Acne is something that is suffered by 70-90% of the young adults worldwide. It results in ugly and sometimes painful breakouts on the face, chest, back or even arms. These breakouts are commonly known in layman’s terms as “pimples”. If left untreated, acne can result in permanent scares and a loss of self-esteem.

Acne is caused primarily due to clogged pores, bacteria, excess skin oil production and dead skin. There are also other factors such as hormones, dietary habits, stress, genetics and certain medications (ie birth control pills) that can worsen acne.

Why Essential Oils?

Most of the time, acne treatment involves the use of prescription drugs and chemical treatments that sometimes do not work or come with adverse side effects. Compared to the abovementioned treatment modalities, essential oils can kill the bacteria on the skin naturally. Moreover, some essential oils such as lavender oil can moisten the skin and shield it from irritation and stress.

Essential Oils for Acne

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is known to have antifungal and antimicrobial properties. A scientific review conducted has shown that Tea Tree Oil reduces lesion numbers in patients with acne, has tolerability levels that are similar to other topical treatments, and also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities that are linked to the treatment of acne.

A study conducted in 2007 has shown that Tea Tree Oil is an effective mode of treatment if you have mild to moderate acne problems. It is recommended that you add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a clean cotton ball and apply it topically to the affected area. Alternatively, you can also consider adding two to three drops to your daily face/body wash.

2. Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil is known to have significant benefits on your skin due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. By soothing and nourishing the skin, it is able to treat acne, heal dry skin and minimize the appearance of dark spots and scars resulting from acne.

Furthermore, lavender oil can address issues that indirectly result in acne such as stress, anxiety. Typically, stress results in an increased level of sebum (the oily substance that clogs hair follicles) being produced and thus an increase in acne on the skin. If you are feeling stressed, consider diffusing 5 drops of lavender oil at home.

Alternatively, you can consider applying lavender oil topically on areas of your body such as your wrists, temples or the back of your neck. If you already have acne on your skin, you can consider applying the lavender oil directly on your skin.

3. Clary Sage Oil

Clary Sage contains a chemical substance called linalyl acetate that helps to lower skin inflammation and regulate oil production on the skin. It also plays a role in curbing the multiplication and spread of bacteria, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and also encourages hormonal balance.

A 2014 study published by the Journal of Phytotherapy Research has shown that breathing in Clary Sage Oil can potentially reduce the amount of cortisol levels by around 36%. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause acne when present in increased levels. Clary Sage can also function as an antimicrobial agent. It can eradicate the bacteria that cause acne breakout/skin infection present on the skin.

You can consider diffusing 5 drops of Clary Sage at home. Doing so will help minimize restlessness and insomnia (two causes of acne). If you are looking at killing the bacteria that is clogging the pores on your face, you can apply 1-3 drops of Clary Sage Oil in the affected areas.

Clary Sage Oil can be applied with a clean cotton ball. It can also be diluted with coconut or jojoba oil and subsequently massaged on the skin in a form of a mixture.

4. Juniper Berry Oil 

Juniper Berry is deemed as one of the most popular natural remedies for combating skin infections and irritations, owing to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Its detoxifying and stress-reducing properties enable it play a role in protecting the body from the toxins that lead to acne.

You can apply 2-3 drops of Juniper Berry on the area of concern. If you have sensitive skin, you can consider diluting the Juniper Berry with coconut or jojoba oil before applying it.

5. Bergamot Oil

Bergamot Oil has antibacterial properties. It is able to remove the black spots and blemishes present on your skin. You can combine it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and rub the resulting mixture on your skin.

6. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary Oil contains compounds that are able to remove excess oil present on your skin, eliminate bacteria and reduce redness and swelling present in clogged pores. Furthermore, it is also able to mend damage skin and thus prevent scars from appearing.

7. Lemon Oil

If your skin is naturally oily, you can consider using lemon oil. Lemon oil helps to reduce the excess oils present on your skin. The application of lemon oil on acne-infected skin helps to remove pus-filled pustules and pimples. As lemon oil has astringent properties, it also can be used to help tighten sagging skin.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus Oil is another type of oil that you may wish to consider. Firstly, it is able to eliminate the P. Acne strains of bacteria (the bacteria that causes acne). Also, it is able to remove the excess oil present in your glands. A research study has shown that Eucalyptus Oil is able to lessen the amount of oils produced in the glands due to its antimicrobial activity.

9. Sandalwood Oil

Due to its numerous beneficial properties on the skin, sandalwood oil is accepted as an antiacne remedy. Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, moistening and astringent properties and thus can help boost the appearance of your skin and also reduce swelling and redness in skin lesions.

10. Neroli Oil

Neroli is another essential oil with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It can get rid of the bacteria present in the infected skin pores and lessen the level of inflammation present on the lesions. During clinical trials done by scientists, it was discovered that Neroli was able to destroy various bacterial and fungal strains present.

Other advice

If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable that you dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it on your skin. When treating acne with essential oils, you should try and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. The UV rays from direct sunlight can make the skin more sensitive and thus more prone to irritation and redness. Should the use of any of the essential oils cause skin irritation, stop using it immediately and switch to a more gentle type of oil such as lavender oil.

While these essential oils can be directly applied on the skin, they can also be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. Coconut Oil is able to provide hydration to the skin and penetrate deeper into the skin as compared with other products due to its lower molecular weight. Jojoba Oil can boost skin health by acting as both a protectant and cleanser. It is able to combat the harmful bacterial multiplication that results in breakouts. Moreover, it can accelerate the healing process and reduce the presence of skin lesions.