Aromatherapy and Acne Q&A
Q: I’ve heard aromatherapy helps acne. How can something that just smells good help your skin?
A: Aromatherapy isn’t all smell. Real aromatherapy uses oils that have been strongly concentrated from plants, and can have some the herbal / medicinal effects as an herbal treatment, except you apply it to your skin instead of take it in a capsule or tea. In fact, because essential oils are so concentrated and strong, you never swallow them or even use them full-strength on your skin unless directed by a professional. But if you put real essential oils into another inert or “carrier” oil, they can be applied to the skin very safely, and have some of the same benefits as over the counter acne medicines without as much drying, redness or flaking they can sometimes cause.
Grapeseed Oil is a good choice as a mixer / carrier oil for acne because it is mildly astringent (oil reducing) on it’s own. It is easily absorbed by the skin, and does not seem to block pores like other waxes and oils sometimes can.
Aromatherapy focusea on the same basic two things as over the counter acne treatments: killing germs and reducing oily skin.
Citrus oils like lemon and grapefruit are a classic choice because they do both things at once. Citrus reduces oily skin and kills germs BUT they are not a good choice for this, especially on the face. Citrus oils can cause sun sensitivity and should not be used on skin for 12 hours prior to sun exposure.
We can avoid this problem and get the same end effect by using combinations of other oils. Consult an aromatherapist to create a blend for your unique needs:
Thyme Linalool – this oil is from the thyme plant, but it is a special type of the plant, not exactly the herb you use in cooking. This special sub-type is gentle, safe to use on skin, but still has thyme’s strong germ killing properties
Juniper Berry – pleasant smelling, also gentle, and germ killing
Tea Tree Oil – is a strong germ-killer, but has a strong scent as well. Some people don’t care to have the scent on their face.
Lavendar – mildly antiseptic, but more useful for the way it normalizes skin oils. It will soften dry skin and dry oily skin, bringing it back into a healthy balance.
Ylang Ylang – very pleasant smelling, reduces oily skin.
Frankincense – reduces oiliness, reported to help a little with wrinkles too. May be helpful for adult or middle aged acne.
You’ll probably be asked to wash the affected area and apply a thin layer of the blend once or twice a day.
