Use Clove Oil For Treating Acne

Acne is a common skin ailment which is characterized by scaly red skin, blackheads and whiteheads, pimples and possibly scarring. Acne can form blemishes and patches and make it look bad. Acne is generally caused during adolescence, due to hormonal imbalances, hereditary or excessive exposure to dust and light.

With the growing consciousness over skin health and beauty, acne is considered a very major problem. There are various medical options to treat it. But these days people prefer using natural products that have a long lasting result and no side effects.

One such natural product effective in treating acne is the clove oil, an essential oil derived from the aromatic flowers of clove plants, which grows naturally throughout Indonesia.

As a tropical plant, clove oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and anesthetic properties. It is a potent
essential oil that has burning and purifying properties. Not only does it helps to reduce the inflammation of painful pimples and kill the bacteria that can worsen breakouts. But it is also used as a numbing agent due to its anesthetic properties and as a pain ailment due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use clove oil for acne treatment?
In its pure form it is very irritating . It is best to combine one part clove oil with 10 parts of a gentle carrier oil such as olive oil,
grape seed oil or almond oil before applying to the skin. This dilution can be applied directly to acne,pimple or zit with a clean fingertip or cotton swab, where it should be left to dry. Clove oil can be applied to the skin to treat emerging or existing breakouts. It is very strong and acts very quickly.

Precautions necessary when using clove oil:

• Pure clove oil is very strong and can increase the irritation further if directly applied without any dilutions.
• One should be very careful when using clove oil on skin, as it can cause burns.
  
• Clove Oil can also be allergic, therefore before using it on facial skin, it is best to put a drop on the inside of your elbow to see for any reactions.
  
• Clove oil is an emergency spot acne treatment only and should be used with care so as to not burn the skin.
  
• Pure Clove Oil should be used only be used a medical practitioner or dermatologist's prescription.
  
• Though it is effective for acne treatment, it should not be used as a replacement for medically prescribed creams or chemicals.

Apart from clove oil, other natural essential oils that can be used for acne treatment are lavender oil, citrus oil, tea tree oil, etc. There is no harm in using natural products, but it should under medical supervision and with proper precautions.