Neem Oil For Skin Is A Beauty Boon

Neem is an all-purpose remedy that has been handed down from generations, and now this folklore is backed by proven science. While it always had a prominent place in Ayurveda, western researchers have recently begun exploring its multiple benefits for beauty and hair care remedies.

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Neem also known as 'Sarva Roag Nirarnini', i.e. healer of all aliments, has been a popular herb that has been used in India for treating various skin ailments for thousands of years, says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. It has Vitamin E, Antioxidants, antiseptic properties, and essential fatty acids.

"Several studies have been conducted that prove the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antipyretic and antihistamine properties of the neem. It is one of the few herbs whose each part can be used beneficially, and neem oil has gained immense popularity in the last few years," Dr Kapoor elaborates.

It is also good hydrating oil in cases of psoriasis and eczema again due to its anti-inflammatory properties and moisturising effects, explains celebrity skin expert Dr Jaishree Sharad.

Amazing Properties Of Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the fruit and contains many ingredients that are beneficial for the skin such as fatty acids, Vitamin C and E, Triglycerides, carotenoids, limonoids, calcium, oleic acid, and Nimbin. "Traditionally kids were made to bathe with water infused with neem leaves because of its antiseptic properties, to help tackle any viral infection," recalls Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

Benefits Of Neem Oil For Skin Treats Dry Skin

The vitamin E in the neem oil penetrates easily into the skin, heals the cracks, and locks in the moisture to give a smooth texture to even the driest of skins.

How To Use It: Mix 2-3 drops of neem oil onto a handful of lotion and apply it into your skin to cure dryness. Or you can also mix neem oil with sweet almond or sesame oil in a 70:30 ratio and mix well to make your moisturiser. Apply all over the body and leave for thirty minutes before washing it off.

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Fights Wrinkles

Carotenoids, oleic acids and vitamin E boost skin's collagen and elastin production and keeps the skin hydrated, thus reducing the signs of ageing and improving elasticity, firmness, softness, and smoothness of the skin.

How To Use It: To combat wrinkles combine 30ml of neem oil with 200ml of jojoba oil and five drops of pure lavender oil. Shake well to mix. Apply this moisturiser on your skin 2-3 times a day.

Keep Skin's Moisture Intact

The fatty acids and vitamin E can easily reach the deep layers of the skin and restore and replenish the protective barrier of the skin to prevent dryness.

How To Use It: Wipe your skin with rose water. Gently apply neem oil mixed with jojoba oil onto your skin. Let it stay for 30 minutes. Wash off with cold water.

Treats Acne

Studies have proven neem oil's effectiveness for prolonged treatment of acne. The anti-bacterial properties of linoleic acids in the oil kill the bacterial, smooths the redness and reduces the appearance of acne scars as well.

How To Use It: Mix ¼ teaspoon of neem oil with fuller's earth. Add water to make a paste. Apply this mask on your face and other areas affected by acne and leave it to dry. Wash with normal water.

Fades Scars And Acne Spots

The vitamin E in neem

How to use it: Dab the affected area with a few drops of neem oil and let it soak for about 20 minutes before washing. You can also use a cotton ball to press the oil in the skin. Do this daily until you get the results. Do not leave undiluted neem oil on for body for longer than thirty minutes.

Fights Off Infections

Its anti-infective properties, traditionally have been used by nephropathy for treatment of Athlete's Foot, commonly known as a fungal infection of the toes. It's essential fatty acids also help in improving dryness of cracked feet. It also reduces redness and inflammation on the skin caused by eczema, acne, burns, psoriasis, and rashes and gives fast relief from itchy and dry skin. Nimbin in neem oil helps fight skin infection.

How to use it: Mix neem oil with Karanja oil and massage right into your feet for 10 minutes before bedtime. Practice this daily to see the best results.

DIY Neem Face Packs For All Skin Issues

For Enlarged Pores

To get rid of open pores on your face, neem face pack can come handy. Take 3-4 neem dried leaves and mix it with one teaspoon of orange juice, one teaspoon honey, one tablespoon yogurt and one tablespoon soy milk. Make a smooth paste and apply on your face. Let is sit for 20-25 minutes.

To Soothe Irritated Skin

To treat skin inflammation or redness, mix 2-3 drops of neem oil with coconut oil and gently massage the affected areas. Let it stay on your skin until it dries off. However, do wash within 30-45 minutes of application. Wash off with lukewarm water.

For Dry Skin

To treat dryness of skin, take three tablespoons of neem powder and mix it with three tablespoon turmeric powder. Add milk, if needed, to make a smooth paste. Apply on the area that needs treatment. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

For Tired Skin

To cure your tired skin, take some neem leaves and soak them in water until they become soft. Make a fine paste of the soaked neem leaves and apply it on your face. Do not keep it on your face for more than 15 minutes. Wash with cold water.

Things To Know Before Using Neem Oil On Skin

Despite its pungent smell, the healing and calming properties of neem oil have given it the rightly deserved important place in the daily skin and hair care routine of all skin types. It is completely non-toxic and safe for external use.

Neem oil is very potent. It should always be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil or Jojoba oil.

If you see any signs of hives, allergies, breathlessness, the doctor should be contacted immediately. Neem oil is toxic if consumed, so it should never be consumed.

If it's your first time using neem oil, start by trying a small, diluted amount of it on a small area of your skin, away from your face. If redness or itching develops, you may wish to dilute the oil further or avoid using it completely.

When using neem oil for larger areas of body and scalp, mix it with a soothing carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed or lavender oil to reduce the potency and odour. You can also add a few drops of neem oil to your regular shampoo.

Neem oil is recommended in an ancient Ayurveda as a natural contraceptive; therefore if you are pregnant or thinking of conceiving then avoid using neem oil.  Neem oil is known to weaken fertility and induce miscarriages.

Neem oil is also not recommended for people who have multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Neem oil also diminishes the effects of medications and therefore, should be strictly avoided if you have recently undergone an organ transplant.

People who have diabetes should monitor their sugar levels carefully when using neem oil, and consult their doctor for the change in medication dosage when using neem oil.

Neem oil can cause contact allergy or irritation if used in higher concentration, always be cautious with its use.

FAQs On Neem Oil

Q: Can I put neem oil directly on my face?

A: Neem oil is very potent; it should always be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. The oil should first be put on the skin behind the ear or inner side of the arm, as a tiny dot with a cotton bud, and allergic reaction due to sensitivity should be observed for 48 hours. If there is no redness, burning, or stinging sensation, the oil can be used.

Q: Can you leave neem oil on overnight?

A: Always apply diluted neem oil. You should not leave the combination of neem oil and carrier oil on face for more than an hour.

Q: What does neem oil do for skin?

A: Neem oil has given it the rightly deserved important place in the daily skin and hair care routine of all skin types. It is completely non-toxic and safe for external use. From acne treatment to spot removal and anti-ageing properties, neem oil is beneficial for skin in many ways.