Essential oils are actually secondary metabolites of plants; these compounds are produced by plants for survival.
You read that right! Plants need to survive too!! 🥲
One of the functions of essential oils is a self-defense mechanism for plants, which can ward off harmful microorganisms, insects, or animals.
They protect plants from bacterial infection and help heal wounds. Precisely because essential oils can defend against microorganisms and protect against bacterial infection, different essential oils can provide various benefits and therapeutic properties for the skin, including bactericidal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and balancing effects, as well as healing wounds and nourishing the skin.
Causes of Acne:
Clogged pores: Thickening of the stratum corneum on the skin surface
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Excessive sebum activity: Stimulation by androgens leading to abnormal excessive oil secretion
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Bacterial infection: Sebum accumulation triggers bacterial invasion
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Inflammatory response: Bacteria break down sebum into fatty acids, which irritate the skin and lead to acne formation.
Which essential oils can treat acne?
Manuka essential oil: Possesses antiviral, antifungal, and powerful bactericidal properties, and promotes tissue regeneration.
Myrrh essential oil: Equipped with bactericidal, healing, and anti-inflammatory capabilities to repair damaged skin.
Petitgrain essential oil: Gently and effectively bactericidal, it regulates skin sebum secretion and reduces excessive oiliness. It clears skin blemishes and works synergistically to treat comedones and acne.
Litsea Cubeba essential oil: Antibacterial and acne-fighting, it firms and tightens, improves excessive oil secretion, and balances oily skin types.
How to use essential oils on the face?
DILUTE!! DILUTE!! DILUTE!!!
Essential oils are highly potent ingredients, but because they are so concentrated, never apply them directly to the skin. Instead, add them to a gentle carrier oil or use products containing the relevant essential oil. Carrier oils include olive oil or almond oil. In terms of ratio, for every 1 or 2 drops of essential oil, you should add about 12 drops of carrier oil. Then, you can use a cotton swab to apply it directly to blemished skin. Before using essential oils, it is best to clean and dry the skin. Apply the oil immediately after, followed by a soothing moisturizer. You can use it morning and night to control acne.
When using essential oils, avoid large-scale application and use them primarily as spot treatment, such as for cystic acne. Must be diluted! Be careful as they can cause skin burns.
On the proper use of Tea Tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil has been used for a long time to fight acne and is widely used. Many people apply tea tree oil directly to acne spots. However, tea tree oil is not suitable for everyone.
The molecular structure of tea tree essential oil is very small, and it possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This allows it to rapidly penetrate pores and enter the deeper layers of the skin, enabling more effective elimination of acne-causing bacteria. Precisely because of its rapid drying effect, it can accelerate pigment deposition, potentially turning into brown or darker acne marks. Tea tree essential oil may cause more inflammation and irritation to sensitive skin, so those with sensitive skin should avoid using it.