8 Neem Oil Benefits for the Skin: Uses & Tips

Posted on June 11, 2021

Used for centuries as a remedy, neem oil has been prized as a ‘Universal Healer’ in Ayurvedic text. But what are the benefits of neem oil for modern day skin and hair needs?

Learn more about what makes neem oil the ultimate beauty salve.

What is Neem Oil?

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, or the Indian lilac. Carried forward from Ayurvedic medicine, this oil is extremely rich in beneficial properties that can support an array of treatments.

Some of the beneficial nutrients in neem oil include:

• Essential fatty acids
• Limonoids
• Antioxidative compounds
• Anti-inflammatory compounds
• Vitamin E
• Nourishing triglycerides

Top Benefits of Neem Oil:

Neem oil can be used in a diverse range of applications, including benefits for skin, hair and beyond. It can even provide incredible nourishment for your houseplants. Here are some of many benefits of neem oil to include in your skincare routine:

• Protects against insects and bites: Pesky bed bugs and mosquitos can cause irritation to the skin. Fight off pests naturally by using neem oil. A compound in neem oil - azadirachtin - is responsible for it’s pesticide benefits. Simply dilute with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, and apply it directly to the skin - or burn in a diffuser.

• Hydrates dry skin: The nourishing vitamins and fatty acids in neem oil make it an excellent moisture booster. The quickly absorbed oil seeps deep into the skin to restore the protective dermal layer and lock in moisture.

• Reduces signs of aging on skin: Fight wrinkles naturally by using daily neem oil in your skincare routine. The antioxidative properties in neem oil, including flavonoids and carotenoids, reduce oxidative stress that results in aging. This includes reducing fine lines and brown spots that are exacerbated by harmful sunshine UV rays.

• 
  Supports acne treatment: Pimples and acne can be a nuisance. Avoiding harsh chemicals is always best, as they can do more harm than good. Instead, using natural remedies like neem oil can help reduce the occurrence and size of acne to clear the skin. Neem oil can help prevent pimples by killing off acne-causing bacteria from the skin and tightening pores to avoid introduction of further pathogens that can cause flare-ups.

• Reduces scarring and dark spots: Neem oil has been used to treat scars for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory properties and nourishing benefits support the reduction of scarring, and lightening dark spots that can be caused by exposure to sunshine.

• Tones the skin: Unclogging and tightening pores, neem oil can help even out the skin tone and reduce any potential irritation from flaring up. Once you’ve cleansed your face, use a dab of neem oil to seal pores and protect the skin from damage.

• Fights fungal nail infections and athlete’s foot: With natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem oil is the perfect natural remedy to athlete’s foot and nail fungal infections. Simply mix neem oil with another carrier oil and massage it right into your feet for a home remedy.

• Relieves itchy and irritated skin: Eczema and psoriasis can cause irritation and itchy skin that can affect quality of life. If you struggle from sensitive skin flare-ups, using neem oil can soothe the skin and relieve itching. Dilute the neem oil in another carrier if it is too strong for your skin, and apply when necessary.

How to use Neem Oil?

Neem oil has a distinct, potent odor due to the presence of sulfuric compounds in the seed. However, you can still find ways to use neem oil in your daily routine by using some simple tips:

• Dilute the neem oil in other carrier oils, like coconut or sweet almond oil.
• Add essential oils that will enhance the beneficial properties, as well as mask the aroma.
• Leave on neem oil on the affected area for 20 minutes, and wash off with water and castile soap.
• If it’s too oily for you, mix the neem oil with aloe vera gel as an alternative to carrier oils.
• Add neem oil to a bath to treat larger parts of the body in a diluted form.

Conclusion:

Neem oil is an exceptional therapeutic oil that has been passed on for centuries - with good reason! Amongst its array of uses, neem oil is highly nutritious and beneficial for skin health, and can be diluted in your favorite carrier oils and DIY remedies to subdue the scent.

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