Why essential oils?
Acne and acne scars are a quite common problem, especially for those with either acne-prone or sensitive skin type. Although there are countless over the counter products for acne care, natural herbal remedy is still one of the most preferred choices for acne problems. Acne-care essential oils are widely used to treat acne as they are very potent, contain no additives, and does not trigger any further side effects. Tea tree has become a holy grail for a vast majority of people with acne-prone skin, and recently, lavender is also studied to have similar functions to this tea tree oil in treating acne and acne scars.
Does lavender oil help acne scars?
Lavender essential oil is well known for their relaxing nice scent. Surprisingly, this oil also has some beneficial properties in addition to its mind-refreshing aroma. It is a potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory substance which works great in improving your acne breakout.
Similar to other types of skin disorders we experience, acne and pimples cause break and tear to the skin cells and tissues, causing visible scars afterwards. Some problems associated with acne breakout include redden skin, zits, pimples, dark spots, and acne scars. As a strong antimicrobial, lavender oil helps improving these problems by inhibiting bacterial infestation so that early acne breakout can be prevented. Furthermore, it also promotes collagen production that strengthen the skin cells and promotes sufficient skin regeneration. This will eventually reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars caused by acne.
The best method of getting rid of scars is to prevent it from forming at all. Hence, it is best to prevent acne so that you will not undergo any scaring problems afterwards. As acne problems, according to various studies and journals, are strongly connected to one’s stress and anxiety, lavender does have a significant role in inhibiting its presence. Lavender oil has an ability to reduce stress and anxiety as well as therapeutic properties to improve sleeping quality which are entirely beneficial in acne prevention.
If you are fighting old scars, unfortunately, lavender oil might not work very significantly. It does have anti-inflammatory property which, less fortunately, works better for inflamed pimples rather than the resulted scars from acne breakout. Moreover, lavender can be irritating when directly applied to the face. As a result, most people using this oil for treating their acne and acne scars dilute it with warm water before applying it to the affected area only, instead of all over the facial skin. Another method is by put some drops into boiling water and apply only the steam for the face.
The good news is lavender oil, in some people, works great for cystic acne—one of the most problematic acne problems suffered by the majority of people. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in lavender oil work well in reducing the appearance of unpleasant cystic acne, which often result in scars. For this purpose, you can mix some drops of lavender oil with milder yet potent rose oil before applying the mixture onto the cystic acne. If your skin is not the sensitive type, you may dab lavender oil full strength during cystic acne breakout for extra treatment. However, allergy and irritation test might be required beforehand, as lavender oil may instead trigger skin redness and irritation when used directly. Dab the oil on the skin behind the ear to know your skin reaction the oil specifically.
Tips on acne healing and acne scar preventing
- Never touch the affected area. Acne problems almost always cause itchy and painful pimples or zits that trigger you to scratch the affected area. Try not to be tempted to do so, as scratching acne-affected skin area will result in damaged tissues and consequently, persistent scars.
- Periodically and regularly wash your pillow cases and bed sheet, as they might be contaminated with germs and bacteria that may be able to worsen your acne breakout.
- Pay attention to your diet and daily habits. Eating too much fatty foods may increase sebum production that may end up in acne breakouts.
- Lavender oil mixed in virgin coconut oil might be helpful for acne scars with regular application. Apply the mixture regularly before bed time to improve dark spots and acne scars.
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