, works both as an emollient, which keeps the skin soft and smooth, and as a moisturizer.