9 Best Essential Oils For Clear Skin
Acne is a problem almost everyone faces at some time in their lives. It is what happens when the natural oil in our skin, called sebum, mixes with dead skin cells and clogs our pores, often trapping hair follicles with it.
Bacteria gathers in the clogged pore, raising the skin in a bump and creating what we know as pimples. Sometimes the oil trapped in the pores turn black because they are exposed to oxygen and this is how blackheads earn their name.
When the oil and bacteria are not exposed to oxygen, however, they remain white and are called whiteheads.
But acne is not an untreatable problem, nor is it the only skin problem out there. Fortunately, skin care is only one of the many applications of essential oils. Different oils help your skin in their own ways whether through treatment or prevention.
Below are 9 of the best essential oils to help you achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy skin:
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is a popular dessert in Greece. Its oil is extracted through the rind by cold-pressing.
Bergamot essential oil has a refreshing citrus scent as well as antibacterial properties that will fight the bacteria growing inside your pores. Combine it with olive oil and apply to the affected areas daily for healthy-looking skin.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Cedarwood oil is one of the lesser known essential oils when it comes to skin care, but those who use it can attest to its power and effectiveness. Moreover, it is contained in many nowadays skin treatments.
For one, it is a growing treatment option for eczema and it does its work by reducing the skin peeling and inflammation that is typical of this condition.
It also helps acne by preventing dirt and bacteria from clogging your pores.
To use from cedarwood oil, add a few drops to your skin cream or moisturizer and use every day.
Cedarwood is one of the more versatile oils on this list, sporting a number of other benefits.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is a great oil for preventing acne and slowing the signs of aging. It revitalizes and purifies the skin by smoothing out wrinkles and clearing out clogged pores.
It also doubles as a natural toner by evening skin tone and decreasing the appearance of pores.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium helps to clear skin and reduce acne breakouts by regulating sebum production. It also doubles as an anti aging solution by tightening the skin and therefore reducing the prevalence of wrinkles.
Lavender Essential Oil
This oil comes from the stems and leaves of lavender plants and is extracted through steam distillation. It is considered one of the most versatile essential oils and skin care is just one of its applications.
It helps to fight blemishes by calming the skin and getting rid of irritation caused by acne.
As a bonus, it helps reduces stress and promotes a good night’s sleep. Both stress and not getting enough sleep have been known to trigger acne or increase its severity.
Oh, it smells amazing too!
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant and it contains vitamins A and E which are both very important to healthy skin function.
Vitamin A repairs damaged skin cells and helps the body replace dead skin cells with healthy ones while Vitamin E also repairs the skin but goes a step further by reducing the visibility of acne and acne scars.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano Oil has high amounts of a compound called phenol, which is a disinfectant. It will effectively clear out the bad bacteria that causes acne. However, it should be mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil instead of used in a concentrated form because high amounts can cause skin irritation and redness.
Oregano oil is also good for soothing stress away and installing calm within you. It can also boost your immune system to help your body fight off infections.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Similar to Lavender, Tea Tree is one of the more popular and versatile essential oils. However, it is most known as a treatment option for acne prone skin.
Tea Tree oil works its magic by regulating oil production and helping to ward off acne causing bacteria. These two things are usually the main culprits when it comes to acne so using tea tree oil can help to reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts.
Wild Orange Essential Oil
Wild orange oil is a popular treatment option for acne. Like other citrus oils, it has a host of antibacterial properties which allows it to keep the surface of the skin clean and free of the bacteria and grease that can lead to and perpetuate acne and other unsightly skin irritations.
Use wild orange oil by adding a few drops to your moisturizer or a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage into your skin.
Another of the countless benefits of wild orange essential oil is its ability to improve the immune system when taken internally.
A point to note, however, is that citrus oils can make your skin photosensitive so it should only be used at night or if you have no plans to expose your skin to the sun for a few hours.
