Neem oil has been a staple medicine and beauty product in India for centuries. It has strong roots in traditional Ayurvedic medicine practices. It is derived from the neem tree which is a type of evergreen. The fruit of the tree is harvested and extracted to produce oil. The oil is generally a dark greenish-brown and has a very pungent scent. The use of neem oil is relatively new in Western regions but once you learn about how diverse this oil is you will be eager to add it to your beauty routine.
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- Relieves eczema and psoriasis
- Speeds wound healing
- Boosts collagen production
- Reduces scars
- Moisturizes skin
- Heals acne
- Treats dandruff
- Encourages hair growth
Eczema and Psoriasis
Both eczema and psoriasis cause the skin to become irritated, red, inflamed, and itchy. Neem oil offers great relief from all of these symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory properties such as nimbidin and nimbin that calm the skin, reduce redness and ease the irritation. The vitamin E and C in the oil will also hydrate the skin and reduce itching and flaking. The antibacterial elements of neem oil will help reduce and prevent and infection caused by itching. Since there is no cure for eczema or psoriasis the main objective is to treat the flare-up, eliminate symptoms and heal the area as fast as possible. Neem oil offers exactly that.
Flare-up Balm
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon shea butter
1-2 teaspoon neem oil
Optional: 3 drops essential oil (lavender or tea tree)
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to the affected area
Leave on the skin and do not wash or rinse off
Repeat up to several times a day
Wounds
Neem oil helps to heal wounds by moisturizing the skin and encouraging the outer barrier to strengthen. The fatty acids in neem oil also boost collagen production which aids in healing by improving the skin’s elasticity. The antibacterial properties help to fight off any possible infections or inflammation. Apply neem oil to the wound 1-2 times a day. You can also dilute the neem oil with a carrier oil of your choice. Some good carrier oils include olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
Collagen Production
If your skin is over the age of 23 then you should probably start thinking about collagen. As we age our skin becomes less elastic and supple. This is caused by our body’s naturally reducing collagen production. To maintain smooth supple skin that looks hydrated you should include foods and beauty products that support collagen. Luckily, vitamin C and fatty acids found in neem oil boost collagen production and promote more youthful skin. Add a few drops of neem oil to your nightly moisturizer or regular facial cleanser.
Reduce Scars
The combination of vitamin E and fatty acids in neem oil reduces the appearance of scars and heals the skin. Fatty acids are essential for healthy cell membranes, a strong skin surface, and enhanced elasticity. Apply neem oil directly to any scars or dilute it with your favorite skin oil at a ratio of 1 part neem oil 3 parts carrier oil. Repeat daily for at least 4-6 weeks.
Moisturizer
The linoleic acid and oleic acid in neem oil allow it to deeply penetrate the skin and hydrate each layer from within. The fatty acids in neem oil also protect the outer layer of skin from water loss as it locks in moisture. Antioxidants from Vitamin C and E protect the skin from damaging free radicals that can dry the skin and damage cells. Always purchase neem oil that is organic and cold-pressed so that you are receiving the maximum amount of nutrients. Find it HERE.
Skin Oil
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons jojoba, hemp seed or olive oil
1-2 teaspoon neem oil
Optional: essential oil (lavender, peppermint, lemongrass)
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to skin
Be sure to apply it to rough areas such as elbows, knees, feet, and hands
Allow the mixture to fully absorb and do not rinse or wash off
Repeat daily for best results
Neem oil is potent and should be tested on the skin prior to using it. Apply a small amount on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is any allergic reaction. If not, you can proceed to use it. If you do react, do not use.
Treat Acne
Neem oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can treat acne. There are several factors that cause acne but the main ones are typically an imbalance of oil production and an excess of bacteria on the skin. The salicylic acid in neem oil gets rid of the bad bacteria and allows the skin to naturally regulate normal oil production levels. Since acne-prone skin can sometimes get irritated and red, neem oil will offer great anti-inflammatory benefits which help to reduce these symptoms. You can find a gentle face wash that contains neem or try the treatment below. As with most things in life, a regular routine is key. Try this treatment for at least 4 weeks before you decide whether or not it works for you.
Acne Treatment
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon neem oil
1 tablespoon hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to clean skin
Allow the mixture to stay on your skin as there is no need to rinse it off
The best time to do this is at night so that your skin can heal and fully absorb the nutrients.
Body Acne Bath
Ingredients:
1-2 cups Epsom salt
2 teaspoon neem oil
Directions:
Add everything to a warm running bath and soak for 15-20 minutes
Do not wash your body after the bath as you want the neem oil to remain on your skin
Repeat 2-3 times a week
Always clean your phone, headphones and anything else that comes in contact with your skin. These things can actually carry bacteria that is constantly rubbed off onto your skin and cause breakouts and acne. I like to take add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and wipe down my phone 2 times a week.
Dandruff
Neem oil contains high amounts of antifungal properties and is fantastic from treating dandruff. Those irritating white flakes on your scalp are generally caused by yeast overgrowth and the antifungal elements of neem oil directly attack the yeast. It will calm the scalp, get rid of flaky skin and also hydrate the scalp. All you need to do is add a couple of drops to your palm, add your shampoo, mix together and wash as usual. Be sure to really massage your entire scalp and pay extra attention to the areas that have dandruff.
Hair growth
Neem oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and E that protect the hair from free radical damage. Since free radicals cause cell damage they can also inhibit hair growth by damaging hair cells and follicles. Neem oil also offers hydration and antifungal properties both of which are necessary for strong, rapid hair growth.
Hair Treatment
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons neem oil
4 tablespoons shea butter, coconut oil or olive oil
Directions:
Mix everything together and apply to scalp
Massage it in for 5-10 minutes
Allow the mixture to stay on your scalp overnightWash as usual
Repeat this 1-2 times a week
