Acne is a skin disorder common among teenagers. Dermatologists (skin doctors) report that nearly 100 percent of all adolescents have at least mild cases of acne at some time in their life. Acne may also occur later in life, affecting adults. While it is not a life-threatening condition, acne is often unsightly and embarrassing to a person with the condition. In the worst cases, acne can cause permanent scarring of the skin. Acne and similar skin disorders can be treated by aromatherapy with essential oils to provide a natural and safe treatment for the condition.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy acne treatment
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that has been in use for thousands of years. Drawings on pyramids that date to the second millennium B.C.E. show healers using techniques that are familiar to modern aromatherapists. Practitioners of aromatherapy use essential oils to treat a wide variety of physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Essential oils are naturally occurring organic compounds obtained from the flowers, stems, leaves, roots, and other parts of a plant. The oils are extracted from plant material by heating it in steam. At least a hundred essential oils are known and used in aromatherapy, each of which has properties that make it suitable for treating a specific condition.
Aromatherapy Treatment for Acne:
Aromatherapy has had a reputation as a Natural treatment for acne for many years. Of the aromatherapy oils, tea tree is probably the best-known as an acne remedy, though other oils such as lavender have been anecdotally reported effective. The advantantage with using essential oils such as tea tree for treatment is that these oils are a natural organic cosmetic. Thus, there are no side effects to this kind of treatment.
Lavender Oil
Lavender is well known for its antibacterial and soothing properties. It work wonders over your acnes and prevents possibilities of its recurrence. Lavender soothes out the inflammations and other types of skin blemishes irritation. Apply it over the affected area after diluting it with any other base oil. Lavender acts as an intoxicating agent for your acnes.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is very strong in nature and contains burning as well as purifying properties. If applied in its pure form then it may cause different types of skin irritation. So it is advisable to apply it after combining it with base oils. Clove oil work wonders in treating stubborn and deep rooted acnes.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil contains drying and antibacterial properties. It is an excellent ingredient in holistic treatment for taking care of acne scars and blemishes. But you should go for this essential oil only if prescribed by physician. Be very careful while applying this oil in case you are exposed to suntans for prolonged hours. This will make your skin all the more sensitive and will aggravate your problem rather than reducing it.
Essential oils for acne
Rosewood Oil
This essential oil is recommended only for those people who have oily skin texture. It is an excellent aromatic ingredient for treating acnes. Rosewood decreases the sebum production, prevents the future breakout of acnes and treats the existing ones successfully. However, people with sensitive and dry skin should never go for this essential oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is one of the most popular essential oils around and not without reason. The oil is antifungal, anti-bacterial and works like a dream to soothe inflammation.
How to use essential oils for acne?
To treat acne with aromatherapy, you can use the essential oils in multiple ways.
- Cleansing– Mix two drops of the essential oil with a base oil and massage it on your skin. Use a cotton ball to wipe it off to clear all the pores of the sebum and bacteria. You can even mix the essential oil with your face wash for better results.
- Massage – Mix two drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You can even mix it with any oil like olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil. Massage your skin with the mixture either before your bath or before turning in for the night for best results.
- Face Mask– You can even add a couple of drops of essential oil into your face mask to make it more effective. It will also help you relax better as you wait for the mask to dry.