While evening primrose oil can be used to help a number of different conditions, acne and evening primrose oil treatments are one of the best known combinations.
What is Evening Primrose Oil?
Oil of evening primrose is taken from a plant that is found mostly on both American continents and has a number of therapeutic benefits.
The plant generally grows wild, and the oil is taken from the seeds of the plant.
Oil of evening primrose is rich in a number of essential fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acids and linoleic acids, part of the group of omega-6 fatty acids.
It is thought that the benefits of the oil come directly from these fatty acids, and it can replace the same nutrients which are lacking in the body.
Acne and Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil can be used to help to treat and control acne breakouts. Acne is a skin condition which is relatively common, particularly among teenagers. It can be triggered by changes in hormones, by eating habits, or even by stress.
The pores of the skin become clogged due to the presence of high levels of sebum (oil). This allows any bacteria that existed on the skin to get stuck inside the pores, which in turn leads to the pore becoming red and inflamed.
As already mentioned, many people suffer from acne, and evening primrose oil can be used to ease the condition by providing the essential fatty acids that the body may be lacking.
Evening primrose oil is also often used as a remedy for PMS, as it can help to balance the hormones that can lead to a regular acne outbreak and help with other side effects of hormone imbalance such as mood swings.
How to Use Evening Primrose Oil
There are a number of ways in which to use the oil for treating different conditions. One of the most common is to purchase capsules for the oil and take them regularly, although the oil can also be applied to the skin.
It is often used as a base oil in aromatherapy treatments and is very beneficial for the skin when applied in this manner.
It is often recommended that sufferers of acne and evening primrose oil users opt for an organic version of the oil in order to achieve the best results.
The oil of evening primrose can be used on its own or blended with essential oils to treat outbreaks of acne. Lavender oil is also very gentle and can be added to the evening primrose oil to help to reduce the inflammation and heal the skin.
Contraindications for Evening Primrose Oil
It is considered that using evening primrose oil topically is very safe, as it is a very gentle oil, although those who ingest the capsules may experience one or two side effects. This could include headaches or stomach upsets.
Those who have experienced a reaction to any kind of essential fatty acid supplement in the past should avoid taking evening primrose oil. It is also not advised for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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