What Are The Benefits Of Neem Oil For Skin?

Proponents of natural beauty products have a lot of good things to say about Neem oil for skin. This old oil comes from the Indian Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), also known as the Indian Lilac and long prized as an ingredient in skin care preparations and Ayurvedic medicines for centuries.

neem oil for skin

Recent studies have found that Neem oil is an excellent choice for both healthcare and medicinal use. The therapeutic qualities of the oil coming from neem azadirachta indica include:

  • Its anti-microbial properties destroy existing microorganisms and prevent the growth of more.
  • Its anti-fungal properties kill fungus and prevent it from growing and spreading.
  • Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce tenderness, redness, and swelling.
  • Its anti-viral components ward off and hinder the growth of viruses.
  • It anti-bacterial properties kill off unwanted bacteria.
  • Its analgesic properties provide relief from pain.

In addition to working on skin disorders, pure neem oil also imparts a number of positive health benefits. As a skin treatment, it stimulates the production of collagen, smoothes wrinkles, alleviates symptoms of eczema and psoriasis and can help heal acne.

Neem seed oil delivers an abundance of vitamin E, calcium, triglycerides and essential fatty acids (EFA) to the skin. This light natural oil goes on smoothly and penetrates the skin surface deeply to help eradicate flaws caused by extreme dryness.

Used regularly, the neem seed oil softens the skin, promotes healing and reduces scarring. The fatty acids found in this remarkable oil are:

Although Neem may seem quite oily when initially applied, you are sure to be surprised by how quickly and thoroughly it is absorbed by the skin.

Because it does penetrate the skin’s surface very deeply, it truly works wonders to rejuvenate skin cells and restore the skin’s elasticity. It also works very well to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

It does this by stimulating the production of collagen, which is an important building block in the skin structure. Vitamin E contained in the oil works as a free radical scavenger and slows down the oxidizing process.

Medicinal Value

In India and many Asian countries, natural Neem oil is an everyday health and beauty fixture. Neem products are used as natural remedies for many ailments. Its highly prized for its ability to reduce inflammation. In addition to neem cure, healing and nourishing components, this medicinal oil also contains powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients:

Nimbin and Nimbidin act in a manner very similar to aspirin to reduce swelling, relieve redness and calm inflammation. Quercetin works like Benadryl and other antihistamines.

It helps lessen the production of histamines and other potential irritants. The other properties of Neem oil hamper bacteria production, soothe irritation, reduce inflammation and prevent continued acne break-outs.

Neem Oil For Skin Conditions

Organic neem oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin, and thanks to its many fine properties it also acts to fight aging, heal scars, battle acne, soothe eczema and chase away fungus.

One study published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal in May of 2004 cited a lab experiment that had been conducted to determine the efficacy of Neem oil as an autoimmune system booster.

In this study, nimibidin was applied to immune cells drawn from lab rats. They found the nimibidin inhibited the cells’ histamine production, thereby reducing inflammation and allergic reaction. It’s believed this is how Neem oil works to reduce skin irritation.

Neem Extract To Treat & Soothe Acne

As an acne treatment, neem extracts make one of the essential oils with remarkable healing effects and without further outbreaks of pimples and blackheads. The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil help soothe the inflammation and irritation caused by acne. Its anti-bacterial properties combat the bacteria that cause the skin to break out.

Neem oil’s rich, fatty acids help stimulate collagen production to promote healing of current lesions and scars. The oil makes an excellent overall moisturizer for acne prone skin, but it may seem a bit too oily for some.

If this is the case, try mixing a few drops of Neem oil with a dab of aloe vera gel to create a light, slightly astringent moisturizer to be applied after washing your face in the morning. Use pure Neem oil as an ointment to treat lesions and scars overnight.

Neem soap is very helpful to people suffering from severe acne. Wash your face and other affected areas with a Neem soap for even more anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

You can also use neem leaves, neem powder, neem leaf powder or neem leaf extract to create a skin masque that will help tighten the pores, draw out impurities and smooth and tone your skin.

You can also use pure Neem oil extract as an occasional treatment for acne prone skin. After washing your face, apply the oil lightly and cover the area with a warm towel to help the oil soak in. Rest for 15 or 20 minutes and follow up this treatment by rinsing your face with warm water, followed by cool water.

This healing oil can moisturize acne-prone skin without clogging pores. Keeping your skin well moisturized helps prevent flaking, which can clog pores.

TIP: While the oil is the most easily obtained part of the Neem tree in the west, you should be aware that the leaf is also an excellent thing to have on hand in case of any skin ailment or allergy. Neem leaves have very powerful medicinal functions. You can purchase Neem leaves or Neem leaf powder from your local health food store or online from such popular suppliers as Amazon. Neem leaf powder is available in neem capsules form for ease of use.

How To Use Neem Oil For Anti-Aging

Neem oil benefits skin in so many ways and it includes slowing the signs of aging, thanks to its antioxidants and fatty acids. Linoleic and oleic acids penetrate deeply into elp soften skin cell linings. Furthermore, applying a thin layer of Neem oil to your face before going out into the cold creates a barrier against the ravages of inclement weather. This keeps the skin well-hydrated by preventing the loss of moisture in dry, cold air.

The antioxidants found in the Neem essential oil also help protect the skin against other environmental damage, such as smog and air pollution. Additionally, Neem contains high levels of carotenoids, which are like carotene. These potent antioxidant compounds of the neem tree oil protect the skin and hamper the activities of free radicals.

With regular use, this perfect blend of healing and soothing compounds can work wonders to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and stave off signs of aging. Neem oil has the perfect makeup to balance skin tone, repair damaged skin, moisturize dry skin and restore and maintain a youthful appearance.

Moisturize Aging Skin

Part of the process of aging is a reduction in the production of oils in the skin. While some moisturizers work by holding moisture in, Neem tree oil works by actually imparting moisture to the skin and encouraging the production of collagen, the protein that is the building block of healthy skin cells.

Neem oil is far superior to the vast majority of commercially prepared moisturizers for skin care and hair care on the market today. It works beautifully all on its own. There is no need to add chemicals, artificial coloring or petroleum products!

Regular application of this wonderful oil is simple. To use Neem as an overnight moisturizer, just blend a few drops of Neem oil with a few drops of jojoba oil and smooth the mixture over your face after cleansing your skin.

Treat Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is a chronic condition that is caused by a genetic predisposition. As such, it is not possible to cure it, but the use of Neem oil can help soothe the symptoms. In addition to reducing inflammation, Neem oil is an excellent emollient. With its rich, fatty acids and high vitamin E content, Neem oil is perfect for filling in cracks and fissures in the skin and promoting healing.

The antiseptic properties of this valuable oil help kill and ward off bacteria to prevent the development of secondary skin infection.

All of the natural properties of Neem oil are truly “just what the doctor ordered” concerning coping with the symptoms of eczema. Regarding affordability, this all-natural, nourishing oil is a top choice for eczema relief.

Available at Amazon

Treat Fungal Infections Of The Skin And Nails

Neem oil is strongly anti-fungal and can be very useful in the battle against common skin fungus infections, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. The fact is, the fungus that causes these two conditions, as well as nail fungus, is the same. The only difference in these afflictions is the location of the infestation. For this reason, Neem oil is very effective used as a topical treatment for any fungal infection you may have.

To use this remarkable oil against fungus, try applying it liberally to the affected area as many times daily as needed. If it is not effective on its own, try combining it with an over the counter anti-fungal cream.

Understand that fungal infections are usually very tenacious, and no matter what you use you may never be able to eradicate the problem entirely. This is why it’s good to have an assorted arsenal at hand to battle ringworm, athlete’s foot, and nail infection.

Be sure to be consistent in the application of Neem oil to the affected area, and back up your treatment with good personal hygiene and treatments such as vinegar soaks. Use Neem soap for a good, all-over, anti-fungal treatment.

Related: Neem Oil vs Palm Oil

Why Is Neem Oil Better Than Synthetic Oils?

There is a school of thought that advocates that any oil will work equally well to moisturize the skin because oils only work by holding the natural oil of the skin in, they do not penetrate. This way of thinking is patently false.

The fact is, hydrogenated oils, synthetic oils, and petroleum products (e.g. petroleum jelly, mineral oil) are terrible for the skin. They create a thick layer over the surface of the skin that cannot soak in because the molecules in the oil are too large to penetrate the skin’s surface. These oils clog pores and significantly contribute to the development of acne.

Natural, organic, plant-based oils such as Neem oil, coconut oil, and olive oil have the ability to penetrate the surface of the skin and provide real moisturizing and other benefits. Of these types of oils, Neem is superior because of its more potent antifungal, antiviral, antibiotic and pro-healing abilities.

As a caveat, users should be careful when adding Neem oil to everyday personal care. Remember that it is a powerful substance, and if overused, it could cause irritation rather than helping to resolve it. Always do a patch test before adding Neem oil to any product.

Remember that it’s best to blend the oil into a carrier substance such as aloe vera gel or an innocuous or beneficial, natural oil. Some of these carrier oils include:

  • Shea Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Peppermint Oil

It may take a bit of experimentation to determine exactly the right amount of Neem oil and type of carrier oil needed to serve your purposes. Begin by mixing approximately six drops of pure Neem oil per teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera gel. Adjust as needed until you hit upon the perfect balance to suit your needs.

Replace A Vast Array Of Personal Care Products

It may take a bit of trial and error to learn how to use Neem oil as a moisturizer and treatment for skin conditions. Due to its amazing effects, it can also be used as a hair conditioner or shampoo that prevents dandruff, frizzy hair and head lice promoting fast hair growth and a healthy scalp. Once you’ve had a bit of practice, you are sure to find that this simple, natural oil can fulfill a wide variety of personal care needs. Refer to the information presented here as you save money and gain health and beauty with Neem tree oil.

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/91313-apply-Neem-oil/
https://www.justNeem.com/4-ways-Neem-oil-will-improve-your-skin/
http://www.ecowatch.com/3-reasons-why-you-should-use-Neem-oil-on-your-skin-1896596842.html