From oral hygiene and blood purification to treating digestive ulcers to cleaning your scalp, neem has been the one trusted solution for all ailments and issues for centuries in the Indian household. The twigs, leaves, fruits, and even the seeds of this super powerful plant are all used in one way or another in Ayurveda. In fact, it is called the universal healer in ancient Ayurvedic texts. So, not only is this plant great for internal use, but neem oil benefits for skin are immense. It helps treat acne, soothes irritation, and nourishes the skin making it an excellent natural remedy. Additionally, neem oil is very good for your hair as well. As more and more people turn to natural and organic options to take care of their skin and hair, neem oil has become an important ingredient in hair oils, gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and even shampoos. So, we took it upon ourselves to break down and simplify everything you need about neem oil and how it is good for your skin. Scroll on.
01What is neem oil and how does it help?
Neem oil is drawn from the fruits and seeds of the neem plant and has antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties in it. Not just that, it also has high amounts of skin-benefiting compounds like fatty acids (EFAs), limonoids, vitamin E, antioxidants, triglycerides and calcium, to name a few. All these properties make this plant an amazing addition to your skincare routine. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, neem oil can also be used to treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin disorders and infections, while also taking care of your dry and irritated skin. Also, the antioxidants in it make this oil a BFF for your scalp and can relieve you of any scalp irritation and other issues with regular use - as we said, this oil is a true all-rounder.
02How does neem oil benefit your skin?
Well, the list is pretty big for the benefits of neem oil for skin . Right from treating your acne to reducing scars, this oil pretty much covers it all. Here are a few neem oil benefits for skin-
Wards off signs of ageing -
Neem oil helps reduce the effect of free radicals and increases the stimulation of collagen in your skin which helps greatly in keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay. The vitamin C and antioxidants in this oil helps boost the production of collagen and in turn, help prevent signs of ageing from appearing on your skin. This is one of the best neem oils uses for skin.
Keeps skin moisturised -
Neem oil is great for people with dry skin, as the fatty acids and vitamin E in it helps heal dry skin and moisturise it to prevent further dryness and itchiness.
Treats acne -
Neem oil is one of the most famous treatments for acne and pimple breakouts. Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, when you use neem oil regularly on your skin, it soothes your inflamed skin, kills pimple-causing bacteria, prevents future outbreaks and even reduces post-acne scars!
Reduces discolouration -
Neem oil helps reduce melanin production in your skin, thus using this oil regularly can help prevent hyperpigmentation and gives you even tone and brighten skin.
Prevents blackheads and whiteheads -
The abundant fatty acids in this oil helps prevent scars and blackheads on your skin as it helps heal the skin tissue from within.
Minimizes skin inflammation -
Acne, eczema, psoriasis or skin infections and rashes can make your skin itchy, red and uncomfortable, to say the least. Neem oil comes to the rescue here as well. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties combined with the Nimbin in it help boost the production of histamine that relieves your inflamed skin and soothes the redness and itchiness that comes with these skin issues.
Balances oil production -
The neem oil can help balance the sebum production in your skin and make sure it neither gets too oily or dry, making it perfect for both skin types.
03How to use neem oil on your skin?
We are now sure about the many benefits of this oil, but how do we make it a part of our skincare routine? We have listed out a few easy ways in which you could use this oil -
For moisturisation -
Mix equal parts of neem oil with another carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba or coconut oil and use it as a moisturiser on your face and body.
For acne -
Simply apply neem oil with a cotton swab on your acne-infected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it away with warm water and use it regularly to see results.
For toning -
As neem helps unclog pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads, it makes for a great toner too. Just boil a few neem leaves in water and use that water on your face as a toner every night for good skin.
04FAQs about Neem Oil
Q. What are the side effects of neem oil?
A. Since neem oil is strong in nature, people with sensitive skin or serious skin issues can have side effects from it. You can run a small patch test on your skin if you have highly sensitive skin before making it a part of your routine or start off with a diluted version of the oil.
Q. Can you leave neem oil on overnight?
A . If you were wondering if you should leave neem oil on face overnight, then the answer is no. Neem oil is potent, therefore leaving it overnight on your skin can cause irritation. You can apply it for one to two hours and wash it off with lukewarm water or use diluted oil.
Q. Does neem oil darken skin?
A . No, on the contrary, neem oil can help reduce pigmentation in your skin. The antioxidants in neem helps reduce the production of melanin in your skin which in turn, reduces dark spots, scars and blemishes to give you an even skin tone.
Q. Can neem oil help with acne and blemishes?
A. Yes, neem oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin. Its high fatty acid content also aids in healing acne scars and preventing future breakouts.
Q. Is neem oil safe for all skin types?
A. Neem oil is generally safe for most skin types but can be potent in its pure form. Those with sensitive skin should dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and do a patch test before applying it to larger areas.
