How do I remove pimples?

Pimples can have different causes. The most common is acne. Acne is a chronic skin condition caused by excess sebum. When too much sebum is produced, usually under the influence of hormones, the skin's pores become clogged. Blackheads can appear. The presence of bacteria leads to inflammation, resulting in more or less visible pimples. It's important to treat pimples as soon as they appear, to avoid unsightly scarring. In this article, we'll take a look at the most effective essential oils for treating pimples, and how to use them properly to achieve results.

The most effective essential oils for pimple removal

Acne pimples are caused by 3 major factors: hyper sebum production, hyper keratinization (accumulation of dead cells) and bacterial proliferation (bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes). To be truly effective, any treatment must act on all these causes. The advantages of using essential oils to treat pimples are numerous. They are generally well tolerated, even by sensitive skin, and can act synergistically to remove pimples more quickly. Essential oils known for their acne-fighting properties include :

• Tea tree (also known as "Melaleuca"): derived from a shrub native to Australia, this essential oil is undoubtedly the most comprehensive for treating pimples. It is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing. It is effective on many bacterial strains, including Propionibacterium acnes.
• Lavender: lavender essential oil is soothing, healing and antiseptic. It also limits inflammation and purifies the skin. Its anti-stress properties are also interesting, as anxiety plays a role in sebum hyper-production.
• Geranium: astringent, purifying and anti-bacterial, geranium essential oil is an excellent adjuvant for treating and drying out pimples.
• Lemon eucalyptus: thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, lemon eucalyptus essential oil helps to reduce the size of pimples and stop their development.

Treating pimples with essential oils: instructions for use

Essential oils should always be used with care, to limit the occurrence of undesirable effects or irritation. Tea tree essential oil can be used pure, in small quantities. The best way to use it is to soak a cotton bud with one to three drops of essential oil and apply locally to the pimple until it disappears. Two or three applications a day are sufficient.

More frequent applications can irritate the skin. Take care to touch only the pimple, avoiding healthy skin. Tea tree oil should not be used on broken skin or pimples. It should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women and young children. You can apply lavender essential oil undiluted or diluted in a little neutral vegetable oil.

The application of pure lavender essential oil should be avoided by pregnant or breast-feeding women and very young children. Geranium essential oil can be more irritating and should be used diluted, as a local treatment. It can also be used in a steam bath to unclog pores and help remove blackheads. Pour three to five drops into a container of boiling water. Place your face over the steam for around ten minutes. As a topical application, lemon eucalyptus oil is effective in eliminating pimples more rapidly. It should always be diluted in a vegetable oil (hazelnut or jojoba oil, for example).

An allergy test to check sensitivity is recommended before use.