The use of essential oils for acne is a popular practice that is often more effective than modern pharmaceutical recommendations for this common condition.
The best essential oils for acne include the following:
Tea Tree Oil
Also known as melaleuca oil, it contains some of the most powerful antioxidants in the world, and is perhaps the most famous anti-acne essential oil on the market. With antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, applying even a few drops of this oil (diluted) on the skin can have remarkable results.
Lavender Oil
This oil is well known to speed the healing of the skin, particularly cracked skin from dryness. These areas are very susceptible to acne breakouts, but regular use of this oil for 1-2 weeks should be able to clear up most of the nodules and patches of irritation.
Clary Sage Oil
This readily accessible oil is antibacterial in nature, so applying 2-3 drops on a cotton ball to inflamed patches of acne can make a big difference. When the pores become clogged, they become ideal places for bacteria to accumulate and inflame the skin; this oil stops that from happening.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
With dozens of different antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, anecdotal evidence and modern research both indicate that juniper berry essential oil can be an excellent anti-acne topical remedy.
Rosemary Oil
The rosmarinic acid found in this essential oil is known to be anti-inflammatory in nature, and to speed the healing process. In the case of acne, you can simply add 5 drops of rosemary oil to a cotton ball and then gently dab it onto the painful patches of acne for quick improvement.
Oregano Oil
As an antiseptic and antibacterial oil, oregano oil is ideal for soothing the skin by treating the underlying infection. Once the immune system reduces the inflammation, it is much easier to exfoliate the skin and eliminate much of the pore blockage that is occurring.
Neroli Oil
The active ingredients in neroli oil can help to regulate the oil production by the sebaceous glands, and even impact the hormonal balance in the body, making it an ideal solution for chronic acne.
Rosehip Oil
Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, this oil can help to reduce the swelling and redness of an acne outbreak, while also reducing the appearance of scars from acne, and generally improving the look of your skin.