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One of the most commonly suggested essential oils for acne is tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that found a gel containing 5% tea tree oil treated acne as effectively as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide (a standard medical treatment), with far fewer side effects.
Most people can dab a little tea tree oil directly onto pimples. However, if you have never used tea tree, spot test first to make sure you don't have a bad reaction, especially if your skin is very sensitive. You can also dilute tea tree in a carrier oil for use on acne.
Here's an intensive way to deal with acne from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art:
If you do have sensitive skin and tea tree oil alone is too strong for you, other acne-fighting essential oils include:
If you have dry skin, the following essential oils for acne may work best:
The following aromatherapy recipes give you some options for using essential oils to fight acne.
Mix ingredients in small, dark bottle. Every night, massage a little of the mixture around your pimples.
If you want to make this aromatherapy skincare recipe to use in the morning, use cream instead of jojoba oil. However, don't go into sun while using this blend, because bergamot makes skin more sun-sensitive.
From Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art:
From Healing With Aromatherapy:
Apply to your skin morning and night.
Try this facial steam from Healing With Aromatherapy:
For general use, you can make this tea tree toner from EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs:
Hydrosols are a by-product of the steam distillation of essential oils and are gentler than the oils, making hydrosols a good option for people with very sensitive skin.
For toner for skin with acne, The Essential Guide to Natural Skin Care suggests:
Blend hydrosols in a small, dark spray bottle. Lightly mist face.
It's OK to keep this toner on the bathroom counter, away from direct sunlight, for one to two months. Otherwise, keep it in the refrigerator.
Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home
Also see Face Masks For Acne
Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo