How to use Tamanu Oil for Acne
If you haven’t suffered from acne, or any breakout for that matter I envy you, maybe a tiny bit jealous at the same time…. If, like me you have had trouble with your skin and frequent flare-ups in breakouts and spots, you would understand the determination you feel to find an ingredient that will rid you of these unwanted visitors.
You may also feel a little thrown at the thought of using an oil to help treat your acne. It does feel counterintuitive to use an oil on an oily skin type, but believe it or not, tamanu oil can benefit the skin and help treat any breakouts. So, without further a due, let’s find out how to use tamanu oil for acne.
Is tamanu oil good for oil acne prone skin?
Yes, it is! You’ll often find that skincare products formulated with the idea of targeting breakouts are often very harsh on the skin. The urge to feel “clean” can often make an acne suffer want to scrub the skin until it is stripped of every ounce of natural oil (also known as sebum) this can kick start the skin’s oil production resulting in a vicious cycle. This is when tamanu oil can step in and provide a gentle approach at treating the skin. Rich in fatty acids and other nourishing properties you’ll ensure you treat the skin and any acne flare-ups gently without any drying side effects. In this next section we will explain how to use tamanu oil on your pimples and affected areas effectively.
Can I apply tamanu oil on pimples?
Yes, you can! Don’t let this rich oily texture fool you, tamanu oil is very effective at treating acne and other blemish flare-ups thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its these added benefits that boost the healing power of the skin ensuring any active blemishes are soothed and reduced in size.
There is very little scientific study surrounding this ancient oil, but it just so happens, that in 2015 a study into 5 different areas of the South Pacific found extracts of tamanu oil contained high levels of Propionibacterium acnes, also called P.acnes bacteria, famously known for tackling and kill off any signs acne causing bacteria on the upper surface of the skin.
Word of warning however, you can have too much of a good thing and the consistency of tamanu oil can lead to the pores becoming slightly blocked. The best way of reducing this problem is to simply team the oil with lavender or tea tree oil to avoid any clogging the pores.
If that isn’t enough for you, tamanu oil can also help with treating acne scars thanks to the cell rejuvenating and antioxidant properties, you will find there will be a significant improvement in the pigmentation of any acne scarring.
How often should you use tamanu oil?
As I have already mentioned, there is a slight chance in tamanu oil becoming slightly comedogenic. Because of this I would suggest teaming formulas containing tamanu oil with other products that contain effective and active skin ingredients to help target blemishes.
Luckily for us, tamanu oil can be used with several potent ingredients, such as salicylic acid, bexoyl peroxide and popular AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. Try adding 3-4 drops of tamanu oil directly onto the affected areas once or twice a week after you have cleansed and exfoliated your skin. This will help lock in moisture into the skin whilst allowing the various antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties work at reducing the size, redness and severity of spots whilst preventing more from surfacing.
Can I use tamanu oil on my face?
Absolutely! Tamanu oil will benefit all skin types when used correctly, much like all skincare ingredients performing a patch test on the skin for 24 hours is vital to finding out how your skin will react. If there are no signs of irritation, you have the green light to apply the oil onto your skin.
For those prone to dryness and sensitivity, applying a liberal amount of tamanu oil to the skin will prevent further drying and irritation caused when the skin is exposed to environmental aggressors, especially during the winter months. As for oily and blemish-prone skin, as I have already spoken about in the previous section, you can effectively target active spots and breakouts.
Will tamanu oil clog pores?
Yes and no, by this I mean if you don’t over-use the oil you are able to target and treat any breakouts and acne. With the high levels of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in the formula you will help bring clarity to the complexion and restore it to its healthiest state. Try using tamanu oil on alternate days applying it directly onto the affected areas of the skin as this will allow the beneficial properties work at combating breakouts without becoming too heavy on the skin and clog the pores.
Ensuring you continue to maintain an effective skincare routine will keep your complexion clear and prevent tamanu oil from clogging the pores which will only lead to a build-up in bacteria, excess sebum and impurities which results in, you guessed it, more acne, and breakouts.
How long does tamanu oil last after opening?
This is very much dependant on the quality of tamanu oil you are using. It is known that the harvest of this particular oil is a long and time-consuming process. This often leads to many products containing low quality oil making their way onto the market. If you are using a product that is a rich dark green colour you will find it has the shelf life of roughly 5 years if stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Tamanu oil isn’t necessarily a new skincare discovery but has in fact been used for thousands of years by the Polynesian people. Introduced into everyday life and was considered a gift from the gods themselves, which probably explains why it has been dubbed “green gold” If you are wanting to know more about the history of tamanu oil, check out our blog post.
Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skin tips, discount codes and new product launches.
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.
