Essential oils can be great allies in the fight against acne. Used full strength or diluted with a carrier oil, essential oils can be applied topically to relieve mild to moderate acne. When choosing an essential oil you must consider your skin type, the kind of acne you are dealing with, and whether or not the oil of your choice has to be diluted before use. Some essential oils should not be used full strength and it is important to follow the indications on the bottle. As a general rule, the more sensitive your skin, the more diluted your oils should be.
1) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent antibacterial treatment making it an excellent acne fighter as well as a general purpose wound cleaner. It helps soothe irritations, rashes and burns, control acne and dandruff, and treat warts and other fungal infections. The healing properties of this oil make it one of the best essential oils to have in your medicine cabinet. As an acne treatment, tea tree oil is fast acting and acts to clear up the skin while calming the effected area.
2) Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil has a revitalizing fragrance and it blends well with other oils making it an excellent addition to any acne treatment blend. Bergamot has antibacterial and drying properties making it an ideal spot treatment for existing blemishes. The citrus aroma has a calming effect on the mind and soul. Should not be used full strength except on the advice of a licensed homeopathic professional.
3) Clove Oil
Clove oil is a very potent essential oil that has burning and purifying properties. In its pure form it is very irritating and should be blended with a skin friendly carrier oil (like grapeseed oil) before being applied to the skin. Some devotees use it full strength as a spot treatment for stubborn acne, but this is not generally advised. When diluted, clove oil can be applied to the skin to treat emerging or existing breakouts. It is very strong and acts very quickly. Should not be used full strength except on the advice of a licensed homeopathic professional. 4) Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has well known antibacterial and soothing properties. It is excellent as a preventative acne treatment that effectively stops future breakouts while clearing the redness often associated with acne prone skin. Lavender oil is very strong and should be diluted prior to application on the skin. Should not be used full strength except on the advice of a licensed homeopathic professional.
5) Rosewood Oil
This highly aromatic essential oil is excellent for people with excessively oily skin. When applied topically it helps reduce sebum production thus limited breakouts associated with oily skin. Not recommended for those with very dry or sensitive skin. The strong drying properties of this oil make it an excellent spot treatment that can be applied throughout the day to effected areas.
