Back to Blog

5 Reasons to Use Neem Oil for Your Skin

06/21/2013 09:52

When it comes to your skin, neem oil is one of the most effective healers around. It is extremely beneficial for eczema prone skin and will benefit people who suffer from psoriasis and acne. Its astringent properties help to quickly heal minor cuts and wounds. Probably this is the reason ointments carry neem oil as it primary component. Neem oil helps to relieve dry and itchy skin.

1. Neem contains high level of antioxidants which protect the skin from environmental damage. Neem oil also contains carotenoids which provide high antioxidants that defend the skin against aging. Neem oil is high in essential fatty acids and Vitamins. It gets easily absorbed by the skin and rejuvenates it and improves its elasticity. With regular usage, neem also diminishes wrinkles and fine lines, thus fights the signs of ageing. 

2. Neem oil is ideal for acne prone skin because it clears up pimples and removes bacteria that cause break outs. Neem oil contains an aspirin like compound which removes the acne causing bacteria from the skin. It also helps to reduce redness and inflammation. The high fatty acid content in neem oil prevents and treats scarring that occurs because of acne and is non-comedogenic. It can also be used as a face mask to remove impurities ad tighten the pores.

3. The root of eczema mainly lies in the genes and runs in the family. Neem oil helps to relieve eczema symptoms but cannot cure the root cause of eczema. Since neem is particularly high in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it quickly penetrates the outer layer of the skin restoring the protective barrier and prevents moisture loss. Its ability to reduce inflammation and heal abrasions soothes eczema irritation. The nimbidin and nimbin compounds and the neem oil help to relieve redness and swelling. It also helps to heal dry and damaged skin. Its antiseptic properties keep infections at bay. 

4. Fungal infections of the skin like ring worms, nail fungus and atheletes foot are very common. Neem is one of the most powerful anti-fungal agents available in nature and makes a good replacement for the over the counter creams that are available at the pharmacy. The two compounds from the leaves of the neem responsible for this are the gedunin and nimbidol. These compounds destroy the fungi that causes this infection. Tests have proven that neem oil is effective on 14 different cultures of fungi. 

5. Protect against bug bites. Neem oil is a natural insect repellent and can keep those pesky mosquitos away any time of year naturally. A scientific study conducted by the Malaria Research Centre in India found that neem oil is an effective repellent against mosquitoes. The study discovered that, "two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil, when applied to the exposed body parts of human volunteers, provided complete protection for 12 hours from the bites of all anopheline species."

How To Apply Neem Oil To Your Skin: There are many ways you can apply neem oil. Some people dislike the smell of neem, in which case you can mix it with a lotion and then apply to your skin. You can also mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, sweet almond oil, shea oil, etc. You can also mix neem oil with aloe vera gel. This is especially effective when you are trying to get rid of a fungal infection. A mixture of 1/2 tsp. of neem oil with 8 oz. of aloe will do the trick. You can use neem oil as a spot treatment by simply using a q-tip to apply it to the area needed. It is considered safe for sensitive skin. To find out more about neem oil or to order your own, Click Here. To find more natural healing products from Africa, just check out the links below!

 Click here to find out HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS selling African products!