Top 5 Essential Oils for Acne
When shopping for the right acne solution, it can become daunting. What works best for your skin? How do you know it will help with your acne scars? The good news is that pharmaceutical drugs aren’t the only option! There are a number of alternative, natural solutions you can choose from. Your doctor might have prescribed you retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin or azelaic acid.2 Unfortunately, the side effects can sometimes outweigh the benefits of these drugs. What’s worse, one study found that after beginning treatment, patients had to wait 6-8 weeks before being reevaluated. This means that if you were experiencing side effects, or if the drug was not effective, you might have to wait 2 months before being reevaluated.
On the other hand essential oils, a class of CAMs, offer many advantages over prescription drugs. Beyond being cost-effective, treatment is usually easier, less toxic, and with little to no side effects.3 These oils are also hydrophobic, meaning “water-fearing”, and behave like any fat or oil. They don’t dissolve in water, so can easily be absorbed into your skin and to deeper tissues. Directly applying essential oils to the skin is generally safe (with some exclusions) and helps to carry special phytocompounds into hair follicles where they directly attack bacteria.2 One group of scientists performed a clinical study to test the effectiveness of certain essential oil mixtures. They recruited individuals who suffered from acne and divided them into two groups, one receiving traditional drug therapy and the other receiving alternative therapy via essential oils. The results were unbelievable! The essential oil mixture was “superior” to benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, which are commonly prescribed for acne.1
So what is acne exactly? You might already know that Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory condition within hair follicles. But did you know that bacteria play a KEY role too? The primary pathogen (or germ) is Cutibacterium acnes;1 although others can contribute.2 Acne is also triggered by hormone fluctuations.1 This is why birth control is sometimes prescribed for acne, because it can directly manipulate our hormone levels.
“Any effective acne treatment solution should be antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.”
Many essential oils naturally contain these properties.2 But how do these properties help to fight acne? Because these oils easily absorb into our skin, they can target bacteria by directly damaging their cell walls and membranes. Essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties can minimize clogged sebaceous glands. These glands are small sacs that hang like grapes off each hair follicle and produce sebum to condition our skin.1 These are just a few ways in which essential oils fight acne. Compared to traditional drug therapy, they are much more cost effective, and don’t require an assessment by a dermatologist. Not sure which ones to buy, or don’t have the time to research? That’s ok! I did your homework for you! Below I listed the top 5 essentials for treating and preventing acne, and reducing scars. Every oil listed below is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory while some are also antiseptic. Word of warning: oregano and thyme essential oils are especially potent and must be diluted. Mix with a non-essential oil (“fixed” oil) to apply safely. I use rosehip oil which is great for your skin). Order your bottle of rosehip oil today!
THYME:
Native to the Mediterranean region,2 thyme essential oil is used traditionally for cosmetics, medicinal remedies, and food preparation. Thyme is a well-known antiseptic, meaning it prevents infection and kills a range of microbes.1 In addition, this essential oil serves as an antibacterial against many disease causing bacteria (aka “pathogens”); even Cutibacterium acnes which commonly causes acne. In fact, thyme essential oil is such a strong antibacterial against this bacteria, it’s rated as one of the top 3 essential oils to fight acne.2 Buy yours here and discover the benefits thyme oil has to offer!
WARNING: Thyme is a very strong essential oil, known to burn your skin if not diluted (trust me on this one). I mix just 3 drops with 3.5 mL of rosehip oil (also great for skin). Always test on a small patch of skin first.
TEA TREE OIL:
Traditional uses of tea tree oil range from oral hygiene, wound cleaning and treatment, and even disinfectants. While it is one of the strongest antiseptics out there,2 tea tree oil (TTO) is said to be only moderately antibacterial against Cutibacterium acnes. Even still, it is found to be more effective than benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin cream in reducing both acne scars and severity.1 Further, TTO has a low impact on antimicrobial resistance compared to prescribed antibiotics; so long term use of this oil is possible without risking resistance. One study found that a simple mixture of 3% TTO, 10% Aloe vera, and 20% propolis (a product made by bees) renders a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory “cream”.2 With its ability to treat bacterial infections, reduce inflammation,1 and promote wound healing,2 it’s no wonder tea tree oil has so many uses today. You can’t go wrong buying a bottle. Order yours now!
ROSEMARY:
Rosemary is another great option. This essential oil contains a key ingredient called rosmarinic acid, and is what makes this oil anti-wrinkle, antimicrobial, antioxidant and even anti-cancer (to certain types). Generally recognized as safe by the FDA,4 rosemary essential oil can be used for acne therapy; specifically in targeting Cutibacterium acne.1 In fact, even a diluted oil-in-water mixture of rosemary essential oil, is an effective antibacterial against many drug-resistant bacteria. Did you know that some bacteria can’t survive in the presence of oxygen? These are called anaerobic bacteria. Rosemary is known to target both anaerobic and aerobic types (those that need oxygen to survive), making this oil effective against a very broad range of bacteria and accompanying infections. Further, its anti-inflammatory activity helps accelerate wound closure, thus aiding in wound healing.4 So add this essential oil to your morning routine, and buy some today! Your skin will LOVE you!
OREGANO:
Extracted from the plant leaves and flowers, oregano essential oil (OEO) is used to treat many diseases and even painful menstruation.2 OEO is considered to be potent against many pathogens and especially antibacterial against C. acne. But it doesn’t stop there! OEO also has anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-aging properties; and improves skin healing. For these and many other reasons, oregano essential oil is dubbed “anti-acne”, and in general a great addition to your skincare routine.2 Discover the many benefits of oregano essential oil and buy one now!
WARNING: Like thyme, oregano is a very strong essential oil, and will burn your skin if you don’t dilute it. It is very potent, and very difficult to wash off if you accidentally put too much on your skin. Don’t make the same mistake I did! I mix 3 drops of oregano with 3.5 mL of rosehip oil. Always test on a small patch of skin first.
EUCALYPTUS:
Eucalyptus essential oil is known to be both immunostimulatory (“boosting” the immune system) and antimicrobial against many bacteria and even some viruses.1 One such bacteria is C. acnes. By directly targeting the sebum glands within our skin, eucalyptus essential oil reduces their size and sebum production, and in turn gives us healthy pores!2 Its anti-inflammatory properties further work to reduce acne scars.1 So how effective is this oil? How does it compare to prescription medications? One study showed that just a mere 2% solution of eucalyptus essential oil was more effective than 5% benzoyl peroxide (a first-line treatment for mild-moderate acne). Another study found that by combining it with honey, its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and skin protecting properties were multiplied!2 So boost your skin routine with this “wonder oil”. Order your bottle today!
While traditional drug therapies can be helpful, they don’t need to be the go-to “cure all” for our health. Many natural ingredients work well with our body, and even compliment our immune system! So reap the benefits of these natural healers and discover for yourself why they continue to be used today!
REFERENCES:
1. Bungau, A. F. et al. Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris. Molecules 28, 6395 (2023).
2. Nurzyńska-Wierdak, R., Pietrasik, D. & Walasek-Janusz, M. Essential Oils in the Treatment of Various Types of Acne—A Review. Plants 12, 90 (2022).
3. Mori, H.-M., Kawanami, H., Kawahata, H. & Aoki, M. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 16, 144 (2016).
4.Li Pomi, F. et al. Rosmarinus officinalis and Skin: Antioxidant Activity and Possible Therapeutical Role in Cutaneous Diseases. Antioxidants 12, 680 (2023).
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