Neem Oil in Skincare: Clearer, Calmer, Stronger Skin Naturally

The Science of Neem Oil in Skincare

Neem oil is gaining popularity in the skincare world.

This ancient Ayurvedic ingredient extracted from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is rich in active ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Read on to learn all about neem oil in skincare—why it works so well, how to use it, and if it’s right for your skin type.

If you haven’t determined your Baumann skin type yet, you can take the quiz for free by clicking the button below!

What is Neem Oil?

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds and fruit of the neem tree, which is native to India and Southeast Asia.

Every part of the neem tree, from the leaves to the roots, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Only the oil pressed from the seeds and fruit is used in skincare.

It’s suitable for most skin types (those that are less prone to acne) and is growing in popularity. Here are some of my favorite skincare products that contain neem oil:

What is Neem Oil Made Of?

Neem oil is cold-pressed from neem seeds and contains active ingredients from the tree. These include: (3)

Oxidized tetranortriterpenoids

Azadirachtin A – The most common and bioactive ingredients

Azadirachtin B

Azadirachtin D

Azadirachtin H

Azadirachtin I

Azadirachtin

Azadirachtin lactones

Nimbin

Nimbolin A

Nimbandiole

Nimoxil

Nimbins

Nimoxil

Nimoxin

Azadirachtin lactones

Salannin

Other active ingredients

Fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids

Sulfur compounds

Carbohydrates such as polysaccharides

Polyphenols such as flavonoids, rutin, and quercetin

Carotenoids

Catechins

Ferulic acid

β-sitosterol

Steroids

Coumarins

Tannins

Ellagic acid

Lupeol

Saponins

Alkaloids

Resins

Gingivalis

Marginal proteins

Cyclic trisulfides

Ketones

This unique chemical property gives neem oil a variety of beneficial effects on the skin. In addition, this ingredient is considered safe for use in skin care.

Is Neem Oil Safe?

If used topically correctly, neem oil is generally very safe. For example, the Environmental Working Group gave neem oil a rating of “1,” meaning it is very safe.

However, there are some precautions to consider:

Before using neem oil on your face or body, test for an allergic reaction. A patch test on the inside of your arm can detect possible irritation or contact dermatitis.

Avoid contact of pure neem oil with your eyes, as it may cause redness and swelling. In this case, flush your eyes immediately with water.

Do not ingest neem oil, as skin care ingredients can be toxic if swallowed. (12)

Be wary of irritation, rash, or skin reactions, and discontinue use if these occur.

Pregnant women should not use neem oil without a doctor’s approval, as it can enhance various antimicrobial processes in the body, which can negatively affect pregnancy. (10,11)

There have been rare reports of topical neem oil causing headaches or nausea. In this case, you should discontinue the application.

Neem oil has spermicidal properties, i.e., spermicidal properties. It has a weaker preventive effect. (9)

If you have very sensitive skin, rosacea, or any other medical condition, consult a dermatologist or doctor before using neem oil.

When used correctly and with guidance, neem oil is very beneficial to the skin health of most people.

Benefits of Neem Oil in Skin Care

Regular use of neem oil can relieve common skin problems such as acne, inflammation, irritation, dryness, and premature aging.

The wide range of active ingredients makes neem oil a versatile ingredient in skin care products. But its role in skin care needs further research. From what I know, the benefits of neem oil include:

Antibacterial effect

Azadirachtin and other active ingredients in neem oil have antimicrobial properties that can fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi that infect or irritate the skin.

(5) Studies have shown that neem is particularly effective against the following conditions:

Propionibacterium acnes – the bacteria that causes acne

Staphylococcus aureus – a common source of skin infections

Candida albicans – the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush

Herpes simplex virus – the virus that causes cold sores

Using neem oil can help prevent skin breakouts, skin infections, athlete’s foot, etc. by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Neem Oil is Anti-Inflammatory

The triterpenoids in neem have anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. Neem also provides soothing linoleic acid to the skin.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, neem can relieve redness, swelling, and irritation, which are associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. (6)

Fights Free Radicals

Neem contains a large number of antioxidant compounds such as catechins, ferulic acid, quercetin, etc.

They can neutralize free radicals that would otherwise damage skin cells and accelerate visible skin aging. Using neem oil can protect the skin from oxidative stress. (4)

Moisturizes Dry Skin

Neem oil not only has medicinal properties, but it is also an effective moisturizer.

The fatty acids and beta-sitosterol in neem can smooth and moisturize dry, flaky skin, making it soft and glowing with a youthful glow.

Similar to cholesterol, beta-sitosterol also helps maintain the skin barrier as part of the skin’s essential lipid matrix. A healthy skin barrier loses less water through transepidermal water loss. (8)

Promotes healing

Numerous studies have demonstrated that neem has wound healing properties.

The oil can stimulate collagen production, while its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can protect wounds and promote faster healing. (7)

Which skin types are suitable for neem oil?

Is neem oil right for your skin type?

To find out if neem oil is right for your individual skin needs, determine your Baumann skin type.

My proven system categorizes skin into 16 types based on oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, aging, and pigmentation issues.

Here are the effects of neem oil on individual characteristics:

Aging skin: Neem oil helps eliminate free radicals that can cause wrinkles. The ingredient is also said to stimulate collagen production.

Dry skin: Moisturizing fatty acids moisturize dry skin and keep the skin barrier healthy. It is a rich and moisturizing ingredient.

The oleic acid in neem oil will not irritate your skin as long as your skin is not too dry.

Sensitive skin: Neem oil is generally well tolerated, but it may cause acne breakouts due to the comedogenic palmitic acid. It is a good choice for eliminating inflammation.

To prevent clogged pores, use less. However, neem contains effective antimicrobial agents that can eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the face.

Pigmented skin: Neither particularly good nor particularly bad. A safe ingredient for everyday skin care, but not a particularly strong skin brightener.

Based on this analysis, neem oil is an ideal ingredient for people with dry, acne-prone, aging, and inflammatory skin.

People with severely acne-prone or extremely dry skin should consult a dermatologist before use.

Determine your Baumann skin type to see if neem is right for your skin concerns.

Summary

Neem oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful Ayurvedic remedy for a variety of skin care issues.

It is particularly effective for treating acne, relieving symptoms like eczema and rosacea, and preventing infection and irritation.

Neem oil also moisturizes the skin and protects it from free radical damage.

Take the free Baumann skin type test today to find out if neem oil is right for your skin care!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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