Essential Oils for Acne

There are many commercial products for acne control, which have essential oils, as their ingredients. However, during the manufacture of these products, the medicinal properties of the essential oils are lost. Topical application of essential oils, is one of the best acne treatments.

#1 - Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which kills bacteria and is also used for cleaning wounds. Not only does tea tree oil quickly clears up acne, but it also helps soothe the skin.

Do not use undiluted tea tree oil on the skin, as it might lead to itching and drying of the skin. For topical application, mix 2 drops of pure tea tree oil, with 30 ml of aloe vera or 10 drops of jojoba oil.

#2 - Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil has many medicinal properties. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing. Lavender oil also has a pleasant scent. Lavender oil helps to cure the red itchiness experienced during acne.

It helps to clear and prevent acne. It also reduces acne scars. Never use lavender oil directly on the skin. Make a solution of 2 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of jojoba oil, for topical application.

#3 - Oregano Oil
This oil is one of the most potent oil and kills the bacteria responsible for acne. Oregano oil contains carvacrol and volatile antimicrobials thymol. It also contains many antioxidants and vitamins.

Oregano greatly helps to disinfect skin. However, this oil is potent, so mix 2 drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of jojoba oil and apply it topically on acne prone areas.

Rosehip Oil
This oil is great for treating acne scars or other scars. It has been tested and studies show that it is quite effective for treating scars. This essential oil is made using seeds from the fruit part of the rose plant.

It is rich in vitamin A, omega 3, omega 6, lycopene, and beta-carotene. This oil helps to moisturize and heal skin. Rosehip oil can be used directly on the skin, however, make sure you do the allergy test first. If you want you can dilute it by adding a carrier oil to it.

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an excellent antioxidant. Pure jojoba oil, can be massaged directly on the skin. It helps to unclog the pores, and eliminates dirt from the skin. Along with removal of acne, jojoba oil also moisturizes the skin. Therefore it is one of the best essential oils for acne, for people with dry skin. Also, it makes a great carrier oil with other essential oils.

Allergy Test: Take the oil mix and dab it a bit on your abdomen. Wait for few hours to see if you are allergic to it. In case, you find that you are allergic to it or feel that it is burning your skin then apply more carrier oil to that area to reduce the effect of the essential oil. However, if you don't find any side effect then that oil mix is safe for use.

Diluting the Oil: For using essential oils to treat acne prone skin, mix 20 drops of any one of the prior-mentioned top 3 essential oils with 40 ml of jojoba oil. Store this solution in an amber colored bottle, which will help shield it from the effects of light.

Shake the bottle well, and with the help of a cotton swab, dab on the acne affected area. Do not rub the solution and avoid using the solution around the eyes and lips.

Along with essential oils, try to eat right, get some exercise, keep your skin clean, and body well-hydrated. This will help you cure acne and also prevent the occurrence of acne. If you are still unable to get rid of acne after using the above oils, consult a skin specialist.