Discover 7 essential oils for pimples and blackheads and how to use them with 2 effective recipes!
Those with pimples usually also have blackheads because these two skin issues are caused by excess oily skin. If the oil is not properly cleansed, it goes deep into the skin pores and ends up forming pimples and blackheads.
For blackheads, the oil in the pores gets oxidizes which discolors it and makes it black, hence the name ‘blackheads.’
For pimples, the oil combines with other impurities such as dead cells, bacteria, dirt and pollution and gets inflamed, causing a raised and painful bump on the skin known as a pimple.
Below, let’s see how essential oils help pimples and blackheads, which particular essential oils to use and two effective recipes to use!
How Do Essential Oils Help Pimples and Blackheads?
One of the best benefits of essential oils is their amazing uses in the skin care world. Essential oils help treat acne, blackheads, rashes, eczema and other skin conditions without giving any bad side-effects like conventional treatments. Below are some of the properties of essential oils that make them good for treating pimples and blackheads.
- Astringent properties: These tighten large pores which reduces excess oil secretion that causes pimples and blackheads.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Acne inflammation can be reduced and soothed by certain essential oils such as lavender, copaiba, tea tree and more.
- Antibacterial properties: Bacteria is one of the causes of pus-filled acne. Luckily, essential oils have powerful antibacterial properties that destroy bacteria on the skin and within the pores.
- Cleansing properties: Essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, lemon and others have cleansing properties which helps remove dirt, grime and excess sebum (oils) that clog pores and form pimples and blackheads.
Research on Essential Oils for Pimples and Blackheads
► Study One: Tea tree oil has a powerful effect against acne and is an effective natural treatment (1)
► Study Two: Essential oils of basil and orange were shown to improve acne with about 43% – 75% clearance of lesions (2)
► Study Three: Copaiba essential oil is effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris (3)
7 Essential Oils for Pimples and Blackheads
1. Tea Tree (where to get it)
2. Lemon (where to get it)
3. Basil (where to get it)
4. Geranium (where to get it)
5. Copaiba (where to get it)
6. Sweet Orange (where to get it)
7. Lavender (where to get it)
If you’re new to essential oils, please first read this before moving on: Caution & Safety When Using Essential Oils.
2 Essential Oil Recipes for Pimples and Blackheads
Before using these essential oil recipes, first extract your blackheads using pore strips like these ones then start applying the blends below to prevent blackheads from reappearing.
1. DIY Serum for Pimples and Blackheads
Argan oil is non-comedogenic (has a pore-clogging rate of zero!) so it’s an excellent oil for acne. Other non-comedogenic oils include: hemp oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and shea butter.
What you need
- 10 drops tea tree
- 10 drops copaiba
- 5 drops lavender
- 2 tbsp argan oil (where to get it)
- 1 oz amber glass dropper bottle (where to get it)
Method
- Mix up the oils in the dropper bottle.
- To use, place 2 – 3 drops on your palm and apply all over your face after cleansing it.
- You can use this as your daily moisturizer or night time acne & blackhead treatment!
2. Lemon Toner for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
What you need
- ½ cup of distilled water (where to get it)
- 1 tbsp witch hazel (where to get it)
- 5 drops lemon oil
- 4 oz amber spray bottle (where to get it)
Method
- Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake gently to combine them all.
- Spritz onto the face after cleansing it as a toner. Make sure to avoid the eyes while spraying.
References
(1) Hammer KA1. Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: a review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2015 Feb;45(2):106-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011. Epub 2014 Nov 13.
(2) Matiz G1, Osorio MR, Camacho F, Atencia M, Herazo J. [Effectiveness of antimicrobial formulations for acne based on orange (Citrus sinensis) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) essential oils]. Biomedica. 2012 Jan-Mar;32(1):125-33. doi: 10.1590/S0120-41572012000100014.
(3) da Silva AG1, Puziol Pde F, Leitao RN, Gomes TR, Scherer R, Martins ML, Cavalcanti AS, Cavalcanti LC. Application of the essential oil from copaiba (Copaifera langsdori Desf.) for acne vulgaris: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Altern Med Rev. 2012 Mar;17(1):69-75.