Neem oil, a derivative of the neem tree, has long been used by certain Chinese and Ayurvedic traditional medicine practitioners to treat ulcers to fungal infections. Neem oil for acne is usually recommended for its healing potential. It has been used to treat different medical conditions for the past years.
Also, it has been used as an ingredient in a variety of products, particularly skin care products. Neem oil is a medicinal oil that is rich in beneficial fatty acids and essential nutrients. It contains antioxidants, calcium, triglycerides, limonoids, vitamin E, and fatty acids – all of which help in improving skin health.
Before discussing neem oil for acne, it is important to know more about the oil.
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What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is otherwise known as Indian lilac. It is an extract of the seed of the tropical neem tree. Neem oil has a broad history of use as a good remedy around the globe and has been used to treat several conditions.
While it has a harsh odor, it is rich in fatty acids and other nutrients, and it is used in a range of beauty products such as body lotions, cosmetics, skin creams, and hair products.
Neem oil contains lots of ingredients that are highly beneficial to the skin.
Some of these ingredients include
- Limonoids
- Calcium
- Antioxidants
- Fatty acids
- Vitamin E
- Triglycerides
Neem oil has been used in skincare and beauty regiments to help:
- Heal wounds
- Treat wrinkles and dry skin
- Boost collagen production
- Reduce moles and warts
- Reduce scars
Also, neem oil may be used to treat the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, as well as other diseases of the skin.
Benefits of Neem Oil for Acne
Poor lifestyle and hormonal imbalance can result in acne breakouts. Using neem oil can help cure red, inflamed, and itchy skin. It is one of the excellent products that removes all impurities from your skin.
Below are some of the benefits of neem oil for acne:
Reduces Excess Oil
Hormonal changes are common for everyone, but they sometimes do not affect the skin. A rise in sebum production is noticed due to these hormonal changes. When this sebum becomes too much, it combines with the dead skin cells, which clogs the pores. These clogged pores then result in acne blemishes.
Neem oil helps in unclogging the pores and aid in balancing sebum production. Ensure you always clean your face properly before applying a few drops of neem oil on all parts of your face that are prone to acne.
Reduces Pigmentation caused by Acne
Neem oil helps in reducing the blemishes, redness, and dark spots on your face. Its constituent, vitamin E, helps repair cell damage due to acne on the skin’s surface. Use two drops of neem oil and apply them to your infected areas. Ensure you do not scratch the acne.
Clearer Skin
Neem oil does not only help in eliminating skin irritations, but it also helps to deal with the hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is advised mostly to rub a few drops of the oil and allow it overnight to reveal results.
Because of the presence of vitamin E, helps to restore the damaged cells caused by acne. Therefore, neem oil effectively alleviates the inflammation, scars, and redness left behind by pimples.
Inhibits Bacterial Growth
This natural oil is well-known for its healing properties, particularly for acne-prone skin. It powerfully eliminates the presence of bacteria that results in breakouts. That is due to neem oil’s antibacterial properties that aid in fighting acne.
The anti-inflammatory properties aid in alleviating the redness of the skin, hence soothing painful acne.
Other Benefits of Neem Oil
Aside from the common benefits of neem oil for acne as discussed above, there are other less well-known benefits too:
Neem oil, rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants including vitamin E, helps slow down skin aging and enhance a healthier and youthful glow.
Neem oil is helpful to combat dry skin. Because of constituents such as vitamin E and fatty acids, rubbing your nails with this powerful natural helps in allowing it to penetrate via your nails and skin.
It helps in softening your nail cuticles and improving nail health.
Neem is also helpful for scalp health. It contains antibacterial properties that help combat dandruff and relieves itchy scalp.
What to know before applying Neem oil to your skin
Neem oil for acne is safe but very powerful. It may lead to an adverse reaction in sensitive skin or a skin disorder such as eczema. If you are using neem oil for the first time, begin by trying a small, diluted quantity of it on a small portion of the skin, away from your face.
If itching or redness develops, you can decide to further dilute the oil or stop using it completely. Take note of signs of allergic reaction such as severe rash difficulty breathing, or hives.
Quit using neem oil at once and consult a physician if your conditions persist. Neem oil is a potent oil and not suitable or advisable for children. Before administering neem oil to your child, ensure you consult with your physician.
Research has not been carried out to state whether neem oil is safe to use by pregnant. Thus it is best for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers to avoid it.
Caution: Neem oils should not be ingested because they are toxic!
Conclusion
The use of neem oil for acne has been traced to traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Regardless of this, researchers have just recently started to explore the potential use of neem oil in Western medicine.
Neem oil is rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, and fatty acids, which can help the skin in many ways. Studies have shown that these compounds may help combat skin infections, boost wound healing, and fight signs of skin aging.
To incorporate neem oil in your skincare routine, mix it with water or carrier oil. If you are using neem oil for the first time, ensure you perform a patch test.
Some individuals experience a reaction to neem oil, including contact dermatitis. Quit using the oil and report to your dermatologist or doctor if this happens.
Kindly comment below if you have any questions or contributions.