Many people with acne are looking for alternatives to over-the-counter or prescription treatments to ease their symptoms. Some might consider trying essential oils.
Essential oils are extracts from various plants. Recently, scientists have been interested in the health potential of some natural oils.
This is partly because there is evidence that essential oils have antimicrobial effects.
This article examines the essential oils that can be beneficial for acne. It also examines how essential oils are used and the health risks involved.
While research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate their purity or quality. A person should speak to a healthcare professional before using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of any branded product. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Some essential oils can be beneficial for acne. It is important to note, however, that the evidence for this is still somewhat limited.
Essential oils that can help with acne include:
Bergamot
A recent animal study suggests that bergamot oil might decrease the amount of oil hamsters produce in their skin.
However, it is unclear whether bergamot oil would affect people in the same way or whether these effects would reduce acne symptoms.
oregano
Some people suggest that oregano oil might improve acne. This is because oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that destroy or inhibit microorganisms such as bacteria. Certain bacteria can make acne worse.
However, there is little direct evidence that oregano oil relieves acne.
Specifically, scientists point out that oregano oil can harm Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two types of bacteria associated with acne. They also suggest that oregano oil can improve symptoms of acne in mice.
However, currently no research shows that oregano oil could reduce acne in humans.
Jojoba
A 2012 study suggests that jojoba oil can help relieve acne symptoms. When people regularly used a clay mask infused with jojoba oil, there was an improvement in mild acne symptoms.
However, it may be that the clay mask instead of the essential oil produced these effects.
Other oils
Some people suggest that many other essential oils could help with acne, including:
- rose hip
- Tamanu
- lavender
- thyme
- cinnamon
A 2020 study suggests that rosemary and tea tree oil can be harmful to samples of certain acne-related bacteria.
However, scientists don’t yet know if similar results would occur on a person’s skin, where many other chemicals could interact with these oils.
Acne occurs when a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum blocks the pores of a person’s skin. This leads to inflammation in the areas surrounding the pores.
Scientists know that overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion that the skin produces, often causes acne.
There is also evidence that certain groups are more likely to develop acne, including:
- People with a family history of acne
- Teenagers
- People who menstruate
- People who suffer from stress
Some common symptoms of acne are:
- Papules, which are small, red bumps on the skin
- Pustules that are like papules but contain white or yellow pus
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Scars on the skin
- Rinse around the affected areas
- Cysts
Some people may feel confident about their acne. However, it’s important to keep in mind that scientists haven’t found reliable evidence to confirm that essential oils can reduce acne.
Essential oils are concentrated extracts from raw plants. Different plants produce different essential oils.
Manufacturers sometimes sell these oils in their pure form. In other cases, dilute them in a carrier oil.
There are two main methods of extracting essential oils. In steam or water distillation, steam or water is forced through the plant material, which pulls the extracts out. Cold pressing involves squeezing the plant, forcing it to release its essential oils.
The two main methods of using essential oils are inhalation and topical application.
People can use diffusers, sprays or oil droplets with essential oils in their rooms. Alternatively, people can inhale essential oils more locally through steam rubbing and steam baths.
People can also apply essential oils topically by massaging them into their skin. However, people shouldn’t use essential oils directly on their skin. You always need to dilute them with a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil.
Doctors also warn people not to ingest essential oils as it can cause organ damage and potentially lead to dangerous drug interactions. Scientists report the case of a person who almost died from taking peppermint oil.
Essential oils are extracts from natural products, so some people believe they are completely safe. However, like other natural products, essential oils come with some risks – even when used properly by humans.
For example, some people can have allergic reactions to certain essential oils. For this reason, people using essential oils for the first time should only expose themselves to a minimal amount. You should then wait and see if they have any adverse effects, including:
In addition, some people report nausea and headaches when inhaling certain essential oils.
There is scientific evidence to suggest that people can experience serious health problems when exposed to large amounts of certain essential oils, including:
- Sage oil
- Hyssop oil
- Thuja oil
- Cedar oil
For example, some individuals involved in the commercial manufacture of these oils have experienced seizures. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can also lead to dermatitis.
Many people use essential oils as an alternative to medication.
While some evidence suggests that certain essential oils might help with acne, scientists in this area have a lot more to do before they can draw any definitive conclusions.