Peppermint. Just a whiff of this classic herbal smell conjures up everything from Christmas memories to fresh breath. But did you know that the essential oil of this universal herb may also be used to support healthy-looking skin? Read on to discover why you should try peppermint essential oil for acne relief!
What is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Made from the natural combination of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica), peppermint is a versatile herb with geenish-purple leaves that provides a strong and pleasant aroma, refreshing flavor, and many potential benefits for the body and mind. By turning the steam from the plant into an essential oil, humans have been using some form of peppermint essential oil for its medicinal, culinary, and aromatic properties for thousands of years. Today, peppermint is used for everything from digestion support to oral hygiene and even to household cleaning products.
One such amazing use of peppermint essential oil is for healthier-looking hair and nails. And while it may be hard to believe that something that smells so delicious can actually be good for you, there are actually quite a few potential benefits of peppermint essential oil for your skin too – especially when it comes to acne.
What Causes Acne?
Well, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you know what acne is. But in order to understand just how helpful peppermint essential oil for acne can be, it’s important to understand the makeup of those pesky pimples.
Caused by overactive oil glands, acne occurs when too much oil combines with skin cells and plugs skin pores, forcing oil and bacteria to be trapped in your skin and leading to tiny skin lesions we (un)affectionately refer to as pimples. And this isn’t just a problem that teenagers going through puberty have to deal with. Acne is actually the most common skin condition in America, affecting almost 50 million people. Things like hormonal imbalance, menstruation, emotional stress, and even genetics can make acne appear, and it can impact more than just your face. Acne can occur anywhere that your skin pores are likely to get clogged with the most common areas including the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.
Sounds like a daunting problem to have, right? It doesn’t have to be when you pull out your trusty peppermint essential oil for acne relief!
Why Try Peppermint Essential Oil for Acne?
While there are many treatments for acne, peppermint oil is one that many people overlook simply because we use peppermint for so many other things. We don’t often think that something that works as a breath freshener and a household cleaning spray may also help with a common skin condition. But it can!
The properties of peppermint essential oil actually seem to be tailor-made for fighting acne. The main element of peppermint is menthol, which can act as a gentle cleanser, while other properties in the oil discourage the growth of bacteria and promote healthy-looking skin. Read on to learn three ways you can use peppermint essential oil for acne care.
01. Everyday Face Wash
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best way to care for acne is to gently wash the areas affected by acne once or even twice a day. While vigorous scrubbing can irritate your skin and make things worse, a few drops of peppermint essential oil are gentle enough to thoroughly clean your skin without drying it out or encouraging more pimples. Using peppermint essential oil as your daily face wash can be as simple as placing a few drops in your regular face wash or moisturizer.
02. Spot Treatment
For particularly pesky pimples, peppermint essential oil can also be a great spot treatment. Placing a diluted drop of peppermint oil directly onto your major problem areas may not only help shrink stubborn zits, it may also protect skin against further swelling or redness. To use peppermint essential oil as a spot treatment, mix equal parts vitamin E, grape seed oil, and peppermint oil and place a drop directly on your blemish before going to bed.
03. Clarifying Toner Mist
While harsh astringent toners can actually make acne worse, try using peppermint essential oil as an alternative toner that won’t dry out your skin. And turning it into a mist has the added potential benefit of keeping your skin hydrated and smelling great all day! To create a toner using peppermint essential oil, combine water, apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle and mist yourself anytime you need a refresher throughout the day.
So What’s Next?
Ready to get started and try peppermint essential oil for yourself? Consider three of our favorite products from Natural Healthy Concepts and get started on your path to healthy-looking skin!
Organic Peppermint Essential Oil from Dr. Mercola can help with acne relief and support mental focus, concentration, and more.
Organic Peppermint Essential Oil from Plant Therapy is a great peppermint essential oil to diffuse to help promote feelings of calm and peace when you’re stressed. Also use it for acne care.
Certified Organic Peppermint Essential Oil by Wyndmere Essential Oils can be rubbed directly on the skin to help provide temporary relief for pain related to muscle cramps and headaches. It also helps support clear skin.
Have you used peppermint essential oil for acne relief? Tell us your story in the comments below!
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Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.
