Essential Oils to Treat Acne

Using essential oils to treat acne is one of the oldest methods of fighting pimples. Essential oils are natural plant oil extracts that contain the same healing properties, scent and nutrients as the original plant. The strong oils can help with many ailments, especially skin problems.

Different essential oils can aid in preventing, soothing and healing many acne problems, such as blackheads, pimples and scars. Though the oils are strong, they require patience in terms of results. There is no overnight cure for acne. You will need to use the oils regularly for an extended period to see dramatic results.

Essentials Oils to Treat Acne
There are many different types of essential oils, each with its own special properties. Only a small portion of essential oils, such as tea tree and lavender, help treat acne. Other oils, such as neroli and oakmoss, may actually make acne worse. Always make sure to use pure essential oil as an acne treatment. Diluted oil will contain carrier oils that can clog pores.

• Tea tree oil is the most popular essential oil for treating acne. The oil is an extremely strong antiseptic that helps clear and prevent infection. In fact, the oil is renowned for fighting off bacteria, fungus and virus, which are the three types of possible infection sources.

• Lavender oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it useful as an acne treatment. It helps enhance blood circulation to clear infections quickly and has a soothing effect on inflamed skin.

• Chamomile oil is soothing to irritated skin. It has antiseptic properties, anti-inflammatory properties and helps relieve itching caused by severe acne. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

• Myrrh oil is an antiseptic and antimicrobial oil. It promotes circulation and the generation of new cells. This makes the oil useful for clearing up acne and for helping heal acne scars.

• Sandalwood oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a mild astringent and general disinfectant. It helps sooth irritated skin and can slowly fade acne scars.

Essential Oil Application
If you want to use essential oils to treat acne, make sure to buy a bag of cotton balls. You should use the essential oil once or twice a day, depending on the severity of your acne. Apply a drop of the oil to a cotton ball. Gently dab the cotton against any acne on your clean face, keeping the oil away from your eyes. Apply more oil if needed. Let the oil dry before applying any moisturizer or makeup.

If you have very sensitive skin, you may need to dilute the essential oils some before using them to treat acne. To dilute an essential oil, mix it with equal parts jojoba oil. Jojoba oil does not clog pores and is similar to the natural oil produced by your skin. Other oils will clog pores and make acne much worse.