NEEM OIL
Neem oil is increasing in popularity for skincare and other uses. It is an exotic, mysterious sounding oil, which is found and produced from the Neem tree, also known as Indian Lilac, and which is indigenous to India and Burma.
The special properties of Neem oil are beneficial for several skin conditions both as prevention and also as a treatment. It has been used over the years for both of these reasons
Below we will examine 3 ways in which Neem oil will benefit your skincare routine.
What is Neem oil?
Neem oil is pressed from the seeds of the Neem tree. This tree is quite common in tropical climates as mentioned above. In a way similar to the production of olive oil, the seed is much better cold-pressed, because heating the seed can destroy its positive ingredients.
The smell of Neem oil can take a bit of getting used to for some people, however, it is often combined with other more pleasant-smelling essential oils in various beauty products, so this is usually not an issue when it comes to using Neem oil as an ingredient in skincare and beauty products.
Why is Neem oil good for skin?
Like other botanical oils Neem oil contains many benefits for the skin, but with a few differences.
Neem oil contains:
- A high level of antioxidants such as carotenoids
- Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid.
- Natural triglycerides
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Anti-inflammatory compounds nimbidin and quercetin
- Natural antimicrobial compounds.
These ingredients pave the way for three main skin-care functions:
- Anti-aging
- Fighting acne
- Calming dry skin conditions
Use Neem oil for an anti-aging treatment
The high essential fatty acid levels in Neem oil ensure that the oil is absorbed deep into the epidermal layers to fill in thin lines and deeply moisturize skin. It also helps with cell turnover and increases the elasticity of the skin. When combined with the very effective antioxidant actions of carotenoid and Vitamin E as well as the moisturizing triglycerides, this oil is wonderful for its anti-aging properties. Also, Neem oil may stimulate collagen production in the skin with regular use.
Use Neem oil as an acne treatment
Compared to years ago, parents of teenagers or other more adult sufferers of acne have many more choices when it comes to fighting pimples these days. It is no longer necessary to bring out the heavy chemicals to fight acne, but instead to turn to the more natural ingredients found all around the world.
Neem oil has been traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many years as an effective antidote to acne. Because Neem oil is antibacterial it is a more soothing way of killing the bacteria that causes acne than using harsh chemicals on the skin
The main point is that Neem oil contains a variety of aspirin-like substances that may help calm inflammation and redness associated with acne. This aspirin-like substance may also help kill bacteria on the skin.
While it will not cure the hormonal origins of acne, it will help minimize some of the appearances and keep skin free of pimple-causing bacteria.
The fatty acids present in Neem Oil may help with scar reduction. Also, it is non-comedogenic, which is great for your skin.
As aspirin can cause you to become more sun-sensitive, be sure to always wear sunscreen after using products containing Neem Oil
Neem oil for dry and scaly skin conditions
Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis are a few skin conditions that are not curable by Neem oil, but they can be reduced a great deal with regular use. Usually once daily with a product containing Neem oil should be enough to aid with these conditions.
Western medicine tends to treat these conditions with anti-inflammatory creams and medicines that may thin the skin and cause other side effects. There are other more natural ways to treat these conditions, including the use of Neem oil.
Neem oil, which is a great natural emollient, is a key thing to have for these conditions. Neem oil is packed with many natural anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in relieving the symptoms of some of these conditions.
These anti-inflammatory compounds include the antioxidant quercetin. This ingredient is also a natural antihistamine, making it a major part of the dry-skin arsenal. Quercetin is a major fighter of the redness, swelling, and hives often associated with some of these conditions.
These are some of the main ways that Neem oil will improve your skin and make a great addition to any skincare product line in your brand. It is worth considering as a key ingredient, particularly on products such as facial creams.
Never consume Neem oil as it is toxic when ingested.
The bottom line
With a history of use spanning thousands of years, Neem oil is a very interesting, all-natural oil that you may consider trying for a variety of skin conditions, including as an anti-aging treatment. Look for it in your skincare products and discover how it may work for you