5 Best Essential Oils to Fight Acne and Eczema: Full Review & Beginners Guide 2017

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Allergies and eczema are both pesky skin conditions that cause inflammation and irritation that affect people of all ages.

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that acne is the most common skin condition affecting teens through adults in their 50s and beyond.

Meanwhile itchy eczema primarily affects young children though it can strike into adulthood.People suffering from acne or eczema often struggle to find solutions to clear their skin.

While there are many medicinal remedies available, some of the traditional solutions for acne and eczema can be too harsh for sensitive skin and young children. Essential oils can provide a good alternative and enhancement to other medications.

No time to read? Everything at a glance:

Essential oils can help you manage your skin conditions like acne or eczema. Certain essential oils help treat the body’s inflammatory responses.

Since these skin conditions are caused by underlying inflammation, it is reasonable that anything that manages inflammation could control your skin issues.

5 Best Essential Oils to Fight Acne and Eczema

The following essential oils can help you beat your acne or allergy symptoms:

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural, aromatic oils. These oils are usually made by distilling or pressing the oil from a plant like an herb or fruit. Because of this, these oils normally smell like a stronger version of the plant they come from.

Homeopaths and natural living enthusiasts have a long history of using essential oils for many uses.

These uses include:

How Can Essential Oils Help You Manage Your Acne and Eczema?

Most people are familiar with acne, a skin condition that causes your pores and hair follicles to become clogged with bacteria and pus. Recent research suggests inflammation triggers all types of acne. (1)

However, eczema is less familiar. WebMD defines eczema as group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. Eczema often shows up as an itchy, swollen rash in the body’s creases. Eczema can be broken down into the following types:

  • Atopic eczema is caused by a problem inside your body. If you have atopic eczema, your skin tends to suffer from painful inflammation because of internal triggers.
  • Contact dermatitis is caused when an outside irritant comes in contact with the body. When this happens, patches of inflammation show up on areas of skin which have come into contact with the irritant.

Acne and eczema both have one underlying cause in common: inflammation. Sufferers with these conditions often have sensitive skin that becomes easily inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting itself though it actually does the body more harm than good.

Acne and eczema are both unnecessary inflammatory responses. Too much inflammation in the body increases risk of diseases and health problems. (2)

Certain triggers can worsen both allergies and eczema. Common triggers for acne include the following:

  • Hormonal Fluctuations
  • Certain Medications
  • Stress
  • Diet (3)

When someone with acne encounters a trigger, it’s not unusual for their acne to go from a few whiteheads or blackheads (also known as common acne) to widespread, painful acne known as cystic acne. Staying ahead of triggers and effectively treating acne can prevent cystic acne.

Eczema has a similar list of triggers. Common things that make eczema worse include:

  • Stress
  • Infection
  • Diet and food allergies
  • Perfumed cosmetics or soaps
  • Irritating fabrics like wool
  • Extreme temperatures (4)

Because all acne and eczema sufferers have different symptoms and stressors, their skin responds differently to treatments. Both acne and eczema have a wide range of treatments available, ranging natural remedies to certain soaps and cleansers and prescription medicines like steroids and retinoids.

Some of the prescription treatments can be very disruptive to the body and have dangerous side effects. They may cause birth defects and increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

With risks like that it is understandable why some sufferers seek alternative treatments for their skin conditions. Plus, for some sufferers, treatment with one product alone may not be enough to clear the skin. (5)

Fortunately, essential oils can be a safe and effective option for fighting the underlying inflammation associated with acne and eczema. According to researchers at University of Maryland Medical Center, reducing stress can reduce inflammation with these conditions. (6)

When you treat your acne and eczema symptoms with essential oils, you might be fighting this damaging inflammation and helping restore balance to your body’s stressed out system. Meanwhile, treating these skin conditions with harsh prescriptions may actually be placing more stress on your system,

What are the Best Essential Oils for Acne and eczema?

Many essential oils can help you get relief from your acne or eczema symptoms without relying solely on medications. The best essential oils for managing acne and eczema include the following:

All of these oils have unique properties that help you to control your Acne and eczema better. Here are some of the ways each oil can help.

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Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil is known for its anti-aging effects. It is generally recommended for aging skin because it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Beyond this, patchouli oil has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that make it good at fighting against eczema, acne, and some other skin conditions.Benefits of Patchouli Oil for Acne and eczema

Benefits of Patchouli Oil for Acne and eczema

Patchouli oil has the following effects on skin conditions:

  • Antispetic, Antifungal, and Antibaterial – All of these properties help to fight and reduce the outbreak of eczema and acne. If you read the labels of most over the counter acne medication, you will see that they use chemicals to fight the same causes of acne.
  • Anti-inflammatory – Patchouli oil reduces inflammation which reduces the pain of eczema and acne.

How to use Patchouli Oil for Allergy Relief

Patchouli oil can be used to manage acne and eczema in several ways. The most popular ways to use Patchouli oil include:

  • Inhaling – Like many other oils, putting patchouli oil in a vaporizer or boiling water and inhaling is a great way to feel the effects. Inhaling can influence the nervous system, creating a bit of a calming feel. This can help relax the pain associated with eczema. (7)
  • Topically – For either eczema or acne, mixing patchouli oil with a carrier oil and applying directly to either the infected area or an area you want to avoid getting acne can help reduce the effects or prevent breakouts.

Patchouli oil products to try include:

Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil (15ml, 1/2 OZ.) 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade,...
BOTANICAL NAME: Copaifera officinalis; COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Brazil; SCENT: Mild, sweet, woody, slightly balsamic aroma

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 19:50  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang Ylang oil has a floral fragrance, which can be a much better smell than the chemical one associated with most over the counter products. It helps the skin control the production of oil. This helps reduce the potential for outbreaks of acne. In addition, it can help promote skin cell health and vitality.

Benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil for Acne and eczema

Ylang Ylang oils can help you reduce your acne and eczema symptoms by:

  • Skin Oil Reducer– Reducing your skin’s oil production can decrease the likelihood and legnth of breakouts.
  • Promote Skin Health– Ylang Ylang oil helps the skin regain vitality. The oil reduces the effects of eczema and helps heal outbreaks.

How to Use Ylang Ylang Oil for Acne and eczema

To use Ylang Ylang oil, you can try:

  • Topical Application– Mix with a carrier oil and use topically as a rub. Rub directly on the skin in areas prone to acne to reduce oil production and remove bacteria.

Ylang Ylang oil products to try include:

Miracle Botanicals Organic Ylang Ylang Extra Essential Oil - 100% Pure Cananga...
Botanical Name: Cananga Odorata / Country of Origin: Madagascar; Plant Part: Flower / Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled
$10.97

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 19:50  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus is well known for many health benefits. Among these benefits, eucalyptus oil is excellent for general skin care as well as helping to prevent acne and help lessen the effects of eczema.

In a 2009 study, it was one of the oils found to be quite effective at treating eczema with its anti-inflammatory effects. (8)

Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil for Acne and eczema

Here are just a few benefits of eucalyptus oil:

  • Anti-inflammatory– This oil has a natural anti-inflammatory effect which combats acne and eczema.
  • Antimicrobial– Eucalyptus oil helps kill microorganisms, which prevents and clears acne.

How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Acne and Eczema

To use Eucalyptus oil try:

  • Direct Application – Be sure to mix eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying to your skin. Rubbing directly on acne or eczema helps to reduce the length of the symptoms by reducing inflammation and naturally cleansing the area. Avoid swallowing or using the oil if you are pregnant.

Eucalyptus oil products to try include:

NOW Essential Oils, Eucalyptus Oil, Clarifying Aromatherapy Scent, Steam...
100% Pure & Natural; Eucalyptus globulus; Aromatherapeutic - GC/IR Verified; A dropper insert is not included with this size bottle.
$10.99

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 19:50  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is considered one of the best of the group of essential oils tested in the same 2009 study mentioned above. Thyme contains a natural compound called carvacrol, which helps with pain, swelling, infection and inflammation. This compound targets the same bodily chemical that ibuprofen and aspirin were developed to suppress, COX-2. (9)

Benefits of Thyme Oil for Acne and eczema

Thyme oils are most effective for skin Acne and eczema, but can also help respiratory Acne and eczema by:

  • Pain Reduction – Thyme oil soothes pain associated with eczema rashes and eases the swelling and redness associated with bad acne breakouts.
  • Inflammation Reduction– Thyme oil helps reduce inflammation, much in the same way that ibuprofen does.
  • Fights Infections – Thyme helps fight infections. This healing property makes it ideal in fighting eczema breakouts as well as healing skin from an acne breakout.

How to Use Thyme Oil for Acne and eczema

To use Thyme oil, you can use it:

  • Topically– Add one or two drops of thyme oil to a carrier oil and then rub on affected areas of skin.

Thyme oil products to try include:

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 19:50  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is widely known for its healing abilities. Aborigines from Australia are cited as being the first to recognize it’s healing properties.

Later, it would gain world-wide attention as researchers spread the word. An important distinction between tea tree oil and other oils is that tea tree oil should only be used topically and should not be swallowed. (10)

Benefits of Tree Oil for Acne and Eczema

Tea tree oil helps relieve Acne and eczema by being:

  • Antibacterial – Tea Tree oil is a natural fighter against bacteria. As a result, it is ideal in reducing and preventing outbreaks of acne.

How to use Tree Oil for Allergy Relief

Tree oil can be used to manage Acne and eczema in several ways. The most popular ways to use tree oil to treat allergy symptoms include:

  • Topically– Mix tea tree oil with other oils to create an at home treatment for acne. The antibacterial properties help treat the acne and help the skin to heal.
  • Cleaning– Use Tea Tree oil to clean the skin of the face, neck, and shoulders to help prevent breakouts of acne or reduce duration of breakouts.

Good tree oil products to try include:

Koala Australia Natural Tea Tree Essential Melaleuca Oil, 30ml
100% Pure Undiluted Australian Tea Tree Oil | Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia; Pharmaceutical Grade Natural Antiseptic Anti-Viral

Last update on 2019-11-26 at 19:50  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Essential Oils: Tips and Tricks for Fighting Acne and eczema

Use essential oils to their fullest capabilities to manage skin with these tips and tricks.

  • Choose the right oil for your skin. If you suffer from contact dermatitis, tea tree oil may help soothe your inflammation. Meanwhile, lavender can help fight stress that triggers these skin conditions.
  • Don’t introduce more than one essential oil into your skin care routine at a time. Acne and eczema sufferers tend to have sensitive skin and introducing too much can make your condition worse.
  • Consider mixing your essential oils with coconut oil as a carrier oil. Coconut oil has been shown to reduce bacteria on the skin’s surface. (*)
  • Remember, essential oils are NOT a substitute for a doctor’s care. Severe cases of acne or eczema should always be treated by a doctor and you should consult a doctor before adding any homeopathic remedies, including essential oils, to your skincare routine.

Conclusions: Can Essential Oils Help Me Fight Acne and Eczema?

Essential oils may help you control your mild to moderate acne and eczema symptoms especially in combination with other techniques to manage these conditions.

Beware though: essential oils are never intended as a substitute for medical care and some essential oils make aggravate your skin more.

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