Tens of millions of Russians suffer from acne. More accurate calculations by the Ministry of Health indicate the following figures: 70-90% of young people, both boys and girls, have skin problems called acne. And the age range for this disease has only increased in recent years.
What is the reason for such a large number of people with these problems?
Too frequent profiteering by unscrupulous manufacturers of miracle cures for acne. Most people buy drugs or chemicals from pharmacies (even with prescriptions) that only work as advertised, becoming the hit of the season, designed to rid you of acne with one wave of a magic wand. The fact is that most of these drugs contain dangerous chemicals that are full of side effects. Some of them, by the way, don't work at all.
That is why we recommend that you pay attention to natural, homemade acne remedies that have been used by mankind for centuries. These home remedies also include essential oils (of course, in their old sense, much lower efficiency), which unwind the “chain” of the disease and hit exactly at its cause, without, at the same time, having a destructive effect on the skin.
Just imagine, according to a global study, tea tree essential oil was up to 6 times more effective than a placebo group in treating mild to moderate acne. And tea tree essential oil is just one of the heroic four essential oils that are most effective in this regard, cleansing and nourishing your skin naturally, without side irritants. (of course, an allergy test is required!)
How and why to use essential oils to treat acne?
Regardless of age, most people are susceptible to spontaneous acne. Many also have to put up with the fact that the disease has become chronic. Painful manifestations in the form of inflammation can appear on the face, neck, back and even arms. If left untreated, it will lead to scarring and decreased self-esteem and self-confidence.
The main causes of acne are considered to be clogged pores, bacteria, excess sebum production and a large amount of “uncleaned” dead epidermis. Also, hormonal imbalance, poor diet, regular stress and certain medications (corticosteroids, androgens, contraceptives, medical lithium) are confidently placed on the list of suspects.
So why do so many people, especially teenagers, suffer from acne? Well, you can blame it on genetics, hormonal changes, stress, or environmental factors that irritate your skin. For example, regular rubbing against a part of sports equipment or, for example, a backpack strap, can cause skin irritation and acne on the chin, forehead, jaw line, neck, chest and back.
It should be remembered that strong chemicals and over-the-counter medications can increase the imbalance of skin secretions, “accelerating” the acne problem. Essential oils, being natural antonyms for the above-mentioned drugs, have the ability to cleanse the skin of bacteria naturally. For example, lavender essential oil softens and protects the skin from stress and irritation.
Of course, acne is not limited to teenagers; recent studies conducted in 2014 in Brazil showed that the total number of adult women suffering from acne has increased significantly over the past 10 years. The causes include regular stress, hormonal imbalance and lack of sleep (sleep deprivation).
Essential oils used to treat acne (such as lavender or clary sage) have the remarkable ability to reduce anxiety and stress, combat insomnia and overstimulation, and, very importantly, help balance hormones. Of course, we should not forget about the beneficial effects of these oils on the skin and other beneficial properties.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil has truly unique benefits for your skin due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The oil softens and nourishes the skin - treats acne, treats dry skin, reduces blackheads and scars caused by acne. Other benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to acne in adults. Also, the therapeutic properties of lavender essential oil include its ability to regulate the quality of sleep, which will inevitably have a positive effect on the color and health of the skin.
A study published in the Journal of the Thai Medical Association shows that lavender essential oil has a relaxing effect on those who inhale its vapors. Twenty volunteers took part in the study, which aimed to determine the effects of lavender essential oil on the central and autonomic nervous systems, as well as on the formation of emotional response. The study results showed that lavender essential oil had a significant lowering effect on blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature. Participants reported significant relaxation and a feeling of freshness after inhaling lavender essential oil vapors.
As we know, there is a scientifically proven connection between stress and the occurrence of acne, which explains sudden rashes in people exposed to stress and overstimulation. The cause of acne is the production of sebum cells (sebum, an oily substance that mixes with dead epidermal cells and forms a breeding ground for bacteria, clogging the hair follicles). Also, skin cells have receptors that respond to the level of stress hormones. Researchers believe that the increase in acne may be a consequence of high levels of sebum production during times of stress. Thus, we can see that lavender essential oil is a powerful tool in the fight against acne, thanks to its calming properties that help fight stress.
To dispel anxiety conditions that lead to increased sebum production, diffuse 5 drops of lavender essential oil indoors using a diffuser, or apply a drop to your wrists, back, neck or temples. Also, due to its antibacterial properties, lavender essential oil can be used as a direct remedy on affected areas
How to fight acne marks with essential oils
It is difficult to cure pimples, but eliminating the consequences after they disappear is much more difficult. And although there are many ways to deal with post-acne, try essential oils: natural remedies are always preferable.
For oily skin, during the first week of using aromacosmetics, the effect of imaginary deterioration is sometimes observed due to the intensive removal of sebum from the pores.
Which oils are best for post-acne?
Essential oils work well against scars and acne spots, activating cell division and also helping to even out the color and texture of the skin. The most popular and effective esters are:
- rosemary;
- lavender;
- tea tree;
- lemon;
- fir.
Rosemary oil stimulates skin regeneration, which allows marks and scars to disappear quickly and without problems
Of the base oils, the following have proven themselves to be the best:
- wheat germ oil - perfectly nourishes, tones and rejuvenates the skin (especially suitable for dry skin types);
- sea buckthorn - has a strong regenerating and nourishing effect, protects and moisturizes the skin, helps keep it smooth, clean and young;
- castor oil - softens, nourishes and moisturizes the skin, stimulates skin regeneration, which allows you to get rid of post-acne in the shortest possible time.
Recipes for spots and acne scars
Treating acne marks is a long process, so be patient. And beautiful and smooth skin will be your reward for your efforts.
Night cream for post-acne treatment
To prepare the product, add one drop of esters to 15 ml of base oil:
- rosemary;
- lemon;
- tea tree (or lavender).
Apply the resulting mixture to a clean, damp face before going to bed. Leave until morning. Use every other day for at least 2-3 weeks.
Remember to thoroughly cleanse your face before applying any mask
Massage mixture for eliminating scars
You will need the following aromatic oils:
- lavender - 5 drops;
- myrrh - 4 drops;
- rosewood - 2 drops;
- incense - 2 drops.
Add them to 30 ml of oil base:
- wheat germ - 20 ml;
- calendula - 10 ml.
Rub the resulting mixture with massage movements into the scar area.
Recipe for post-acne for dry skin and more - video
Clary sage.
An important constituent of clary sage essential oil, called linalyl acetate, reduces skin inflammation and acts as a natural remedy for acne and irritation. Also, this substance is actively involved in the regulation of sebum secretion, which is one of the causes of rashes. Clary sage essential oil also limits the growth of bacteria, dispels feelings of fear, overexcitement and stress, and supports hormonal balance.
As we already know, stress is not the last cause of acne in adult women, because... it is directly related to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. In 2004, a study was published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine Research showing. That inhaling clary sage essential oil vapor reduced cortisol levels by 36 percent compared to a control group. The researchers concluded that the oil had a significant statistical effect on reducing cortisol levels and also had an anti-depressant effect, improving mood and dispelling overexcitement.
A recent study published in the scientific journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology found that clary sage essential oil is an active natural antimicrobial agent. Experiments conducted on many drug-resistant strains of bacteria have shown that clary sage essential oil actively destroys these bacteria that cause acne and skin irritations.
To create a natural remedy to eliminate overexcitement and stress, diffuse 5 drops of clary sage essential oil in the air of the room using an aroma diffuser or aroma lamp. This use of the oil will also help with two other problems - obsessive anxiety and insomnia, also associated with acne. To eliminate bacteria that clog your pores and cause breakouts in the form of acne, apply 1-3 drops of oil to the affected areas using a cotton pad. You can also prepare a solution of these 3 drops in a tablespoon of Jojoba oil, and then massage the resulting mixture onto areas of the skin that require care.
Acne oils that regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands
Borage oil, evening primrose and black currant oils will help regulate the production of sebaceous secretions . Blackcurrant oil contains gamma-linoleic acid with anti-inflammatory properties, and in addition, it is an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into the androgen dihydrotestosterone. Under the influence of dihydrotestosterone, skin oiliness increases and acne forms. The same acid is contained in borage and evening primrose oils. Pomegranate oil , as a source of estrogen, affects receptors in the skin, thereby neutralizing the effect of androgens, which cause excessive oily skin. Pomegranate also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The dosage in products for oily skin is minimal: 1-5%.
Juniper berries.
Juniper berry essential oil has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, allowing it to remain in the pantheon of natural remedies for combating skin irritations and infections. The oil serves as a home remedy against acne and for general skin strengthening. Also, essential oil of juniper berries helps remove toxins and reduce stress levels, which leads to an improvement in the course of the disease.
A 2005 study published in Pharmaceutical Research and Technology shows that juniper berry essential oil has antibacterial effects, making it useful as a topical treatment for acne. The antimicrobial activity of the oil has been studied in direct interaction with acne vulgare. When used directly or diluted with a carrier oil, juniper berry essential oil has shown promising results in the fight against acne. The modification (mixture with base oil) did not in any way affect the quality of the essential oil. Some other studies show that juniper berry essential oils, due to their composition, are indeed suitable as a topical acne treatment. The substances “responsible” for such good results are alpha-pinene, p-cymene and beta-pinene.
Use juniper berry essential oil as an acne treatment by applying a cotton pad soaked in the essential oil to the affected areas. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the oil with a base oil such as jojoba or melted refined coconut oil.
Oils with linoleic acid
Let's figure out what's so remarkable about this acid. Linoleic acid is the familiar Omega-6, one of the essential fatty acids that is beneficial when taken orally and has a beneficial effect on the skin, helping to restore the lipid barrier. Oils containing linoleic acid are recommended for skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory activity. A lack of linoleic acid (which affects oily skin) leads to clogged pores and the formation of inflammation and acne. Fortunately, we can make up for this deficiency: it is often found in base oils. If you look at the list above, it turns out that we have already mentioned it more than once: when we talked about oils of black cumin, black currant, neem, borage, tamanu . You will find it in watermelon, cucumber, hemp, baobab, and avocado oil. Oily skin appreciates oils high in linoleic acid.
Possible side effects
All four oils are safe and effective. Don't forget that Moscow wasn't built all at once, so don't expect instant results from using them. But! Improvements will be noticeable to the naked eye within a week! If you have sensitive skin, dilute essential oils in a carrier carrier before applying topically. Also, avoid exposing treated areas to direct sunlight immediately after treatment. Some components included in the above oils may have mild phototoxicity, which can lead to sunburn. If any of the oils causes a personal reaction in the form of allergic irritation, do not use it, try changing to the least allergenic lavender.
Read more - cleaning the house with essential oils
Recipes for effective acne masks
Oatmeal and clay perfectly complement the effect of aromatic oils in masks.
Therapeutic oatmeal mask
Mix 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal with low-fat kefir until you get a paste. Add essential oils:
- tea tree - 3 drops;
- birch - 1 drop;
- lavender - 1 drop.
This mixture is applied to a cleansed face and washed off after 15 minutes.
Antiseptic mask
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties. And clay will enhance the effect of the active components and act as a base.
Mode of application:
- 1 tbsp. l. dilute white clay with mineral water.
- Add 3 drops of tea tree aroma oil.
- Apply the mixture to your face.
- Wash off the mask after 20 minutes.
While the mask is in effect, it is best to lie down and relax to achieve the best results.
Drying kaolin mask
Dilute 1 tbsp. l. white clay with chamomile decoction (to the consistency of sour cream) and add one of the mixtures below.
Eucalyptus mixture:
- eucalyptus - 1 drop;
- thyme - 1 drop;
- rosemary - 1 drop.
Sage mixture:
- geranium - 1 drop;
- cloves - 1 drop;
- sage - 1 drop.
Apply the mask for 15 minutes. After this, rinse with warm water.
Contraindications
Not recommended:
- with high sensitivity to the active substance;
- children under 3 to 12 years old;
When pregnancy occurs, it is advised to strictly follow the instructions and adhere to the dosage regimen. Candles may cause:
- dizziness;
- heartburn;
- headache.
The lactation period is an extremely important period of time. The physiological development of the baby depends on this, and it is better to listen to the doctor’s advice, even in relation to such a safe drug as methyluracil.
Some tips for choosing oils
Features of choosing oils
You can find these products in any pharmacy, however, their quality often leaves much to be desired. In the absence of alternatives, you can choose pharmaceutical products, but it is better to find a way to purchase them from quality manufacturers. If there are no specialized stores in the city, you can turn to online resources for help. You can order oils online from leading manufacturers that have proven themselves all over the world. Skin care products can be expensive, but products to combat acne and skin problems tend to have low prices. You should not be embarrassed if the price from professional manufacturers turns out to be higher than that of pharmaceutical drugs. The choice should be made towards European and Western manufacturers.
