Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide that is widespread and persistent. Though it mainly affects the facial skin, other body parts (like shoulders, arms, back. etc.) can also develop acne in varying degrees. There are many reasons behind the clogging of skin pores or the blocking of hair follicles on our skin. Still, whatever they are, a natural treatment is always better than tons of commercial acne-curing products and medications available in the market. Oregano oil is a natural, safe, and effective acne cure that guarantees results. Let’s know more about it: (1)
What Is Oregano Oil?
Oregano oil, also popularly known as oregano, is a golden to dark yellow-colored oil extracted from the dried leaves and flowers of the bushy herb oregano. It is mainly obtained from the wild oregano or Origanum Vulgare, considered more powerful than other varieties found in home gardens. It is a potent natural healer with a strong spicy odor. The oil of oregano contains loads of phytonutrients, vitamins, antioxidants (mainly flavonoids), etc., which help us by providing nourishment, preventing cellular degeneration, and improving overall health. It also holds excellent antimicrobial properties, which make it a perfect all-natural treatment for several diseases, including acne.
Also Read – 9 Anti-Aging Benefits of Oregano Oil
How Does Oregano Oil Work For Acne?
Oregano oil is known to be nature’s answer to acne. Though it may not be equally effective for everyone, most can get positive results by following a routine. Knowing how exactly oregano oil can help clear acne and its scars is good. Here we go:
- Oregano oil has excellent antibacterial properties, which help reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, that are liver skin, thereby preventing severe acne breakouts.
- The oil is rich in volatile antimicrobials named thymol and carvacrol, which make it a highly potent antiseptic. Hence, it can avert infections from acne and considerably speed up the healing of acne lesions.
- Oregano oil is also regarded as an excellent natural anti-inflammatory agent. As inflammation, redness, and swelling are indispensable parts of acne, this oil can bring all those symptoms down to a great extent.
- The oil is also loaded with antioxidants, strengthening our immune system and keeping bacterial infections at bay, keeping our skin healthy and breakout-free.
How To Use Oregano Oil For Acne?
Now that you know how oregano oil works on the acne-causing bacteria to give us blemishes and breakout-free clear skin, it is time to understand how to put the oil to proper use. According to experts, the oil can be used externally and internally to treat acne. We are going to tell you about both of the ways:
External Use Of Oregano Oil
Topical use of oregano oil is the most common way of treating acne. It would be best to have pure oregano oil and a glass of distilled water. Pour a few drops (2 to 3 drops are enough) of the oil into the water to dilute it. Meanwhile, cleanse your skin with a mild herbal cleanser and pat it dry. Then, dip a cotton ball into the diluted oregano oil and apply it all over your face (or to the affected parts of the face only). Make sure that you skip the areas around your eyes and lips. Allow the oil to sit for the next 10-15 minutes. Once it dries up completely, wash off your face with plain cold water. Practice it twice daily (in the morning and at night) for 3-4 weeks consistently.
Also Read – How Castor Oil Should Be Used For Acne?
Internal Use Of Oregano Oil
If you want to prevent the formation of acne and breakouts from the inside, go for the internal use of oregano oil. There are several ways to consume oregano oil for acne. Choose as per your preference:
- Add 3-4 drops of pure oregano oil to a glass of drinking water or fruit juice and consume it regularly.
- Mix 3-4 drops of the oil with a tablespoon of pure honey and consume it thrice daily.
- Pour 3-4 drops of the oil into an empty gel capsule and swallow it immediately with water.
Side Effects Of Using Oregano Oil
The best thing about oregano oil treatment for acne is that it has no adverse side effects. If you use 100% pure and organic oregano oil, there is no need to worry. Being free of chemical substances, it is safe to use, and you can easily avoid the adverse effects of commercial antibiotics.
However, if you ever feel a slight tingling sensation or redness upon application of oregano oil, reduce its strength or consult a dermatologist. You can also conduct a patch test before using oregano oil on your skin to treat acne.
Summary
Oregano oil, derived from the wild oregano plant, proves to be a natural remedy for acne, addressing various causes of skin issues. Rich in antibacterial properties, it inhibits acne-causing bacteria growth, while thymol and carvacrol act as potent antiseptics, preventing infections and accelerating healing. Its anti-inflammatory nature reduces redness and swelling associated with acne. Applied topically with diluted oil or consumed internally, oregano oil offers a practical, side-effect-free solution for clear skin.
