Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, affects more than 85 percent of U.S teenagers every year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, AAD. Although it mostly affects teenagers, it also affects some adults. Almost 50 million people in the United States are estimated to be suffering from acne. This skin condition is usually not serious and can often be treated by following a good hygiene routine. Herbal remedies, including olive leaf soap, are also considered for treating acne. There is not enough evidence to prove that using olive leaf soap to treat your acne will be beneficial or safe.
Symptoms
Acne is often noticeable by bumps on your face that are often slightly raised and red. If the acne is mild, there may be no bumps, only pores that have a black or white head on top of them. Severe acne results in larger bumps that may even be dark-purple in color and contain pus. Severe acne can also be quite painful. Acne is caused when your pores collect dirt, become blocked and eventually, become inflamed. It is also possible to have acne anywhere on your body, not just on your face.
Properties
The olive leaf is from the olive tree, native to the Mediterranean region. It is also grown in some suitable climate regions in the Americas. The leaves are small and leathery with a gray-green color on top. The underside of the leaf has fine, white, scale-like hairs.
Uses
The olive tree has been used for medicinal purposes as far back as 3500 BC to clean wounds according to Drugs.com. In the 1800s it was used to treat malaria. The leaf constituent oleuropein was discovered to aid disease resistance in the 1900s. Drugs.com reports that the olive leaf does possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Studies have only been conducted in the laboratory and on animals so far, no human testing has been done yet. Some specialty soaps contain extract of olive leaf.
Warnings
Acne is a condition that may lead to permanent scarring, if not treated properly, according to the AAD. Acne treatments will often take up to eight weeks to work and will require on-going care. Treating your acne with herbal remedies may make your acne worse. It can cause skin reactions such as rashes, and it is best to consult your doctor or dermatologist before using herbal treatments to treat your acne.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects reported with the use of olive leaf soap to treat acne. Drugs.com indicates that potential hypoglycemic effects may be linked to use of olive leaf and therefore, patients with diabetes should be monitored closely.
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