Essential oils can help support acne, this common disorder of the skin. Mild acne is characterized by pimples as well as blackheads, usually found on the face, back and neck. More severe cases are extremely painful. Extreme cases of acne can cause enlarged pores and scarred skin.
Generally, acne is caused by a natural overproduction of sebum, which helps to protect the skin. Women using birth control pills can even develop acne due to an imbalance of essential oils for acne hormones. Alcohol and cigarettes also affect the skin as well as blood impurities that stem from a poor or unbalanced diet. Always clean skin meticulously, but do not scrub as acne skin is very sensitive.
Important factors to include when managing acne is to also eat a well-balanced diet, avoid fatty foods and get plenty of exercise, especially in the out-of-doors. Certain pure essential oils for acne can be applied neat to individual marks – such as lavender essential oil. This must be done with great care, since neat oils can cause an allergic reaction. Apply very sparingly at night after cleaning, using a cotton ball, and continue nightly until the mark/spot has completely disappeared.
Essential Oils for Acne
DIY aids using essential oils for acne can be made. Use of these blends can help promote healing, reduce skin inflammation and begin correcting the imbalance of sebum production which leads to clogged pores.*
Start a 14 day routine using pure soap only and rinse the face and neck at least 25 times with warm running, tap water. In the final rinse water, put 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar. Then gently pat the skin dry. Do not wear any makeup for two weeks.
Apply the following oil blend in the morning diluted in 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil:
17 drops chamomile essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil
10 drops palmarosa essential oil
5 drops yarrow essential oil
20 drops carrot seed essential oil
Let the oils soak into the skin for five minutes. Dab off excess with tissue.
Another beneficial acne facial oil can be made by using 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil and adding:
4 drops cedarwood essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops lemongrass essential oil
The inclusion of the essential oils listed above must NOT EXCEED 2% essential oil to carrier oil. Some skin may not react well but many people have reported very good results using these essential oils for acne.
*Reference Worwood, Valerie Ann, “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy” New World Library, 1991. Pgs 129-132.
See our references at the bottom of this page for additional information.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.