Acne may not be a hazard to your health, but it does impair your looks. The problem typically is the result of clogged skin pores. When the pores and follicles (canals that contain hair shafts) are blocked, oil cannot be secreted and builds up. Bacteria feeds on the oil and multiplies. People with oily skin have a greater chance of developing acne, as do teenagers and anyone experiencing hormonal fluctuations. Although not medically proven, stress may also contribute to acne breakouts.
Luckily, quite an array of essential oils are available to help you deal with acne. That's because many oils help manage the specific underlying problems that cause acne: They balance hormones, reduce stress, improve the complexion, and regulate the skin's oil production. This makes aromatherapy the ideal treatment for blemishes, pimples, and other skin eruptions. Commercial acne remedies have long recognized this. Noxema, for example, relies on eucalyptus essential oil as its primary active ingredient because it reduces oil production and fights bacterial infection at the same time.
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A salt and essential oil compress is a good way to start your acne home care program. For persistent or especially troublesome eruptions, immediately follow the compress with the Intensive Blemish Treatment seen below.
If you have oily skin, use the facial toner on this page daily. Or you can choose from any of the skin-drying and antiseptic essential oils from the following list, and then dilute them in a base of witch hazel and aloe vera gel, both of which are readily available at drugstores. The witch hazel contains alcohol, so it is especially drying, and there's no disputing that aloe vera is one of the most beneficial and healing herbs to put on your skin. Combine these with essential oils and prepare yourself for a dazzling complexion!
Essential oils for acne or an oily complexion: cedarwood, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, sandalwood, tea tree.
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