Historically, neem oil has been used on the skin for various beauty benefits. Specifically, the oil can also be used to treat skin problems such as Psoriasis, Dry Skin, Acne, and Eczema.
Neem oil is rich in Antioxidants and Essential Fatty Acids, high in Vitamins C and E, and has active limonoids such as Azadirachtin, Nimbin, Nimbolide, and Salannin.
Regular use of neem oil offers anti-ageing benefits such as reducing wrinkles and fine lines and makes your skin look young and supple. The oil can stimulate collagen production and has astringent qualities as well; hence controls excess sebum. Thus, not only dry skin people but also those with oily skin can use Neem oil.
Here is a brief insight into the neem oil benefits for skin and how to use it.
How To Use?
Neem oil has a pungent odour, is very potent, and has a thick consistency. Hence, for beauty benefits, when you would like to apply the oil all over your face, neck, and body, it is better to mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Doing this will not only decrease the unpleasant odour but also reduces the risk of an allergic reaction due to the extremely potent nature of neem oil. Also, being less sticky, it will be easy for you to apply.
However, to treat small spots like in the cases of acne, Psoriasis, or Eczema, dab on a few drops using a cotton pad or wool; leave it on for 15 minutes; wash off with lukewarm water; Repeat for a few days to observe effects.
Also, if you are using the oil for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you are not allergic to the oil. Apply some oil on your arm; leave it on for a day; if there are no adverse effects, you can use neem oil on any part of your body.
When Using Neem Oil On Your Child’s Skin:
Neem oil being potent, you should restrict usage in children below two years. Also, it is better to consult your child’s physician before using neem oil on your child’s skin.
How To Buy Neem Oil For Skin?
For effective results, it is crucial to buy unadulterated pure neem oil. Buying organic, cold-pressed neem oil will be more effective. So, do some research before you zero in on a particular brand.
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Neem Oil To Treat Skin Problems
1. Relieves dryness and helps provide relief from itching
Skin itching is a common skin problem that may occur due to loss of moisture in the skin. Neem oil is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids (EFAs), and hence it slows down the moisture loss.
Mix equal parts of neem oil with a carrier oil (preferably cold-pressed coconut oil). You may also dilute it more if you find the consistency sticky, by increasing the proportion of carrier oil. Apply on your skin; massage gently; leave it on for a good 15 to 20 minutes; then, wash off with lukewarm water and soap. In case of extreme dryness, you may wash off with lukewarm water alone. Repeating the process every day will give you relief from the itching by healing damaged and dry skin.
2. Treats Psoriasis effectively
Cold and dry weather can trigger Psoriasis symptoms considerably; if you happen to live in such regions, you will be having a tough time managing the skin condition. Though the condition cannot be cured, neem oil can help manage the painful skin condition Psoriasis.
The two main symptoms associated with this disease are scaling and dryness.
The active component Nimbin present in neem oil is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and hence helps in reducing inflammation in Psoriasis. Besides, the antibacterial properties present in the oil prevent further skin infections and diseases.
Dab on a few drops onto the affected area. If your skin is very painful, you can use gauze and wrap around the affected area after dabbing on the oil.
3. Reduces Eczema
Neem oil is effective in treating symptoms of eczema as well. It cannot cure the root cause of eczema; the cause might be acquired or hereditary. However, due to the anti-inflammatory properties present in neem oil, using the oil regularly will help in getting relief from red rashes and irritation caused by eczema.
Gently massage the area with a few drops of neem oil. Leave it on for some time and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat for several days until symptoms subside.
4. Stimulates collagen and smooths wrinkles
Being high in Vitamin C, neem oil stimulates the production of collagen and thus slows down ageing. Hence, if you use the oil regularly, your skin will look supple and young.
Mix equal parts of neem oil with a carrier oil, apply the mixture on your face and neck and massage gently. Leave it on for 20 minutes; wash your face with your regular soap or face wash.
Regular usage smooths fine lines and wrinkles effectively. The oil also has immune-boosting and regenerative properties that help the skin to fight various pathogens present below the surface of the skin. As a result, the skin stays smooth and young for long, delaying the ageing process.
The Takeaway
Neem oil is one of those oils that has been used traditionally to treat skin problems and for other beauty benefits such as slowing down the ageing process of your skin.
There are a few precautions, though. Firstly, do a patch test when you are using it for the first time. Being potent, when using on larger areas, mixing it with a carrier oil is a must. Lightly dab on a few drops when you are spot treating (in cases like acne or eczema). And, be cautious when using it on your child.
Images from canva.com
