About Neem Acne Treatments

Neem is an evergreen tree that grows naturally throughout some parts of Asia and Africa. Its byproducts have long been used for a variety of medicinal and agricultural purposes. Believed to be beneficial for the skin, neem has been used as a treatment for acne and other skin problems, particularly in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine.

Neem Properties

According to the book, "Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice" by Ronald R. Watson and Victor R. Preedy, neem, also known as azadirachta indica, bears a range of medicinal qualities that includes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial abilities. The authors note its ability to combat acne, as well as other skin conditions including eczema and ringworm. In Ayurveda, it is considered a powerful astringent that can tighten and dry out tissues that are damaged and oily.

Acne Risk Factors

The American Academy of Dermatology states that when the body produces too much sebum, the natural oil used to keep skin from over-drying, it provides a suitable environment for skin bacteria to multiply and spread. The elevated bacteria levels, in turn, cause irritation throughout the layers of skin, which is often manifested in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, cysts and other forms of acne. At the same time, excessive sebum can create blockages in pores, which may also develop into blemishes. By managing sebum levels and avoiding or soothing skin irritation, you can often control and minimize acne.

Commercial Acne Treatments

The book "Neem: Today and in the New Millennium" by Opender Koul and Seema Wahab, notes that neem oil has become a fairly common active ingredient in several over-the-counter topical creams marketed to acne sufferers. Among the products mentioned by the authors are Clean 'N' Care, Curoline, Neemcure and Greneem. The authors also indicate that off-brand antiseptic and skin care creams sold by some drug manufacturers include neem oil and neem leaf extract as active ingredients.

Acne Home Remedies

Pure neem oil can also be purchased and used to formulate at-home solutions for treating acne, according to Ellen Norten and Jean Pütz's book, "Neem: India's Miraculous Healing Plant." Neem oil is the only necessary active ingredient, but because pure neem oil is fairly potent, it should be diluted in a gentle carrier oil before it is applied to the skin. An 8-to-1 ratio of neem oil to a carrier oil such as olive oil is appropriate, but a small amount of this dilution should be tested on the skin first. If the test application proves to be irritating, the solution should be further diluted with carrier oil before being applied to acne-prone skin with a cotton swab and left to dry.

Criticism

Though neem is a time-honored naturopathic acne treatment in Ayurveda and has undergone hundreds of valid clinical studies that have proved some of its medicinal benefits, none of these studies have specifically proven neem to be effective for treating acne, according to the health and beauty site, The Beauty Brains. The site concedes that the topical application of properly diluted neem oil may be harmless, but states that the several other solutions that have been clinically proven to fight acne may be better trusted to produce favorable results.