How Essential Oils Put A Stop To The Acne Cycle

For everyone, pimples start to break out during puberty, however for many, pimples become acne and don’t stop even as they become adults. If you have tried every type of conventional acne treatment out there and were left unsatisfied with the results, your search for the right acne treatment is over. Essential oils can finally put a stop to your vicious acne.

Acne And The Types Of Acne

Acne is a skin condition where the pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria causing inflammation. Apart from these causes, stress, hormonal imbalances, and sleep deprivation may cause or aggravate acne. For many, clogged pores result in pimples, but too many pimples appear at once, it may be considered acne.

There are different types of acne, each one is caused by different factors as well as appear different. The most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris, which may appear on your face, shoulders, back, and butt. Acne vulgaris has different types as well:

• Cystic Acne – this is the most severe type, with intense large inflammation that look like cysts. They also often leave large blemishes.
• Comedonal Acne – with this type of acne, you may have blackheads, milia, and a bumpy skin instead of pimples. Comedonal acne may appear on the face and on the body.
• Nodular Acne – this is another severe type of acne vulgaris. Nodular acne has large, hard pimples called nodules. These may leave deep blemishes after.

There are other types of acne, which are less common, but should be given attention, nevertheless.

• Acne Rosacea – this type of acne commonly affects adults aged 30 and above. Signs of acne rosacea include redness, appearance of blood vessels on the nose and cheeks, as well as bumpiness and pimples.
• Acne Cosmetica – this type of acne is caused by cosmetics—make-up, creams, moisturizers, etc.—that clog up the pores and cause comedonal acne.
• Excoriated Acne – people who habitually or chronically pick at their skin, even the tiniest pimples or blemishes, may cause breakouts where there is none or irritate existing pimples and cause wounds.
• Acne Mechanica – this type of acne is caused by too much heat, pressure, or friction on the skin often caused by prolonged use of helmets, sweatbands in sports, as well as face or surgical masks.

It’s important to know the type of acne you are battling so you can find the right treatment for your skin.

Best Essential Oils For Acne

Essential oils have been used by ancient civilizations for a wide variety of uses, including taking care of the skin. Since bacteria is caused by a combination of excessive oil production, clogged pores, along with bacteria, it’s important to tackle all of these to treat and prevent acne. Many essential oils have strong anti-bacterial properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, which are both useful in fighting acne. What are these essential oils?

• Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in skincare products. You may have seen it in some products you have used in the past. This is because tea tree oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties also work great for reducing the size of acne and getting rid of blackheads. The effect of tea tree oil on acne has been widely studied and proven.

• Clary Sage

Clary sage has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in keeping acne at bay. This study found that clary sage has potential to break down P. acnes or the bacteria that primarily causes acne. This essential oil has also been found to help unclog pores and reduce oil production.  In addition to these benefits, the scent of clary sage has a relaxing effect, which could help manage stress and anxiety, which are often contributors to acne.

• Lavender

Lavender has not been proven as an effective anti-acne essential oil, but its anti-inflammatory effects is useful in reducing inflammation in the skin, with can help particularly for acne rosacea. This essential oil also has the ability to help regulate sebum production when combined with tea tree oil. Furthermore, lavender essential oil is great for relaxation and promoting restful sleep. So, if you suspect that stress or sleep deprivation is causing your breakouts, you may want to diffuse lavender essential oil.

• Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil has been proven to be effective at damaging acne-causing bacteria. Thus, rosemary is a great addition to your anti-acne treatment. It can help prevent further breakouts by preventing the acne-causing bacteria from interacting with sebum and dirt causing inflammation.

• Bergamot

Bergamot not only has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, but it can also help lighten the appearance of blemishes. This essential oil has been found to be quite effective against acne vulgaris as it also helps reduce the production of sebum.

How To Use Essential Oils For Acne

Whatever type of acne you are struggling with, it’s vital to have a skincare routine that targets the causes of your skin problems. Start building your anti-acne skincare routine here.

Your first line of defense against acne is a clean face. Wash your face regularly in the morning, at night, and after exercise or any physical activity. The acne facial wash contains essential oils that will keep your face clean, as well as help regulate sebum production. If your problem, however, is clogged pores, the pore cleansing facial wash is a good alternative.

Remove dead skin cells that may further clog your pores and facilitate skin renewal by exfoliating your skin once or twice a week. But be careful—use only a gentle scrub or exfoliator to avoid micro abrasions in your skin.

Moisturize your skin while you fight acne. Moisturizing your skin day and night further adds a barrier for your skin. The Acne Day Serum and Acne Night Serum will moisturize your skin without clogging up your pores.

Zap pimples as they appear with an acne treatment oil. Use this as a spot treatment to reduce the appearance of acne.

Finally, take care of your overall health. Manage stress and sleep better with the help of aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil is a good place to start your aromatherapy journey if you haven’t already. And trying new things, like essential oil rollers, is also a fun idea to change-up your skin care and add enjoyment.