Aromatherapy & Essential Oils For Acne

Brad asked about some aromatherapy options for acne.

The best essential oils with properties to combat acne include:

Bergamot essential oil

Lemon essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil
Juniper essential oil

Rosemary essential oil
Cedarwood essential oil

Here are a few aromatherapy recipes that should help with acne…

Aromatherapy Recipes For Acne

These ideas come from Valerie Gennari-Cooksley’s book, Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide To Healing With Essential Oils.

It’s my number one go-to resource for all things about aromatherapy.

With regard to acne, Valerie says:

Aromatherapy has a lot to offer acne treatment because essential oils are very potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, unsurpassed by modern acne treatments in the market today. Used correctly, therapeutic essential oils are highly antiseptic without harsh side-effects, such as dryness and peeling, a healing aid, and are safe and gentle to the skin.”

She recommends facial steams for opening the pores and increasing circulation.

Here are Valerie’s recipes for the steam and the toner, as well as a moisturizing oil (for those with acne and very dry skin).

Recipe #1: Facial Steam Treatment For Acne

4-6 c. hot water

1 drop Bergamot essential oil

2 drops Lemon essential oil

Combine in a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and try to keep your head 8 inches away from the water and keep your eyes closed. Hover over the steaming water for 15 to 20 minutes 2-3 times a week. Don’t use boiling hot water. Follow with a toner or facial spray to close the pores and balance your skin’s pH level.

Recipe #2: Antiseptic Toner For Acne

4 oz Herbal infusion (or distilled water)

1 T. Cider vinegar

1 T. Witch hazel lotion

1 t. Honey

2 drops Tea Tree essential oil

2 drops Juniper essential oil

Combine ingredients in a smallspray bottle and mist over the face after cleansing. Or, moisten a cotton pad and smooth over face to remove oils and dirt during the day.

Light Moisturizing Oil For Acne

2 t. Hazelnut oil

1 t. Jojoba oil

1/4 t. Wheatgerm oil

6 drops Rosemary essential oil

2 drops Bergamot essential oil

2 drops Cedarwood essential oil

2 drops Tea Tree essential oil

400 IUs Vitamin E (optional)

In a 1-oz amber glass bottle, add all ingredients and shake to mix well. Apply to moistened face by pouring a few drops on clean fingertips and spreading over your face. Avoid the eye area. Can be used twice a day.

To treat individual blemishes, use a drop or two of essential oil on a cotton swab to dab onto infected pores. Tea Tree, Cedarwood, or Lemon essential oils can be used to kill bacterial infections, aid healing, and decrease inflammation. — Valerie Gennari-Cooksley

According to Valerie, the essential oils known to positively affect acne conditions include: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Nerolie, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Peppermint (in low dilutions only), Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree, and Ylang Ylang.

More About Essential Oils & Acne

Best Essential Oils For Mature Acne & Scars

Lynnette Walczak( Publisher )

I like to help people find clever ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Beauty Tips and Beauty Hacks that most people wouldn't think of. With beauty products (like hair care, skincare, and makeup) and personal care items (like teeth issues, body odor, undergarments, and <em>other</em> topics that very few people enjoy talking about)… I share my own honest firsthand experiences that I think others would appreciate hearing about and find helpful. Especially for topics that are usually very "private" and most people don't like to talk about publicly! When I'm not trying new beauty products and organizing all my "stuff", you'll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).