Neem oil boasts an impressive list of health benefits, including its ability to treat skin pigmentation, dry skin, facial acne, scars, wrinkles, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, and urticaria. It said to be a natural cure for many skin-related issues.
Chemical Composition Of Neem Oil
The evergreen tree, bearing the scientific name Azadirachta indica, is widely used for medicinal purposes, primarily due to its rich supply of ascorbic acid, amino acid, quercetin, ß-sitosterol, and antioxidants, as well as triterpenoids like salannin. Two key active ingredients in this oil are the antioxidants nimbin and azadirachtin, which give the oil its antifungal, antipyretic, antihistamine and antiseptic properties. [1]
Benefits of Neem Oil
Neem oil is effective for a lot of various skin related issues. Let us look at some of the major hair health benefits in detail.
Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Skin Pigmentation
Excessive production of melanin in the body causes skin pigmentation. Application of neem oil helps to slow down its production which results in a clear and even-toned skin. [2]
Relieves Dry Skin
Neem oil treats mildly to severely dry skin. It acts as a moisturizer and skin conditioner helping to get the shiny glow back. [3]
Reduces Acne
Overproduction of sebum in sweat glands along with oily skin causes acne. This oil doesn’t only fight acne but also helps to cure the wounds and scars caused due to it. The fatty acids present in neem also helps you get that shiny and glowing face. [4]
Reduces Wrinkles
Neem oil prevents skin sagging and wrinkle formation, ultimately enhancing the elasticity of the skin and making you look younger. It also promotes the growth of healthy new cells, tones the skin, and improves the appearance by eliminating blemishes and age spots. [5]
Relieves Sunburn
Penetration of UV rays in the skin may damage the skin causing swelling and sunburn. Neem oil rich in nimbidin helps relieve inflammation and soothe sunburn, eliminate pain and reduce redness of the skin. The fatty acids present in it helps to restore collagen. [6]
Eliminates Scars
Neem oil eliminates acne and its scars too. The fatty acid present in this oil helps to remove impurities and tighten pores.
Treats Eczema & Psoriasis
Benefits of neem oil also include giving relief from eczema and psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities can quickly provide relief from this chronic and irritating condition. [7] [8]
Fights Fungal Infection
Gedunin and nimbidol are the two compounds that give neem its antifungal properties. This antifungal property of neem makes it effective to treat various fungal infections including nail fungus, ringworms, and athletes foot. [9]
Removes Blackheads
Applying diluted neem oil regularly on the face helps to eliminate it completely. Although, there are no scientific studies to back this, people who have been using it confirm of positive results.
Helps Treat Chronic Conditions
Neem oil also works on various chronic skin conditions including herpes, ringworm, cold sores, warts, and moles. It not only treats the condition but also eliminates the bacteria and destroys the root-cause of the condition. [10]
Treats Urticaria
Urticaria also known as hives is an allergic skin disorder. It causes red, itchy, raised patches on the skin. Applying neem oil on the affected area helps to soothe the skin due to the effect of antihistaminic properties present in the neem. [11]
How to Use?
Using neem oil for skin is very easy, just follow the steps mentioned below and get all the benefits:
- Take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Make it lukewarm.
- Add 8-10 drops of pure neem oil to it.
- Mix well and apply this mixture on your face.
- Leave it for one hour or overnight (depending on your tolerance level).
- Wash it with any natural face wash.
Word of Caution: Applying neem oil on the skin may cause allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, and irritation of people with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before applying or ingesting this oil.
