Neem or the Indian lilac has been a rich heritage in Ayurveda and has innumerable benefits. It has been used since ages for treating a variety of ailments, especially of the skin. Almost every part of the Neem tree is precious and has significant healing properties. Neem leaves, twigs, bark, flowers and even the oil of its seed have been used to various degrees for human welfare.
What is Neem Oil?
Neem oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the kernels of the Neem seeds in fruits. Rich in triglycerides, the most active ingredient of this wonder oil is Azadirachtin, which contributes to its uncountable benefits. Pure Neem oil is dramatically potent in reducing inflammation for an array of skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, warts, moles, acne, scarring and even sun-induced skin damage. Neem has a slightly yellowish appearance and a typical pungent garlic-sulfur odour. To prevent degradation and increasing the longevity of the Neem oil, keep it stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Is Neem Oil Safe for Skin?
Neem oil has been considered harmless for use on human skin and is quite safe for topical application. However, ingestion of Neem oil is not recommended. Since it is a concentrated compound of several ingredients, it’s better to be on the safer side and rule out potential allergies that might be caused by using this oil directly on the skin surface particularly for people with sensitive skin. Hence, diluted use of neem oil is recommended. So, before you reap the benefits offered by this incredibly amazing oil, perform a patch test on your skin, using a drop of the diluted Neem oil. If there is no development of any redness or erythema within 24hrs of application of this oil, then consider it safe for use. Moreover, it would be a smart choice to avoid direct contact of neem oil with your eyes as it may irritate the eyes causing watering and redness due to its pungent flavor.
How is Neem Oil Extracted?
Most common forms of Neem oil extraction include the crushing method, also known as cold pressed oil extraction. Cold pressed oil extraction gives the purest, unadulterated form of Neem oil. This can be achieved by either crushing the seed kernels in a cold press process or by incorporating a temperature control of 40-50 degrees centigrade. Neem oil can also be extracted using the solvent extraction method which makes use of the hydrocarbon hexane. The byproduct of the solvent extraction method leaves behind a residue which is known as Neem cake. Neem cake has a significantly lower concentration of the Azadirachtin compound and is of lower grade in comparison to the high quality of the cold pressed oil. While cold-pressed Neem oil most commonly finds its use in the cosmetic industry and in the preferred natural beauty regimes of women, Neem cakes are employed for their use as pesticides or fungicides.
Neem oil Benefits for Skin
Neem oil is hypoallergenic and free of alkalis or ammonia. It offers a plethora of skin benefits and covers a wide range of skin troubles. You can consider Neem oil to be the friendliest and effective skin elixir available naturally. It is an inexpensive skin solution for pretty much every skin problem and saves you from going to those extravagant skin spas which not only burn a hole in your pockets but also have unsatisfactory results. Read on to learn more about the uses of this wonder oil and how including it in your daily skincare regime will give you gorgeous, radiant skin.
1. Heal and Moisturize your Skin
Rich in vitamin E, tocopherol and fatty acids like Omega-3-fatty acids and stearic acids, Neem oil is the perfect recipe for dry and cracked skin. The fatty acids prevent the skin from losing out fats and lipids by continuously filling up depleted fat reserves, giving you smooth, supple and plump skin. Apart from that, they deeply hydrate your skin and restore the lost moisture. This is particularly a blessing for those who are suffering from dryness induced by the climate. Particularly in winters, when the skin is moisture deprived and it begins to crack, Neem oil comes to the rescue and seals in the moisture. Regular use of Neem oil promises glowing skin that looks beautiful and healthy.
2. Treats Acne
The active component in Neem oil called Azadirachtin is responsible for imparting its anti-inflammatory properties. This has been exploited in the treatment of acne breakouts. The analgesic properties of Neem oil produce dramatic relief in swelling and erythema caused by acne. While the anti-bacterial action of Neem oil fights off the bacterial infection, reducing the skin’s sensitivity to their toxic effects.
3. Relieves Eczema and Psoriasis
Neem oil can provide significant relief for Eczema and Psoriasis by soothing irritated skin caused by immune reactions. On applying it, neem oil is absorbed into the skin and acts against the bacteria to reduce inflammation and accelerates healing.
4. Effective Anti-Fungal Agent
Neem oil is the right product for fungal infections to the skin caused by yeast or to toenail by Dermatophyte which increased brittleness of nails It has prominent anti-fungal action and puts up a tough fight against these fungal pathogens, reducing the vulnerability of your skin to these infections.
5. Anti-Ageing Benefits
Neem oil is abundant in vitamin E that has a profound effect on free radicals. It fights off the toxic oxidants that circulate in your blood, purifying it of the harmful impurities, which helps to reduce the appearance of age spots on your skin, smoothening out wrinkles and fine lines and also boosting collagen build-up by preventing sagging of skin.
6. Reduces Uneven Pigmentation
Regular use of Neem oil gives an even skin tone and eliminates patchy or uneven skin tone. Neem oil reduces the skin spots, transforming your skin from the dull and drab appearance to a luminous, radiant glow.
7. Reverses Sun-Induced Skin Damage
Continuous sun exposure has damaging effects on your skin. These damages can be as overwhelming as the development of skin carcinoma. Therefore, it is of prime importance that you take care of your skin before stepping out in the sun. Neem oil reduces the appearance of sun-induced tan lines and dark spots on the skin. It also blocks out the penetrating UV Rays and delays ageing of skin induced by sun damage. Therefore, regular use of Neem oil reduces skin pigmentation and protects from sun damage.
8. Fades away stretch marks
A remedy for stretch marks, regular application of Neem oil on your stretch marks post-delivery promises dramatic results. They lighten the stretch marks and bring out the evenness in your skin. Hence, the use of neem oil for stretch marks is highly recommended.
9. Soothes Prickly Heat Rashes
During summers, due to the excessive heat, it is inevitable that our skin will be affected by Miliaria, commonly known as heat rashes. However, using neem oil for these prickly heat rashes can wonders as it imparts cooling effect and soothes the burning sensations caused by these rashes. It is an easy method to follow, add 2 teaspoons of neem oil to your bathing water during summers and you will have neem oils protection against rashes.
10. Reduces Acne Scarring and Wound Marks
Since Neem oil boosts collagen synthesis and fills up the scarred tissues and evens out the scars. This leads to a reduction of acne scars. With time, it fades away the wounds, giving your skin a smooth texture, which is the talk of the Town!
11. Removes Blackheads
To get rid of recurring blackheads on the tips of the nose, you don’t need to visit the parlour or use that dreadful pair of painful tweezers. Simply make a scrub at home using neem oil as the base and a gritty substance like oatmeal. Make a paste using Neem oil, oatmeal and rosewater. Apply this on the blackhead prone areas, leave on for 20 minutes, wash after and keep them at bay!
12. As Skin Toner
Neem oil makes for the perfect face toner. It has the properties that are found in the most expensive skin toners. Invest in a Neem oil face toner for optimal benefits. Use it at night before retiring to bed. Wake up, feeling hydrated with noticeably softer-looking glowing skin.
13. Tightens Pores
Neem oil reduces the size of the open pores, in turn tightening them. The root cause of acne breakouts is clogged pores. Regular use of Neem oil will tighten your skin pores, reducing the vulnerability of bacterial attack to those clogged and dirt -trapped pores.
14. Neem oil for Diaper Rashes
For this purpose, dilute a few drops of Neem oil in coconut oil and use it topically on your baby’s rashes caused by wearing diapers for a prolonged time. Wash it off after a few minutes. It has a soothing effect on rashes.
How to use Neem oil for skin
It is wise to dilute the oil before you use it directly on your skin since it is a concentrated product. Here’s a guide on how to apply neem oil to skin
- Dilute the Neem oil with your preferred carrier oil like coconut oil.
- Use a cotton pad and dip it into the solution.
- Lightly Dab it on the affected area of acne or pigmentation spots.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off using lukewarm water.
- Repeat the steps mentioned above twice daily till you get your desired results.
- Alternatively, you can use neem oil in your bath as well to cover your entire body.
- You can also mix neem oil with essential oils of lavender or jojoba to improve the smell and enhance the property.
Things to Remember Before Applying Neem Oil on your Skin
- Since it is a concentrated product, it’s safe to perform a skin patch test to rule out allergies.
- Discontinue use if irritation develops on the application of it topically.
- Dilute it with carrier oils like coconut oil before applying it on skin or hair.
- Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause eye irritation due to pungent smell.
- Avoid using neem oil during pregnancy or lactation as they contain natural estrogens and might interfere with estrogen metabolism.
- Consult a paediatrician before using neem oil on children as they might have a variable response to it.
Also read:Â Neem Face Packs for Skin: How to Make, Benefits, Usage and more
