Neem Oil: Countless Skin Benefits You Need To Know

Neem has been used as medicines and other purposes in the ancient times, and still it is a popular herb known for its amazing properties. It has anti-bacterial properties that work great for skin infections, for the scalp, and for burns. Neem tree is most precious and oldest for the health benefits uses in India.

Neem, indeed, holds immense benefits this is why from its roots to bark to stems, flowers, leaves and seeds, all are used and have greater health benefits. Its flower used for treating intestinal worms, anorexia, and nausea. The scent of these flowers helps relax and calm the mind. People have been chewing on neem twigs, which acts like a toothbrush, it keeps bacteria at bay and treats swollen and infected gums.

Dry neem leaves crushes into powder and used for many beauty products. The leaves contain plant compounds called flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Neem oil has lots of health benefits and uses in beauty products as well.

This article explores more about neem oil, its benefits to health, skin and other uses.

What is neem oil?

Neem oil extracted from the fruits and seeds of the tropical neem tree, which grow mainly in the Indian subcontinent. It has been used around the world to treat many conditions. Though it has a harsh smell, it’s high in fatty acids and other nutrients, and it’s used in a variety of skin care products.

Neem oil contains many ingredients that are exceptionally beneficial to the skin, which include:

• Fatty acids (EFA)
• Vitamin E
• Antioxidants
• Calcium
• Triglycerides
• Lemonades

Skin benefits of neem oil:

Neem oil has plenty of health benefits. Neem oil is also medicinal. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, it’s used to treat many skin diseases and infections.

Some of skin benefits are described below:

1. Moisturizes the skin:

Neem leaves have essential fatty acids and vitamin E, they are best for nourishing and can make even seriously dry skin moisturized and visibly plump. They are known as natural moisturizer, they contest dryness and make your skin soft and supple. They also restore lost moisture and reduce flakiness and extreme dryness, and help in improving healthy glow skin.

2. Fights acne and pimples: 

These days everyone has to bear lots of pollution outside, unhealthy food habits and lack of daily care of health, our skin gets spoil, specifically face suffers acne breakouts. Neem has antibacterial properties that help keep skin free from pimple-causing bacteria and thus reduce acne. By regular use of neem oil helps in lightens the acne scars on the face and keep your skin clean and oil-free.

It is recommended that applying neem oil regularly on the face is an excellent long-term acne treatment.

3. Prevents signs of aging: 

Neem has high anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and also promotes healthy growth of new cells. When our skin starts to lose its elasticity, and signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging start to appear after certain period, neem is best natural anti-aging treatment. Its nutrients fights the symptoms and helps the skin to remain firm and toned. Besides neem also boosting collagen and improving skin elasticity, they also protect skin from ageing signs caused by sun exposure and UV radiation.

4. Cleanses skin & reduces blemishes: 

Neem powder efficiently purifies the skin from dirt, oils, and impurities. Due to antioxidants existent in neem powder help to reduce blemishes and hyperpigmentation and encourage skin tone. Neem also help eliminate zits and also help you get rid of the scars (heal and lighten stubborn acne marks and dark spots) they leave behind. This is all due to the vitamin E in them.

5. Prevents and cures skin disorders: 

Neem leaves antibacterial properties help to cure skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, ringworms, ulcers, etc. It also helps to prevent diseases like these by maintaining the pH level of the skin and keeping it healthy.

Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties helps in soothes dry and irritated skin and also prevents the spread of any infection.

6. Fighting skin infections:

It is noted that soaps containing extracts of neem leaf or neem bark prevented the growth of numerous strains of germs.

7. Soothes inflamed and itchy skin:

Neem Carrier Oil is very useful to soothe red, itchy, inflamed skin which is associated with ailments like acne, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. If you have sensitive skin and get skin irritations easily, this oil is very helpful. Applying Neem Oil prevents the production of histamine and other irritants which results in a relief from swelling.  Neem leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, high content of fatty acids and glycerides which help soothe irritated and itchy skin.

8. To treat dry skin & tones the skin:

Your skin become dry due to environmental stress and pollution. Apply diluted neem oil with coconut oil will provide you much benefits for the dry skin. It won’t come off easily even if you use water to wash it.

Neem oil also helpful to removes the pathogens that have accumulated beneath the skin’s surface. It releases the pores and results in healthier and smoother skin. It acts as an effective toner.

9. To reduce skin pigmentation:

If you have excess melanin in your skin, it can cause skin pigmentation. Neem oil helps in regulating this excess melanin production, and keep your skin healthy.

10. As a natural sunscreen:

Neem oil have antioxidants and fatty acids can help restore, and repair, the collagen layer beneath the skin, which can destroyed due to exposure of your skin to the sun. 

11. Heals minor wounds:

Neem has antiseptic properties, that’s the reason it’s a perfect choice for minor cuts and scratches. If Neem oil is applied to the injured skin, it improves the overall immunity and accelerates the healing process. Some studies have shown that neem oil healed faster and did not develop raised scars. It is wondered that neem oil may encourage blood vessel and connective tissue growth, thus improving wound healing.

Other important benefits:

• Repels insects & aid pest control:

Neem oil has unique property of mosquito repellant, sometimes it is called natural pest controller. When you applied diluted neem oil to your skin, mosquitos will not be near you due to its pungent smell. This way your skin will be safe. Neem oil can be used wipe your doors, windows, and cupboards with the oil. The scent drives pests away, and prevents them from coming back too.

• Takes care of oral health:

People have been using Neem stem as a natural tooth brush. People chewing at a Neem stem in order to brush their teeth. Neem tree anti-bacterial properties make teeth clean, germ-free, d strong and fights back bad breath, too.  

• Neem is a bathing boon:

Bathing with Neem leaves water is considered quite beneficial as it makes skin germ-free and gives protection from bacterial infections. It gives benefits of Neem oil etc., which give clean and moist skin every day without any bother.

What are risks and how to use it?

Generally neem oil is considered safe to use to the skin, but in some cases it may cause allergic reactions to the body unless it consumed in large quantities. Following effects may appears:

• Vomiting
• Liver damage
• Metabolic acidosis
• encephalopathy, a term for brain disease, disorder, or damage

However, it is very potent, so it may be a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin before applying it more extensively.

To do a patch test, neem oil mix a couple drops with water or liquid soap. Apply the mixture to the back of the hand or small area of skin on the arm. If the skin becomes itchy, red, or inflamed, dilute the neem oil further by adding more water or liquid soap. If you are allergic to neem oil may develop rash after a patch test. If this happen, stop using the oil immediately and consult a doctor if your conditions persist.

This oil has a predominantly strong odor. However, neem oil to be mix with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or almond oil.

Drinking neem water daily is extremely beneficial to both skin. It clears up the skin by getting rid of toxins, bacteria, and acne and is also effective on pigmentation and blackheads.

Conclusion:

Neem oil has been using in traditional process as Ayurvedic medicine. This oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds, and these can benefit the skin in a range of ways. Several research shows that these compounds can help fight skin infections, promote wound healing, and combat signs of skin aging. Neem oil is relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and blends easily into the skin, as well as with other oils.