Natural Remedies

10 Magical Essential Oils for Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a long-term, skin inflammatory condition which results in causing pimples and spots, mainly on the face, back, shoulders, neck, upper arms, and chest. Whiteheads, cysts, nodules, blackheads, and pimples are all types of acne. Around 50 million people suffer from acne in the United States. It is usually a problem at the time of puberty when the body undergoes hormonal imbalances and changes. It is not dangerous; however, it leaves scars. Acne can be persistent and seems to go away very slowly. Indulge in the aromatherapy of essential oils for acne for soothing relief.

Causes of Acne:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Certain medications
  • Accumulation of dead skin cells
  • Excessive oil production
  • Clogging of pores
  • Exposure to dirt and pollution
  • Substance abuse
  • Menstruation
  • Greasy cosmetics
  • Emotional stress
  • Drugs
  • Hormonal changes
  • Poor nutrition

Symptoms of Acne:

  • Whiteheads
  • Small, red, tender bumps
  • Pimples
  • Blackheads
  • Large, solid, painful bumps
  • Painful, pus-filled lumps

Type of Acne:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Pimples
  • Nodules
  • Cystic acne
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Hormonal acne

[Also Read: Natural Treatments to Treat Acne]

Essential Oils for Acne:

Essential oils provide cures and treatments for a lot of problems by treating them naturally without medication or with a little help of drugs. Complimentary remedies of essential oil usually enhance the effect of the drugs. Essential oils get extracted from plants which have a long history in acting as a fold medicine for almost all ailments.

Acne is treated amazingly and instantly with essential oils. However, choosing the right essential oil for acne is vital. The primary cause of growing acne is bacteria, and essential oils make your skin free from all the bacteria residing on your skin surface and body.

What are essential oils good for acne?

  • Tea tree oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Argan oil
  • Castor oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Clary sage essential oil
  • Juniper berry essential oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Peppermint oil

Ways to use Essential Oils for Acne:

1. How to cure acne with tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil act as a natural remedy for getting rid of consistent acne. The oil has antibacterial properties that make a great alternative to synthetic chemicals and medications. It will not rip your skin off its natural oils. It is a useful tool to fight against acne as it makes your skin free of the inhibited bacteria, which is one of the most significant causes of acne(1).

[Also Read: Awesome ways of using Tea Tree oil for Acne]

How to use?

  • You can apply tea tree oil directly to your skin with a cotton pad, bud tissue or directly with your fingertip
  • If you use any face packs, you can add a few drops of the oil into it and apply to your face

2. How to get rid of acne with coconut oil?

The main components of coconut oils are MCFAs (Medium- Chain Fatty Acids). They have great antimicrobial effects and kill disease-causing microorganisms. They efficiently kill fungi, viruses, and bacteria in the body. It is the best treatment for the acne caused by the bacteria housed on the skin and cystic acne.

It restores the pH level of your skin and treats acne as well. Acne scars also disappear with the regular use of this oil. It also helps treat back acne and body acne along with treating face acne.

[Also Read: Uses of Coconut Oil for Acne]

How to use?

  • Coconut oil is very mild. You can apply it to all the parts of the body like a moisturizer

3. How to use jojoba oil for acne?

Jojoba oil is one amongst the most effective essential oils for acne. It has a lot of vitamins and minerals which improve your skin condition. Along with antibacterial, it has antiviral, antiaging, wound-healing and moisturizing properties. It tackles acne and other skin concerns.

[Also Read: Jojoba Oil to Treat Acne]

How to use?

  • You can directly massage jojoba oil on your skin as it is mild
  • With circular motions, cleanse your skin every night with the oil
  • You can also add this oil in your moisturizer

4. Argan oil for acne

Argan oil contains sterolins which promote healthy metabolism of the skin cells and help retain the moisture of the skin(2). They regulate the sebum production. Argan oil reduces breakout and clogging of skin and its pores. It acts as an antioxidant due to its high content of Vitamin E which helps in purifying skin and removing acne and acne scars. Oily skin and acne go hand in hand. Oily skin gets more acne than any other skin type. Argan oil controls the volume of oil production on skin.

[Also Read: Natural treatment using Argon Oil]

How to use?

  • Argan oil is a great moisturizer
  • You can replace your night care creams with argan oil and apply it overnight

5. Castor oil for acne treatment

Castor oil removes dead skin cells from the skin along with unclogging the pores from dirt, bacteria and excess oil. It is rich in ricinoleic acid which helps fight the bacteria causing acne. It contains fatty acids which promote the growth of new and healthy skin tissues fighting hormonal acne.

[Also Read: Castor Oil for Acne ]

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How to use?

  • Add a tablespoon of castor oil in boiling water
  • Cover your face with a towel and bring it to a reasonable distance from the water
  • Let the steam reach your skin
  • It will help unclog pores and make your skin treat acne quickly

6. Grapeseed oil for treating acne

Grapeseed oil is an excellent antioxidant and is known to cause the skin glow. It treats acne very well due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The oil has Vitamin E and linoleic acid. It keeps the skin healthy and regenerates the dead skin cells. It even tones the skin and reduces blemishes. It has a lot of fatty acids which help fight off the bacteria that causes acne. Not only it treats acne and acne scars, but also helps prevent any future acne on the skin.

[Also Read: Grapeseed Oil to Get Rid of Acne]

How to use?

  • You can rub the oil on all the areas prone to acne
  • Use only a few drops and cover the entire face

[Also Read: Benefits of Fresh Grape Juice]

7. Clary sage essential oil for acne

Clary sage oil has a unique chemical called linalyl acetate which helps reduce inflammation and acne scarring. It regulates the production of oil on your skin along with preventing future acne and skin breakouts. It is a very unique and effective amongst the other essential oils for acne.

How to use?

  • For using the oil for face acne, make sure you dilute it well
  • Add a few drops of clary sage oil to carrier oil
  • Mix the ingredients well
  • Apply it on the areas prone to acne

8. Acne treatment by juniper berry essential oil

Juniper berry essential oil(3) has antimicrobial and antibacterial abilities. It treats skin infections and irritations very well. The oil detoxifies the skin and serves as an excellent remedy for the beautiful and clear skin.

How to use?

  • The oil is mild and gives best results when applied on the skin directly on the areas prone to acne or having acne or acne scars

9. Eucalyptus oil for acne problem

Eucalyptus oil has antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help make the skin free from the bacteria and impurities that cause acne. It helps in healing skin irritation and reducing blemishes on the surface.

How to use?

  • You can mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with apple cider vinegar
  • Apply to your skin for fast and effective results
  • You can also add a few drops of the oil in your night cream or moisturizer

[Also Read: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits]

10. Peppermint oil for curing acne

Peppermint oil is a fantastic cleanser and decongestant for your skin. It cools down the skin, reduces blemishes and the growth of bacteria on the surface. It removes dead skin cells from the surface and unclogs the pores which ultimately reduces acne and acne scars.

[Also Read: Amazing Ways to Use Peppermint Oil for Acne]

How to use?

  • Products having peppermint oil are readily available in the market
  • You can directly apply them to your skin
  • You can also use a few drops of the oil directly on your skin

Side Effects of Essential Oils for Acne:

Essential oils for acne are highly photosensitive and can cause burns and damage your skin severely if you expose your skin in sunlight after application. The oils can also cause irritation and itching on the surface depending on the skin type or on the majorly sensitive skin.

Risks of Using Essential Oils:

The direct application of the essential oils on the skin does not suit everybody and can exaggerate the acne on the surface. Overly sensitive skin is not able to adopt all the essential oils and may get highly itchy after use.

Precautions While Using Essential Oils for Acne:

Before using any essential oil on your skin and body, consult your doctor as he might be able to guide you better. Before applying an essential oil to your epidermis, take a patch test on the back of your hand as the oil might cause allergy and irritation to your body. The lid of the bottles of the oil must remain close.

Other Home Remedies/Natural Remedies for Acne:

  • Let go of junk food
  • Apply apple cider vinegar
  • Moisturize with aloe vera gel
  • Drink green tea and apply it to your skin
  • Include zinc and fish oil supplements in your diet
  • Exfoliate your skin with scrubs twice a week
  • Cut back a little on dairy
  • Work out daily

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Peppermint oil made my skin quite itchy. Why?

Peppermint oil has a cooling effect. Direct application of the oil on the skin might not be the right way to use it; especially on sensitive skin. Your doctor might be able to help you better. Make sure you consult with him before applying any oil on your skin.

2. Can essential oils treat acne permanently?

Acne is not a disease but a skin condition which may re-occur. However, regular use of essential oils for acne might reduce the risk of scars and acne to a great extent.

Essential oils are a house of natural remedies. Acne and acne scars can be treated entirely with the regular and accurate use of essential oils along with taking necessary precautions.

Enjoy a happy and acne-free skin with essential oils!