Aromatherapy has shown some very positive results for the treatment of acne. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that tea tree essential oil works just as well as the topical antibiotic benzolperoxide. As a natural treatment, the tea tree oil has no side effects, where the benzolperoxide may produce dryness, redness and burning. Lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and myrrh essential oils also stunt the growth of the bacteria that causes acne.
Acne Causes
When the body produces too much oil (sebum) and combines with dead skin cells, it may block pores and cause bacteria to grow. The result is infectious inflammation known as acne. Blemishes may appear on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back or buttocks because these areas have the most oil glands. Some contributing factors to acne may include allergies, pollution, a high-fat diet, certain medications, heredity, vitamin deficiency, stress and hormones.
Aromatherapy Facts
Aromatherapy, which dates back thousands of years, uses essential oils, which are distilled from flowers and plants with steam heat. Essential oils have various healing properties
Tea Tree Oil
Due to its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil, which comes from the Australian melaleuca tree, is a highly recommended remedy for acne. You can apply a drop of tea tree oil directly to your pimples. For most other oils, however, it's best to dilute the potency with a carrier oil or a base oil and not apply directly to the skin.
Steam Facial
Another option is to add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of boiling water and drape a towel over your head for a five-minute steam facial. Other essential oils to use in this manner are chamomile (either Roman or German), clary sage or lavender. To finish, splash your face with cold water for a few moments. This steam treatment opens pores and sheds toxins and debris from the skin.
Topical Treatment
Tanja Bochnig, founder of April Aromatics, offers this essential oil recipe to help rid your skin of acne: Combine five drops geranium, seven drops lavender, 12 drops tea tree and one-quarter ounce jojoba oil in a small glass container. Use a cotton swab to apply directly on each blemish.
References
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- Scientific Research on Highest Quality Essential Oil
- April Aromatics
Member Comments