Managing Acne Naturally

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (EO) for their healing benefits. Each EO has a unique scent and effect on the mind and body.

Though many EOs can be used safely in pregnancy, it is generally best to avoid using them unless under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist. When applying them to your skin, remember to dilute them with a carrier oil such as sweet almond, coconut and jojoba.

Essential oils which are beneficial in the management of acne include:

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Is extracted from the tea tree leaves and has powerful antiseptic activity useful for killing bacteria and controlling blemishes. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

2. Lemon Essential Oil
Is extracted from the lemon fruit peel and has antiseptic properties. Though non-toxic and non-irritant, it is slightly phototoxic and thus is best used at night for skin should not be exposed to the sun for 12 hours after its use.

3. Lavender Essential Oil
Is extracted from lavender flowers. It promotes skin regeneration and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing and has a calming effect on the mind.

Recipes
Always try one recipe at a time so that if you react, you can easily identify what you are reacting to and stop using it. Before you apply the essential oils to your face, always conduct a patch test. Apply the product to a small area on your arm like the inner aspect of your elbow and leave it on for 24 hours to see if you will develop a reaction (e.g. a rash or irritation). If you don’t, then you can assume that you will not develop one after applying the product to your face.

Store your EO products in dark glass bottles as light, heat and air can affect them.

Finally, give the remedies 2-4 weeks before you declare them ineffective.

1. Tea Tree Mask

  • 1 drop tea tree essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon clay
  • 5ml water
  • Mix and apply on affected areas. Rinse off with warm water.

2. Spot Treatment Solution

  • I drop tea tree essential oil
  • I drop lemon essential oil
  • I drop lavender essential oil
  • 10ml jojoba oil or water
  • Shake thoroughly and apply it to the lesions

Excerpt from MANAGING ACNE NATURALLY © Dr. Miriam Kinai. All rights reserved.


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