Waking up with acne staring back at you from your mirror can be rather frustrating and upsetting! Yes, this is so true since acne often forms in extremely visible places including the face, neck and the chest. Acne isn’t just unpleasant, but it can also be very uncomfortable and even painful. This is so when the skin becomes inflamed, it can cause redness, soreness, itching and swollen.
There are many treatments on the market that claim to help you solve this issue. But what do you do when all your efforts are exhausted and nothing seems to work? Have you ever thought that it could be those harsh chemicals from the creams that you can’t tolerate and even worst, these chemicals might have caused those adverse effects on you? Over-the-counter prescriptions or skincare products for acne treatments may sometimes cause irritation or inflammation especially if you have sensitive skin.
WHAT IS ACNE
Acne is a skin condition that impacts many people around the world. It is also one of the most common skin concerns that requires special care and attention and mainly the leading cause for visits to dermatologists every year. Although most cases develop in adolescence, it can frequently continue into adulthood. Sad to say that acne can affect any age group, and those with post-adolescent acne are increasingly being referred for dermatological care.
There are also different types of acne. The most common types include whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules. These common types normally affect only the topmost layer of skin around the follicle, some may be quite deep, example the cystic acne. Acne vulgaris is the medical name for the common acne. It is with the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on the skin. The most common spots for breakouts are the face, chest, shoulders and back.
WHAT CAUSES ACNE?
In order to understand how to treat acne you need to understand the causes. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, common beliefs that stress and unhygienic skin causes acne aren’t true. While the exact causes of acne haven’t been identified, it’s been determined that certain things or habits can trigger acne or make it worse, such as:
🍁 Hormonal changes due to puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycle and menopause
🍁 Squeezing or pricking at existing pimples
🍁 Cosmetics, such oil-based products, sunscreen, and hair products
🍁 Lack of sleep – sleep deprivation is one of the main causes that triggers acne as this can increase hormonal levels called cortisol which increases stress level and therefore can negatively impact your immune system’s fighting power, which will lead to increased skin problems.
🍁 Medications, such as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. Some health conditions may also cause acne or acne-like skin breakout
Acne is caused when there is a disruption with how the skin is supposed to work. Beneath the skin, there are glands that make an oily substance known as sebum. These sebaceous glands are connected to the surface of the skin through the follicles, which also house a single tiny hair that grows out to the skin’s surface. The sebum is supposed to trap dead skin cells and carry them to the surface of the skin for disposal. However due to changes in hormone production inside the body, this will affect how much oil the sebaceous glands produce. Therefore, if there is an increased in the oil produced, the follicle itself will be trapped and blocked with oil. This blockage causes inflammation and will lead to infection and outbreak which is called acne.
HOW TO PREVENT OR REDUCE ACNE NATURALLY?
Dermatologists always say wash your face frequently if you have oily skin or skin which is prone to acne or breakouts. Maintaining skin hygiene is key here and we would suggest washing your face twice a day is good enough but more if you have been sweating or after a workout. The skincare that you use be sure that they will not clog pores, oil free, non-acnegenic/comedogenic.
Do not rub face harshly and if you do have an existing pimple, do refrain from squeezing, pricking or popping it. Pimples are stubborn. You may be thinking this could be the fastest way to cure it, but unfortunately you are only making it worse. Once you prick it, the pimple will not only take a longer time to heal and even it does, a scar or mark will be left behind.
Some people believe that food such as spicy food, dark chocolates, food containing high sugar content or sweets and excessive use of milk products may worsen acne. We feel that this will depend on individual’s food intolerance and reaction.
Concisely, we were taught from young that drinking lots of water and adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet is good for your skin. You are what you eat, this old cliche still stay when it comes to your skin and health. Doctors have also concluded that nutrition plays an important role in skin health, and that vitamins for acne should not be overlooked such as Vitamin C, B, Zinc, Fish Oil and the list goes on.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL OILS THAT ARE GOOD FOR TREATING OR REDUCING ACNE?
DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK FOR ACNE?
The answer is yes! And it all depends on the essential oil in question. Keen to find out which essential oils could work on acne-prone skin? Below, we’re sharing the most top essential oils for acne.
Essential oils are plant chemicals extracted with steam from different parts of the plant. Plant extracts have a long history in traditional medicine and today they are also studied in modern medicine for their benefits. Essential oils which carry the benefits of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic are highly recommended for treating acne and these essential oils are not only safe to use but also you will see positive results.
We all know that essential oils are natural and medicinal oils and applying a topical bacteria-killing agent, like the ones found in essential oils to the skin’s surface is one of the best ways to treat acne.
TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
One of the most talked about essential oils for treating acne is tea tree oil—also known as melaleuca oil. As a common knowledge, over-the-counter acne treatments formulated with tea tree oil are a common choice for acne treatment. So, why is this essential oil so popular? Tea tree oil is proven useful for killing bacteria and fungi and has been shown to reduce acne. Tea Tree essential oil has incredible cleansing properties that make it a popular choice for skin care products. This oil is great for all skin types but is especially suited for use on oily skin. It consists of antimicrobial and antibacterial compounds that help prevent microbial growth and can effectively destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce the level of acne breakouts.
This essential oil is perfectly fine for topical application as it is non-carcinogenic and can, therefore, be used as frequently as needed. Apart from treating inflammation, calming and soothing the skin, this process of disinfection helps dry out whiteheads, blackheads and pimples, therefore allowing the skin to return to normal. Its immune stimulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic compounds are known to prevent infection, reduce redness, irritation and swelling. This oil is also effective in breaking up oil accumulation, dirt or debris which are clogging the pores. In addition to helping to treat acne, Tea Tree oil is also known to have preventative effects on future acne outbreaks.
LEMONGRASS ESSENTIAL OIL
Lemongrass oil exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties due to the presence of their unique constituents – citral and geranial which is very effective in fighting against acne-causing bacteria, thus preventing formation of acne, destroying bacteria and fungi as well as stopping the spread of such microorganisms.
Lemongrass’s strong astringent power helps to cleanse the skin pores thoroughly and controls the production of sebum. Lemongrass oil can also be used to eliminate blackheads, remove dead cells and smoothen the uneven texture of the skin. It helps fight free radicals, clear up acne breakouts, unclog pores and cleanse trapped oil and impurities. Its antiseptic property helps to fight bacterial infection responsible for causing acne and breakout. Regular application of Lemongrass oil helps to inhibit further growth of bacteria, thus reducing acne. Washing your face in lukewarm water with a lemongrass-based cleanser daily will instantly clear dirty pores, remove acne-triggering bacteria and pimples, leaving behind a radiant and blemish-free beautiful looking face.
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LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
According to the National Institute of Health, stress factor, insomnia and diet could be the main factor in the development of acne breakouts. This is where the multipurpose Lavender essential oil is so much needed. Testing has shown that Lavender could help improve skin conditions as it promotes healthy cell turnover with its anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from reputed as a sedative, stress reducer and anti-depressant, Lavender can be helpful for alleviating the look of scars and suitable for use on Eczema, Psoriasis and blemish-prone skin.
Lavender oil has antibacterial properties that helps to kill acne-inducing bacteria and clogged pores. By unclogging pores and reducing inflammation, Lavender prevents acne from developing while treating existing blemishes. Suitable for all skin types, Lavender essential oil makes for an excellent solution to fading acne scars and blemishes, thanks to its regenerative effect on the skin.
Lavender oil works magically in relieving pain and soothing your inflamed skin. In addition to stimulating cell renewal, this essential oil can also boost anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help reduce redness and prevent acne-causing compound from causing future breakouts. Known for its calming scent and linalyl acetate contents, Lavender can soothe irritated skin, sunburns, rashes and other pain and inflammations of the skin. This oil also contains linalool, which relaxes inflamed skin and deters bacteria growth through its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
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ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL
Rosemary Essential Oil being a member of the mint family, is stimulating, reviving and refreshing to the skin. As an energizing herbal scent, it is also great to use as cleansing agent and adding this to your facial cleansing routine will leave your skin feeling fresh and bright. Topical application of Rosemary Oil helps decongest acne and oily skin types while its antimicrobial benefits can help to prevent future breakouts. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties, together with its ability to reduce redness and swell, making it a popular remedy for painful, cystic acne.
Rosemary Oil is extensively used in skin care products, especially for acne and oily skin conditions as this super oil hydrates skin, which helps to control oil production. It also provides antiseptic and antibacterial surface for the skin, by keeping acne at bay and is also valuable to skin conditions such as eczema. Perfect to use for oily complexions, as this oil will regulate sebum production in the skin, which at the same time prevents clogging of pores, break-outs, inflammation and infection.
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GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL
Grapefruit is an astringent, a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil. It is high in natural Vitamin C and has an intense, energizing, and uplifting citrusy scent. This makes it an excellent oil for acne and blemish-prone skin. It is especially good for those who are experiencing blemishes, oily and aging skin. Grapefruit essential oil is a good cleanser for the skin and with its toning effect which will help dissolve debris and sebum in the pores. Apart from fighting bacteria and greasiness that causes acne blemishes, this oil is also useful for maintaining skin’s immunity against air pollution and UV light damage.
Credit to its antioxidant-rich composition, Grapefruit oil not only helps promote a cleaner and brighter complexion but plays a significant role in lightening discoloration, clearing acne breakouts and cellulite.
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HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ACNE
Because essential oils are concentrated plant chemicals, they can cause allergic reaction, therefore, you should never put them directly onto your face undiluted. Just a few drops can have incredible benefits. Do read the instructions carefully before applying any essential oil to your skin as you might need to dilute it with a “carrier oil,” which is usually an unscented, mild plant oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. You could also dilute it with your lotion or cream. You may try it as a spot treatment by placing a drop on the end of a cotton swab and dabbing lightly onto your blemishes. This can be quite effective but it can also dry the skin so it is important to follow up with a moisturizer.
Another safe and common method of using essential oil on acne skin is to include a mild toner such as tea tree hydrosol or witch hazel hydrosol, to be applied gently before an oil treatment. This will enhance the efficacy of the oil by allowing more effective absorption and at the same time helps to cleanse and freshen up the skin.
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