The Best Top Five Essential Oils For Acne Scars On The Skin

Essential oils, which are the concentrated aromatic oils of plants, can be used to treat a variety of mental, emotional and physical conditions. To heal scars, such as those caused by acne, look for essential oils that have cicatrising (scar-healing) or vulnerary (wound-healing) properties. Oils with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties will also help reduce inflammation and infection associated with scars. Essential oils must be of good quality to be truly effective, so seek a reputable source.
The information in this article is not meant to replace the advice of a doctor or nurse.

Application

In order to avoid irritation or other complications, dilute the oils before you apply them to your skin. Apply in a compress or massage oil. For massage oil, add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. of a carrier oil, which is an oil with a neutral smell such as almond oil. For a compress, mix five to eight drops of essential oil into 2 cups of water. Dip a cloth in the mixture and apply to the affected skin, repeating every 15 minutes for up to one hour. To test for sensitivity, apply your preparation to a small area of skin before using on a larger area.

Lavender

According to Dr. Jean Valnet, author of “The Practice of Aromatherapy,” lavender is one of the most useful essential oils, with applications ranging from insomnia to insect bites. According to “Aromatherapy Guide to Essential Oils,” it is calming, soothing, rebalancing for the central nervous system, and good for burns, stings, cuts, blemishes and headaches. Apply lavender to heal wounds of all kinds and don't worry about a carrier oil because it is gentle enough to apply without diluting.

Helichrysum

Look for Helichrysum italicum var. serotinum, also called everlasting or immortale, to treat sensitive and inflamed skin. It is a strong anti-inflammatory and the best vulnerary. Avoid using it if you are pregnant. It is also an anti-coagulant that stops blood clots from forming. Avoid it if you’ve had recent surgery or are at risk for hemorrhaging.

Neroli

Because of its rich floral scent, citrus aurantium, made from the blossoms of the orange tree, is popular in perfumes. It is also effective for healing skin of all types and imparts vitality and suppleness to mature or delicate skin. Valnet recommends drinking 1 to 3 drops of essence of neroli oil in honey water several times a day.

Galbanum

Essential oil of galbanum, ferula galbaniflua, helps regenerate damaged skin. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming and wound healing and it helps heal scar tissue, acne, abscesses and cuts. Apply it to achieve moist, supple, toned and smooth skin, free of scars, blemishes and infection.

Carrot Seed

The oil of wild carrot seed, daucus carota, commonly called Queen Anne’s Lace, has antioxidant, detoxifying, anti-viral and disinfectant properties. Use it to stimulate circulation and tone the skin and internal organs. Do not use it if you are pregnant. Dilute it before applying and be aware that it increases eye brightness and might make you more sensitive to light.