Black Seed, also known as black cumin seed, black caraway seed, is known since ages for its incredible medical properties. The seeds are obtained from the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to South and South East Asia. Black seed oil is often prescribed for several ailments, including acne. So, how good is black seed oil for acne? In this article, we are looking to answers to that question.
Acne is a skin ailment which is quite easily associated with symptoms like pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and the likes. Although it is known primarily to affect teenagers, it can affect people of all ages. According to one study, it affects 633 million people across the world. So, if you are worried about pimples, there are millions around the globe worried just like you!
Using Black Seed Oil for Acne – What Does the Research Say?
Black Seed oil has been used as a natural remedy for ages. The Persian physician, Avicenna, mentioned the use of black seed in his book. The use of black caraway, both in seed and oil form, is prescribed in several ancient medical treatises. A lot of physicians thought it to be the ‘miracle herb.’
Modern research has also backed that claim. A recent study has shown that seeds from Nigella sativa(1) have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is also indicated that it might have anti-cancer, analgesic, and bronchodilator properties.
Research has also been conducted to inquire into the efficacy of using black seed oil for acne. A group of scientists from the University of Dammam and Border University in Saudi Arabia has published a research paper in 2015, which showed the effects of using black seed oil for acne.
The paper had cited a clinical study which has shown that the use of black seed oil on a group of patients suffering from acne led to a 10% reduction of lesions. In that same study, 58% of the people in the test group have responded positively to the therapeutic use of black seed oil for acne. Only 7% have shown no response. This suggests that in most cases, using black caraway oil for acne can give significant benefits.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Acne]
Why Black Seed Oil for Acne Scars?
Acne scars look hideous, and they can easily ruin the way we look and destroy our confidence. Thankfully, you can use black seed oil for acne scars(2) and get positive results within a surprisingly quick time frame.
So, how does it work? Well, black seed oil contains thymoquinone. This compound has anti-inflammatory properties, and that helps in reducing the scars that result from acne. Certain studies suggest that topical usage of black seed oil for acne scars can reduce them by around 40%.
Thymoquinone also has anti-oxidative properties. This helps in removing dead cells from your skin pores. Since acne is caused by clogging of skin pores with these dead skin cells, the use of black seed oil can help in de-clogging the pores. This effectively reduces your acne.
The black seed oil also helps in tightening the skin, and that also reduces the appearance of the scars. All these make using black seed oil for acne a good option, especially when it comes to treating the hideous acne scars.
[Read: Foods That Causes Acne]
How to Use Black Seed Oil for Acne?
Now that we know that it is quite beneficial to use black seed oil for acne let us take a look at how you can use this for treatment.
Well, there are several ways in which you can use this amazing oil for treating your acne.
[Also Read : 10 Magical Essential Oils for Acne]
Some of the Most Effective Methods Are Given Below:
Using It as a Face Pack
To prepare a face pack, mix half a cup of black seed oil with half a cup of sunflower oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You need to apply it on your face and leave it on for two hours. After that, wash it off with lukewarm water.
Using It with Your Moisturizer
You can also use black seed oil for acne by mixing it with your moisturizer. Just add two drops of black seed oil to your moisturizer and apply it regularly.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil]
FAQs
1. How Long Would It Take to Have an Effect?
Research has shown that when you use black seed oil for acne, you would be able to see significant changes within two months. However, if you don’t see any significant changes within that time, you should consult your doctor.
2. Are There Any Side Effects of Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is free from any harmful side effects. Ingesting black seed oil can cause specific stomach issues. In some people, it might also cause skin rashes. So, you should test on a small patch of your skin to check for any such reactions.
3. How Often Should You Use Black Seed Oil?
You should try to use black seed oil every day. If that is not possible, you should at least use it three times a week.
As we have seen, using black seed oil for acne is a good option for people looking a natural remedy. It’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-bacterial properties make it highly effective for treating acne. Although it is free from any side effects, we would recommend that you consult your doctor if you have any allergies, so that you stay safe from any risks. If you use it the right way, then you would have some significant positive results. Take care of your skin and fight acne with the fantastic benefits of black seed oil.
