How to Use Essential Oils for Acne Skin Care

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:

1. Blend 25 drops of tea tree oil with 1/2 teaspoon of powdered goldenseal root to make a paste, adding a few drops of water if needed for the right consistency.
2. Apply the paste directly to your acne, let remain on skin for 10 to 20 minutes, and then rinse off.

Other Best Essential Oils for Acne

If you do have sensitive skin and tea tree oil alone is too strong for you, other acne-fighting essential oils include:

• Lavender
• German chamomile
• Geranium
• Sandalwood

If you have dry skin, the following essential oils for acne may work best:

• Clary sage
• Fennel
• Frankincense
• Juniper berry
• Patchouli
• Rosemary

Essential Oil Acne Blends

The following aromatherapy recipes give you some options for using essential oils to fight acne.

Healing Oils for Acne

Day Oil

• 10 drops palmrosa essential oil
• 10 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 8 teaspoons jojoba oil

Combine ingredients in a 2-ounce glass dropper bottle. Cap and shake well.

To use: Shake. Apply 3 to 4 drops to your face. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes and then use a tissue to blot off surplus oil. Do not get in eyes.

Night Oil

• 10 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 5 drops palmrosa essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 20 drops evening primrose or rosehip seed oil
• 1/4 (60 ml) cup kukui nut oil
  

Combine the evening primrose and essential oils in a 2-ounce glass dropper bottle. Fill bottle with kukui nut oil. Cap and shake well.

To use: Shake. Apply 3 to 4 drops to your face. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes and then use a tissue to blot off surplus oil. Do not get in eyes.

Source: The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Compress With Essential Oils for Acne

From Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art:

• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt 
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops tea tree oil

1. Place Epsom salt in boiling water and let dissolve.
2. Blend in essential oils.
3. Soak a small, absorbent cloth in the solution, wring it out, and apply to pimples for one to two minutes. Repeat application several times.

Premenstrual Acne Essential Oil Blend

From Healing With Aromatherapy:

• 7 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 drops geranium essential oil
• 1 drop palmarosa essential oil
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) grapeseed oil

Apply to your skin morning and night.

Steaming Facial for Acne

Try this facial steam from Healing With Aromatherapy:

• 1 quart steaming water
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
  
• 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  

1. Add essential oils to steaming water.
2. Cover your head with a towel and carefully let the steam flow onto your face.

Toners Using Essential Oils for Acne

Tea Tree Toner

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon tea tree essential oil

1. Pour all ingredients into a clean, dark bottle with a tight-fitting cap and shake well.
2. Shake before each use. Apply to face with a clean cotton ball.

Source: EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs

Essential Oil Toner for Acne

• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops german chamomile essential oil
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons distilled water

1. Combine the ingredients in a dark glass bottle.
2. Shake well and apply to skin with a cotton ball.

Source: Massage & Aromatherapy: Simple Techniques to Use at Home

Also see Face Masks For Acne

Hydrosol Toner for Acne

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:

• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) rosemary verbenone hydrosol
• 1/3 ounce (2 teaspoons) true lavender hydrosol
• 1/3 ounce (2 teaspoons) lemon balm hydrosol

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, store the toner in the refrigerator.

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