Is Clove Oil Effective Against Acne?
Extracted from the aromatic flowers of the clove plant, clove essential oil is known for its robust antibacterial property. The tropical plant oil has a spicy aroma and a pale-yellow hue. It has been found to be toxic to a wide range of bacteria, including the P.acnes. Its analgesic and antiseptic properties make the oil ideal for fighting skin infection and conditions like acne. The oil helps draw out skin impurities and also reduces the pain caused by cystic acne (1), (2).
How To Use Clove Oil For Acne
1. Clove Oil For Acne
You Will Need
A couple of drops of clove oil An oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer Oil-free facial cleanser
Prep Time 1 minute Treatment Time 10 minutes Method How Often? As a spot treatment Why This Works Clove oil is rich in antioxidants and helps kill the acne-causing bacteria that might be present on your skin (2). However, you must exercise caution while using this method as clove oil might be too strong for some.
2. Coconut Oil And Clove Oil For Acne
You Will Need
3-5 drops of clove oil 1 tbsp coconut oil A steamer
Prep Time 2 minutes Treatment Time 15 minutes Method How Often? Once a day Why This Works Coconut oil has strong antibacterial properties. It helps dissolve the dirt and oils that are clogging your pores while also nourishing and moisturizing your skin with its fatty acid content (3). In combination with clove oil, it penetrates your skin to kill any acne-causing bacteria that may be present.
3. Olive Oil And Clove Oil For Acne
You Will Need
3-5 drops of clove oil 1 tbsp olive oil A steamer
Prep Time 2 minutes Treatment Time 15 minutes Method How Often? Once a day Why This Works For this treatment, you need to ensure that you are using 100% pure olive oil, as other varieties of olive oil may end up worsening your acne. Olive oil boosts antibacterial activity, conditions your skin, and helps unclog pores. It also helps nourish your skin and boosts its overall health, fading scars and improving your complexion (3), (4).
4. Foundation And Clove Oil For Acne
You Will Need
Makeup applicator 1 drop clove oil Foundation
Prep Time 2 minutes Treatment Time 5 minutes Method How Often? Whenever you need to wear makeup Why This Works There are times when you cannot avoid wearing makeup and in such situations, clove oil helps treat your acne rather than making it worse. However, it is not a good idea to favor this method of using clove oil over the others. [ Read: Best Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin ]
5. Moisturizer And Clove Oil For Acne
You Will Need
Non-comedogenic moisturizer 1 drop clove oil Oil-free facial cleanser
Prep Time 2 minutes Treatment Time 2 minutes Method How Often? Once a day Why This Works This is one of the easiest ways to use clove oil for acne. Your moisturizer reinforces your skin’s moisture barrier. The clove oil helps disinfect your pores, heals acne, and prevents breakouts.
Tips And Precautions
Applying clove oil to fight and eliminate acne is a good idea, but you must be cautious.
No matter what carrier oil you use, do not leave the clove oil mix on your skin for too long. Always ensure to wash off with water and pat dry using a soft cloth. For people with sensitive skin, a patch test is advisable before applying clove oil to their skin for treating acne. Test it out on your wrist or behind your ear before you apply it onto your face. If applying the oil leads to any skin complication, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.
How long does it take for clove oil to work? It may take some time before it shows visible results. Consult your doctor before using it. How do you make clove paste for acne? Mix 1 spoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of apple paste, and 1 spoon of clove oil. Add 2 teaspoons of cold green tea to the mixture. Apply a thin layer to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water, pat dry, and apply moisturizer.
