Essential Oils For Acne
Acne is one of the most common and irritating skin conditions. In fact, it affects more than 90% of Australian adolescents aged 16–18 years. Not only does it cause redness, swelling and other irritating effects on the face, acne can also have a detrimental effect on self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.
We all want to get rid of acne, but not at the cost of damaging the rest of our face. If you’re looking for a natural solution to treat your acne, essential oils may help you manage the complications of acne and other skin conditions.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects people of all ages. And while there are plenty of treatments which promise to banish acne, some of these can have a harsh or drying effect on the skin.
Essential oils are known to be a milder, natural solution to your skincare woes. Different essential oils may help treat different kinds of acne without the irritants of skincare and other added ingredients. Some benefits of using essential oils for acne include:
- Eliminates bacteria
- Dries out pimples
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Clears clogged pores
- Heals scars
- Soothes dry, cracked skin
Essential oils are easy to introduce to a daily routine and there are many essential oils that may help eliminate acne. These oils are outlined below:
Best Essential Oils For Acne
Every essential oil has versatile properties, meaning that the same essential oil may be used to combat acne in different ways. Below is a list of some of our favourite essential oils for acne:
Tea Tree Essential Oil
With an incredibly fresh, earthy and pleasantly clean aroma, Tea Tree Oil is highly valued for its powerful analgesic, anti fungal, antibacterial, decongestant, healing, diaphoretic, stimulating and deodorizing properties.
Tea Tree Oil is also commonly used in skincare. When diluted and applied topically it has been seen to help reduce symptoms of acne, burns, sunburn, insect bites, blisters, eczema, chickenpox, cold sores and athlete’s foot.
You can dilute your Tea Tree Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and a 0.5 - 1% dilution for facial application.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil naturally carries antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which work together to unclog pores and kill bacteria that can cause acne breakouts.
Lavender Essential Oil is also known to naturally tone the skin and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, redness and scarring.
You can dilute your Lavender Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum.
We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 – 2% dilution for facial application.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil is highly regarded in skincare, even being referred to as ‘liquid gold for the face’. Frankincense Oil is known to alleviate blemishes, wrinkles, stretchmarks, scars and minor wounds.
The properties within Frankincense Oil also help balance oil production for dry, oily, and maturing skin. Frankincense Oil naturally carries antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a common ingredient in many formulas that are designed to treat acne.
You can dilute your Frankincense Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Rosemary Essential Oil
The powerful antimicrobial, anti-oxidizing and antiseptic properties of Rosemary Essential Oil makes it a fantastic oil for the skin. It is known to be an effective treatment for acne, oily prone skin, eczema and inflammation.
This makes it no surprise that Rosemary Oil is also commonly used in natural face cleansers, toners and skin serums.
With so many Rosemary plants, some of the best Rosemary Essential Oils are Rosemary Essential Oil (Moroccan), Rosemary Essential Oil (Spanish) and Rosemary Essential Oil French (Natural Blend).
You can dilute your Rosemary Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Lemon Essential Oil
The bacterial fighting agents found in Lemon Essential Oil are known to ease inflammation, including acne. The vitamin C content within Lemon Oil gently exfoliates dead skin cells that can become trapped in pores and cause breakouts.
The healing properties of Lemon Essential Oil also initiates skin rejuvenation and assists with acne scarring whilst minimizing pores which in turn, may reduce the likelihood of future breakouts.
You can dilute your Lemon Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 2 – 4% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Oil is one of the most popular essential oils. Because of its antiseptic and antibiotic properties, Peppermint Oil naturally cleanses the skin. Peppermint Essential Oil is also known to soothe irritation, inflammation and redness due to its natural ‘cooling’ effect.
When diluted and applied topically, Peppermint Oil dilates blood vessels which has a ‘cooling’ and ‘analgesic’ (pain relieving) effect. For this reason, Peppermint Oil is known to ease breakouts, sunburn and other skin complaints.
You can dilute your Peppermint Essential Oil in a carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it as a skin serum. We recommend a 1 – 2% dilution for skin application and a 1% dilution for facial application.
Some of the best Peppermint Essential Oils for the skin are Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Arvensis) and Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha Piperita).
Other Tips To Treat Acne
Apart from essential oils, some medications may help relieve acne. Talk to your GP or pharmacist for advice. You may be advised to try:
- Supplements
- Facial masks
- Exfoliates and moisturisers
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet
- Stress management
- Regular exercise
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Acne
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Essential Oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your Essential Oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential Oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Acne’ section.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.