How To Use Neem Oil For Acne

Neem Oil for acne is often recommended for its healing properties. Over the years it has been used to treat several medical conditions. It also has been used as a component in a range of products, especially in skincare and haircare products. 

This medicinal oil is said to be enriched with beneficial fatty acids and essential nutrients. Neem Oil contains antioxidants, Vitamin E, calcium, triglycerides, limonoids, and the previously mentioned – fatty acids – all of which aids in the improvement of skin health.

HOW DO WE EXTRACT NEEM OIL?

Neem is enriched with beneficial anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It is extracted from the kernels of the Neem Tree and has a light green color.

At JC, Neem oil is also extracted through the technique of cold processing. Since the cold-pressed technique does not involve any heat, the essential fatty acids and nutrients stay intact in the oil post-extraction. Thus, locking in natural components and imparting benefits of neem oil to skins’ overall health.

BENEFITS OF NEEM OIL FOR ACNE

Acne is caused for many reasons – the most common being hormonal imbalances and sometimes unhealthy lifestyles that might cause skin breakouts and inflammations. Let us have a look at how Neem Oil for acne can be effectively used:

• Inhibits Bacterial Growth
  Neem Oil is best known for its healing properties, especially for acne-prone skin. It effectively removes the presence of the bacteria that leads to the breakouts. This is because Neem Oil has natural antibacterial properties that help in combating acne. The anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the redness of the skin, thus soothing painful acne.
• Get Rid of Excess Oil
  Hormonal changes are common in everybody, but sometimes they do affect the skin. An increase in sebum production is noticed because of these hormonal changes. When the sebum becomes excessive, it combines with the dead skin cells which blocks the pores. These blocked pores then give rise to acne blemishes. Neem Oil assists in unclogging the pores and helps balance sebum production. Always clean your face thoroughly before applying a few drops of Neem oil on all the areas of your face that are acne-prone.
• Clearer Skin 
  Not only does Neem Oil help in getting rid of skin irritations– it helps in dealing with the hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is mostly advised to apply a few drops of the oil and leave it overnight for it to show results. It is because of the presence of Vitamin E that helps in restoring the damaged cells as a result of acne. Thus Neem Oil is extremely effective in reducing the inflammation, redness, and scars left behind by pimples.

HOW CAN YOU USE NEEM OIL FOR ACNE?

• As a facial oil 
  For the Neem oil to be most effective in helping improve your acne-related skin issues – use it as a carrier oil. Use a cotton ball to lightly dab the organic neem oil onto the acne-affected areas of the skin and let it soak in its healing properties for 20 minutes. Once done, you can wash off your face with warm water and follow this regime regularly to notice optimum results.
• Mask Up
  Face masks with a Neem oil base can help in soothing & calming the skin. You can make a paste of 1 teaspoon of neem powder with two tablespoons of Aloe vera gel and use it to treat acne. Since aloe-vera gel has antibacterial properties, they aid in dealing with acne. Like every other mask, you should apply this evenly all over your face and let it be for 15 minutes before you rinse it off with cold water. Alternatively, you can add neem oil to your favorite clay mask as well.

OTHER BENEFITS FOR NEEM OIL

Other than the common benefits of Neem Oil for acne as mentioned above, there are some other less well-versed advantages too :

• Neem Oil is beneficial to fight dry skin too. Because of components such as fatty acids and Vitamin E, rubbing your nails with this medicinal oil helps in letting it penetrate through your skin and nails. This helps in softening the nail cuticles and better nail health
• Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Neem oil helps slow down skin aging and promote a healthier, youthful glow. 
• Neem is also beneficial for scalp health. Its antibacterial properties help fight off dandruff and relieve itchy scalp. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

1. Is Neem Oil suitable for all skin types?
   Its natural properties make it suitable for the majority of skin types. However, a patch test is recommended.
2. How often do I have to use it to see results?
   Acne takes time to heal and varies from individual to individual. It is advisable to follow a skincare routine as per your skin type consistently for best results. You may also try this nourishing facial oil as an acne spot treatment. Enriched with  Hemp Seed, Safflower Seed, and Argan oils, this helps in moisturizing the skin and does not clog the pores.
3. Are there any side effects of using Neem Oil?
   Some people may be allergic to Neem. Therefore in case of any itching or reddening of the skin, it is advisable to go to your dermatologist right away and stop its use.

REFERENCES:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88925/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317063216_Healing_Acne_with_Medicinal_Plants_An_Overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333683177_Neem_the_Wonder_Herb_A_Short_Review
https://www.jocpr.com/articles/herbal-remedies-of-azadirachta-indica-and-its-medicinal-application.pdf