For those of us that deal with acne, we know how difficult it can be to cope with the additional side effects of acne. Self confidence, low self-esteem, frustration and my number one side effect aggravation. Unfortunately, acne is a problem that people of all ages can experience. Acne does not discriminate on age or gender. If you are like me, then you also have to cope with acne that is hereditary. Yep, acne can be inherited, isn't that lucky? The hereditary type of acne is harder to get rid of, and can follow you through life up to your later years. Let's face it, acne is the pits.

Through my years of angst, I have tried numerous medications, cleansers, toners and vitamins to help clear my skin. All of which helped for a awhile, but eventually, ny skin became accustomed to them, and I started to break out again. Recently I have discovered acne fighting essential oils. The essential oils for acne do necessarily rid you of acne forever, but they will make a positive in your appearnace and skin tone. Below I have listed some of the more popular essential oils for acne along with their benefits. Each will have a different effect for every person, but if you are like me, you are willing to try almost anything to help ease the acne monsters.

1. Tea Tree: Antibacterial and antimicrobial. This wonderful essential oil has been known to kill the bacterial that causes breakouts. Tea Tree has a medicinal, somewhat woodsy aroma. With Tea Tree it is good to know that "Less is more"- a little drop of this essential oil will go a long way. Tea Tree does also dry skin, so be sure to use it sparingly at first to see houw your skin will react to it.
2. Lavender: Soothes damaged skin. Compared to Tea Treem Lavender will not cause any excess dryness. Lavender will also help reduce inflammation and redness. Which in my opinion is another nasty side effect of acne. Lavender has a floral, somewhat sweet aroma. Many prefer it's aroma over Tea Tree. Again, use it sparingly to see what effect it has on your skin.
3. Roman Chamomile: Antibiotic, antiseptic. Chamomile will basically give you the same result as the Lavender. It will help with redness, irritation and it will actually help improve your skin tone. Chamomile has a sweet, crisp and herbaceous aroma.
4. Sandalwood: Antimicrobial. Sadalwood the oil and bacteria that has been known to block your pores. It will also take away the redness and inflammation like Lavender and Chamomile. Sandalwood has a sweet, rich, woody aroma.
5. Witch Hazel extract: Astringent. Witch Hazel is not considered an essential oil. But, I thought it important to have it on this list, since I absolutely love the effects it has on my skin. Witch Hazel is also and anti-inflammatory, so it will also aid in the redness and inflammation. The overal tone of your skin will improve when using Witch Hazel, I personally have noticed a positive difference in my skin.

Those are my favorite essential oils for acne. There are other essential oils that have been known to help clear up acne, the ones above are at the top of most of the lists you will find. I suggest you try a couple of them and see how they work on your skin. Best method of application is to place 1 to 2 drops on a q-tip and apply the essential oil to the area that is affected before you go to bed at night. No results are guaranteed, but as I mentioned before, if you are like me you will try almost anything to get rid of troublesome acne.

Many Thanks~

Lindsey