How to Use Essential Oils for Acne

Since nearly everyone suffers from a pimple outbreak at some point in his or her life, we wanted to give you the tools to combat it naturally with essential oils. First we’ll talk about why it works and then we’ll get to the remedies.

Or, you can peek at the flip cards like the one below. Up to you. We’re cool like that.

Acne has four main causes.

The most common cause is clogged pores. When we have greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous glands (oil glands) it plugs the tiny openings called pores, or hair follicles. In larger pores the clogs take the form of blackheads, while the small pores form flat spots with dark centers.

If the opening stays small, the clogs take the form the small flesh-colored bumps we refer to as whiteheads. Both types of plugged pores can develop into swollen, tender inflammations called pimples and sometimes deeper lumps or nodules. Nodules associated with severe cases of acne (cystic acne) are firm swellings below the skin’s surface that can become inflamed, tender, and sometimes infected.
Acne is most prevalent amongst teens, about 80%, while 20% of acne sufferers are adults.

The other three main causes of acne are excess oil production, bacteria, and excess activity of the androgen hormones. (1)

For many, acne first appears during the teenage years and usually (but not always) goes away by young adulthood. For some, it is a continuing condition.

Young or old, acne is no respecter of persons; under the right conditions nearly anyone can be affected. With over three million reported cases per year, it’s not surprising that there are so many acne-fighting products out there vying for your dollars. Despite the claims of these products, there are healthier ways to combat acne.

There are certain factors that affect acne. For teens, it is generally due to hormones. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty. When this occurs, the sebaceous glands enlarge and make more sebum. Teenage acne can last from 5-10 years. (2)

For women, hormonal changes during pregnancy and while using oral contraceptives also affect sebum production. The low amounts of androgens circulating in the blood of women can worsen acne.

Factors that may worsen acne

These factors can trigger or aggravate acne:

Certain medications. Examples include drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium.

Diet. Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, bagels, and chips may worsen acne. Chocolate has long been suspected of making acne worse. A small study of 14 men with acne showed that eating chocolate was related to a worsening of symptoms. Further study is needed to examine why this happens and whether people with acne would benefit from following specific dietary restrictions.

Stress. Stress can make acne worse.

In search of a more holistic approach to acne treatment, people are reporting impressive results using more natural, homemade remedies. Given that we live in an ever more health-conscious society, the Organic Daily Post wants to offer our readers some natural alternatives to those chemical-based prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications.

How Essential Oils Can Help Acne

Essential Oils (EO) are growing in popularity with their seemingly unlimited uses – more being discovered every week. Through ongoing research into the chemistry and therapeutic opportunities that essential oils offer, more doors are opening to holistic treatment. The problem with growth and popularity is that there is little proper guidance on how to use these wonderful oils safely and effectively.

We’re here to change that for you. This article will show you how many people treat acne and dry skin with essential oils. You’ll also discover that you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals to have a clearer complexion and softer, smoother skin. Using essential oils and complimentary carrier oils, you too can have healthier, more vibrant skin.

You will need to choose essential oils that are skin friendly and I’ll use complimentary carrier oils as well. Carrier oils also have therapeutic actions and, alongside the right essential oils, they can make a big impact on your skin.

When it comes to combating acne and other epidermal issues, there are countless essential oils and carrier oils that can be used. The following are some (but by no means all) essential oil options that can be used.

Based on your skin problems, you can determine which fit your needs. I’ll also emphasize which are skin-penetrating oils. Adding these to your blends enhances penetration of the molecules into the skin. Keep in mind that carrier oils have many therapeutic properties and compliment essential oils quite well. ​

Important Note: When choosing essential oils, they must be free of impurities including synthetic ingredients to be effective. Always check the gc/ms analysis reports from your company. Reputable companies will have these reports on site and readily available or will gladly email them to you. If they do not release the reports, I would be hesitant to use the company. For aromatic therapeutic treatment to be successful, the oils must be pure and unadulterated.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Essential Oil

TEA TREE OIL IS GREAT for acne because it contains natural germ-fighting properties called terpenes. The terpenes present in tea tree oil offer excellent properties for acne because they are a stimulant for the immune system, antibacterial, decongestant to the skin, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, and also a vasodilator.  We love tea tree oil because it offers emotional support and teens especially need that extra boost.

Coconut oil is one choice as a carrier. Coconut is comedogenic, meaning it can clog the pores and cause acne. However, if used with other carriers it is also conditioning, a skin protectant, and wound healing. I like it because it helps keep other carrier oils from going rancid.

My next choice for a facial carrier would be kpangnan (pronounced like pon-yah). This carrier oil is remarkably more moisturizing than shea butter and when applied to the skin, it has a slight warming effect. Studies have found that kpangnan contains a high amount of stigmasterol, an unsaturated plant sterol that contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Organic and unrefined kpangnan will give you the best butter for skin preparations. As soon as it is refined it changes its wonderful skin healing properties. The butter should be hard and yellow.

PRO TIP: Acne Spot Treatment

  • check1-ounce carrier oil of choice
  • check4 drops Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia)
  • check1 drop Lemon (citrus limon)
  • check2 drops Geranium (pelatgonium roseum x asperum)
  • check1 drops Patchouli (pogostemom cablin)
  • check4 drops Helichrysum (helichrysum italicum)
  • checkBlend. Using a cotton ball, squirt on and dab on skin. Let the solution air dry. Everyone’s chemistry is different. We react differently. This works for most people, you may be more sensitive. If you have any itching, redness or swelling, stop treatment.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) Essential Oil

LAVENDER OIL IS A FAVORITE essential oil to many people for many reasons (buy it here). Not only does it have a clean and sweet fragrance, it’s also beneficial to your skin.

Lavender has excellent anti-bacterial actions against free radicals. (3)

Lavender helps to balance sebum, clear scars, soothes and regenerates cells – all helpful when the goal is repairing acne damage. It also stimulates cleansing and detoxifying.  Lavender is classified as an antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic (pain reliever), and free radical scavenger. This is due to the linalool present in the oil. (4)

PRO TIP: Acne Astringent

  • check2 ounces Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
  • check15 drops Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus)
  • check20 drops Lavender (lavendula angustifolia)
  • checkBlend, shake and apply to face. Without a preservative, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • checkTo help your product last longer, consider using a preservative for skincare products. An example of a good preservative can be found here

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) Essential Oil

FRANKINCENSE HAS WONDERFUL antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. But the thing that makes Frankincense a great oil for skincare is it is a cicatrisant, which is cell regenerative for skin and healing to scars. It’s also healing for young or mature skin, dry skin, acne, scars, and it balances oily skin. Frankincense soothes anxiety and nervous tension. It eases depression which is sometimes felt by teens, especially when having to deal with acne. Frankincense is calming and brings about peace. Frankincense oil is real plus in many ways for teens. (5)

For scars, I like tamanu oil as the carrier. Its aroma is a bit stronger, but it’s perfect for healing skin and compliments skin healing essential oils perfectly. Tamanu is used for treating scars, stretch marks (fades stretch marks with great results), minor wounds, skin irritations, rashes, bedsores, and many other skin concerns. It promotes new tissue formation, accelerating healing and healthy skin growth, is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal.

PRO TIP: For Scars from Acne

  • check1-ounce Tamanu Oil
  • check6 drops Frankincense (boswellia carterii)
  • check6 drops Helichrysum (helichrysum italicum)
  • check4 drops Lavender (lavendula angustifolia)
  • check4 drops Patchouli (pogostemom cablin)
  • checkAfter cleansing face, apply treatment where needed. Using 3-4 times a day is best, especially when using on clean, warm skin.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil

OREGANO OIL IS ANOTHER essential oil that requires caution when using but if used wisely is a very beneficial oil. Oregano is a great treatment for acne and other skin infections. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and stimulating. Although it’s recommended for healthy adult skin at a maximum of 2%, Tisserand does state that a lower concentration is advisable because oregano is hepato-toxic in large doses. My recommendation is a 1% blend. Oregano has a bit of an herbaceous pungent aroma.

Oregano essential oil has the component carvacrol in it, which can be highly irritating. If not diluted properly, it can cause a reaction and should never be ingested. It should not be used on children younger than two years of age. My personal suggestion is no younger than 5 years of age. Do not ingest this oil.

PRO TIP:Facial Serum

  • check1.5-ounce carrier (Suggested: hempseed, chamilia, and apricot kernel oil)
  • check7 drops of Oregano (origanum vulgare)
  • check10 drops of Black Spruce (picea mariana)
  • check10 drops of Mandarin (Green) (citrus reticulata)
  • check2 drops of Neroli (citrus aurantium var. amara)
  • checkAdd to small bottle with squirt top.
  • checkUsing a small amount, apply to skin.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor) Essential Oil

ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL IS GOOD for both oily and combination skin. There are two other types, verbenone, and cineole. We are discussing the camphor chemotype. The cineole and verbenone are NOT suggested, as these two chemotypes are untested oils and should be avoided on skin. Rosemary ct. camphor assists with acne. Because it has stimulating properties, especially to the circulatory system, this works great to stimulate the skin.

It’s mood lifting and awakening. We would not suggest rosemary at night since it is stimulating – highly so in larger doses. Rosemary builds and regenerates connective tissues. (6) It reduces the natural oils the skin produces as well as the swelling and puffiness that can accompany breakouts. Rosemary improves bloodstream circulation and is a natural astringent.

Avoid use with epilepsy, pregnancy, or high blood pressure. May antidote homeopathic products.

PRO TIP: Acne and Other Scar Healing Treatment

  • check1-ounce Tamanu Oil
  • check3 drops Lavender Lavendula angustfolia
  • check6 drops Frankincense Boswellia carterii
  • check5 drops Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor
  • checkDirections: Great on a cotton ball to spot treat closed and healed acne wounds to help heal scarring.

Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) Essential Oil

GERANIUM OIL is another skin healing oil (cicatrisant). It does this by regenerating damaged skin cells. It’s anti-inflammatory, and the hydrosol is perfect as a skin healing tonic. It works as an analgesic and as a bonus for the teens and hormonal times it also has anti-depressant properties.

PRO TIP:

  • checkBlend 9 drops of geranium essential oil with 1-ounce of aloe vera and apply it at bedtime. This is best kept in the refrigerator. This will preserve it and give a cooling effect to inflamed skin.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Essential Oil

CHAMOMILE OIL has anti-bacterial properties and has been shown to be effective for skin wounds. (7)

Roman chamomile is excellent for skin disorders, especially during the menstrual time of the month. Along with assisting skin disorders, Roman chamomile is excellent for emotional calming, supportive, and reduces stress. Along with the essential oil, Roman chamomile hydrosol is wonderful as a skin toner.

After washing your face, simply spray the hydrosol on your facial skin for a refreshing, cooling, and healing treatment. Hydrosols are often available through essential oil companies. Some beautiful hydrosols can be purchased at Stillpoint Aromatics and Nature’s Gift.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Essential Oil

WHEN ACNE IS BROUGHT ON BY hormonal imbalances, clary sage can be very beneficial in helping the body rebalance those hormones. Although science has just started showing support for clary sage regarding hormonal support, Tisserand stated that many women have reported a “hormone balance” effect from clary sage. It is also great for healing the skin and calming the nervous system by acting as an anti-depressant. (8)

Calming clary sage essential oil has shown to be effective in relieving anxiety and reducing stress.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Essential Oil

EUCALYPTUS OIL HELPS by increasing respiratory metabolism of skin cells (oxygenates the skin). Eucalyptus has been shown to have both antimicrobial and antibacterial activity against various strains of bacteria as well as having promise as a natural antibiotic. (9) (10)

PRO TIP: Add 2 drops of eucalyptus to a steaming bowl of water. Cover your head with a small towel, like a tent. Close your eyes and steam your face, breathing deeply as you do so. Pat your face dry. This will open the pores on your face and your sinuses.

Lemon (Citrus limon) Essential Oil

LEMON OIL HELPS CLEAR UP acne by balancing the sebum. It acts quickly to restore your skin’s natural balance. To help against future outbreaks, lemon boosts protection against bacteria and infections. Lemon essential oil also has shown to tighten the elasticity of skin, tighten blood vessels, and improve the skin’s circulation. All of this helps to achieve healthier acne free skin.

PRO TIP: Tisserand recommends 1-2% dilution. We recommend blending with skin-friendly oils and a gentle carrier oil to provide additional protection. When using citrus oils, avoid the sun and tanning beds. These oils are phototoxic and will cause photosensitization. (11)

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Essential Oil

MYRRH OIL is known as the complexion oil. Myrrh is a great skin healer and cicatrisant; it helps regenerate skin cells and heal scars. Regaining clear skin after suffering from acne is important, especially to teens. Myrrh is an astringent and has a warming effect.

For those serious acne wounds, once wound has closed and scabbed over, add a blend of myrrh, lavender, German chamomile, and tea tree at a 1% (total of 9 drops of blend) to tamanu oil and apply up to three times a day. Stop treatment immediately if irritation occurs.

Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin) Essential Oil

PATCHOULI has skin healing properties and is excellent for healing skin surface wounds like acne. Patchouli is anti-bacterial and cooling to the skin. Patchouli is both calming and emotionally supportive. (12)

Coconut Oil

COCONUT OIL IS REALLY GOOD for you (inside and out) and, along with previously mentioned carrier oils, can be used in combination with these oils and in the recipes found below. However, coconut oil can be drying for some people. It that case, opt for Babassu Oil.

It is interchangeable with coconut oil in most recipes as it is just as moisturizing and nourishing. It is an especially beautiful restorative agent for the skin and scalp. The oil readily melts at body temperature, such as when rubbed onto hands; it is soothing, acting as an emollient.

Jojoba Oil

JOJOBA OIL is often chosen as a carrier oil for skin products. Jojoba protects the skin but allows it to breathe. It helps control acne and is a wonderful anti-oxidant.

Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils when using them topically. As you can see, there are many choices available when it comes to which essential oils to use for acne and it really depends on your specific situation and fragrance choice. Further research will guide you toward the best essential oils for your skin condition.

PRO TIP: It is important to learn the underlying causes of your acne to determine the best treatment. Essential oils alone cannot cure acne.

Steps to Preparing Essential Oils on Your Face

Using skin friendly safe oils, dilute according to the individual suggested dermal dilution rate per oil. Dilute the essential oil(s) with a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Some other carrier oils to consider are aloe vera, apricot kernel CP (cold pressed), argan, babassu, baobab, calendula infused organic oil, cranberry seed organic oil, marula oil, pomegranate oil, and rose hip oil to name a few. These are all skin loving carrier oils. Prior to using any essential oils, check for any safety concerns.

IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN, use the newly diluted solution to perform a patch test on a small area of skin first. Apply a small amount on the inside of your forearm. If you do not react within 10 minutes, it should be safe to use your blend. Anytime you have a reaction, stop use and apply lotion or soap over it, wipe off, then rinse off. Do not use water to try to wash of oils.

Additional Essential Oil Recipes

Many oils do great alone, but some are supportive of other oils by enhancing penetration or giving a greater balance in the chemical composition. Using synergistic blends can be even more healing than a single oil.

Acne Moisturizer

I like Jojoba for this recipe. Jojoba protects the skin but allows it to breathe. Helps control acne and is a wonderful antioxidant. To make an acne moisturizer, follow these steps:

Blend the following:

  • check1-ounce Jojoba or carrier of choice
  • check5 drops Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia)
  • check5 drops Roman Chamomile (chamaemelum nobile)

Apply this healing moisturizing oil daily. Do NOT use on open sores

Blemish Stick

Making a blemish stick is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

You can use either lip balm tubes or small tin containers. We’re going to use a combination of carriers. Coconut oil will be one, but along with all the delightful aspects of coconut oil, there is the downside of using it on our skin. Coconut oil has traditionally been given a comedogenicity rating of 4 on a scale of 0 to 5 with 5 being the highest.

Comedogenic means pore clogging and likely to cause acne comedones (AKA, pimples). However, everyone’s skin reacts differently. Since it does have benefits, you can use it at a lower dilution with other carriers.

The attached video that I did is for salves. However, it’s such a beautiful thick recipe, you can also use it for making blemish sticks. Simply replace with the below-suggested oils in place of the oils I use in the video.

For your blemish stick, you could use equal portions of tea tree, lavender, and frankincense to equal the amount mentioned in the video. The video recipe calls for a large batch but you can downsize it, remembering that if you cut the recipe in half, be sure to not only cut down your carriers but your essential oils as well. Use at night on blemishes that are inflamed.

Oil-Reducing Facial Wash

To make an oil-fighting face wash, follow these simple steps:

  • check1 ounce of Castile Soap or Glycerin Soap
  • check15 drops Tea Tree (melaleucaalternifolia)

Blend and, using your own washing method, cleanse face and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry. Follow with your acne moisturizer and blemish stick where needed.

Resources

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
  2. https://www.aad.org/search/?k=acne+per+year
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28930251
  4. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6432254#section=WIPO-IPC
  5. Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Frankincense Boswellia carterii, pg. 125
  6. Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Rosemary CT. Camphor, pg. 373
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26312934
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28527112
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29405759
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23570005
  11. Tisserand, R., Young, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2014). Essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill, Photosensitization: pg. 84-85
  12. http://www.aromaticscience.com/effects-of-fragrance-inhalation-on-sympathetic-activity-in-normal-adults-2/