Oregano oil is derived from the oregano plant, an herb commonly used in cooking. The oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant and contains powerful compounds like carvacrol and thymol. These compounds give oregano oil its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and other healing properties.
When applied topically, provides numerous benefits for skin health and appearance. It can help treat various skin conditions, protect skin from damage, and improve overall skin quality. Let's delve into a few of the main benefits and uses of oregano oil.
Moisturizes Skin
In addition to its medicinal compounds, oregano oil also provides skin-nourishing moisturization from natural emollients. This helps hydrate dull, dry, flaking or cracked skin while also softening the appearance of fine lines that accompany dehydration. The skin-soothing effects make oregano oil ideal for minimizing seasonal dry skin and shielding exposed body parts like the hands and face from harsh elements during winter months.
Add just a couple drops of oregano oil into your favorite lotion, cream or moisturizer and apply liberally all over the body, focusing especially on notoriously dry areas like the elbows, knees and feet which often suffer cracked heels and thick calluses year-round. This provides deep hydration for visibly glowing skin.
Protects Against Sun Damage
The antioxidants contained within oregano oil can help counteract cellular damage from exposure to UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Using oregano oil regularly can provide protection against developing wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer by neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise harm skin cells. Consume oregano oil skin supplements daily and mix a few diluted drops into your sunscreen to capitalize on these protective benefits.
Minimizes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Oregano oil can stimulate collagen production in the skin which keeps it looking plump and resilient with a more youthful texture. Collagen levels naturally drop as we age, resulting in fine lines, deeper wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Using oregano oil topically on all areas prone to wrinkling encourages collagen growth to diminish the look of existing lines and prevent new ones from developing. Skin will regain a firmer, smoother appearance over time.
Clears Blemishes and Evens Skin Tone
The natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of oregano oil aid in rapidly healing and fading acne blemishes to promote a clearer, more even complexion. Its astringent properties tighten enlarged pores which also prevents future breakouts. Applying diluted oregano oil daily avoids scar development while lightening leftover hyperpigmentation so skin looks balanced and flawless.
Treats Fungal Infections
Oregano oil contains powerful antifungal compounds like thymol and carvacrol that can effectively treat stubborn fungal infections on the skin and nails. It works by attacking the cell walls of fungus and preventing further growth and spread of the infection.
Applying a few diluted drops of oregano oil onto affected areas about 2-3 times per day and continuing use for several weeks can help fully clear fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, nail fungus, jock itch, and ringworm. Oregano oil is also beneficial for preventing the recurrence of fungal infections when applied regularly to typical problem areas. Using oregano oil as a natural topical treatment avoided the need for prescription antifungal medications that come with higher risks of side effects.
Boosts Skin Cell Regeneration
Oregano oil has regenerative capabilities from the carvacrol compound which energizes turnover of new skin cells. This accelerates healing and renewal which helps minimize visible scarring and resolves a dull, lackluster tone. Damaged skin recovers faster with daily application while ingredient nutrientsenhance growth of healthy new cells for fresh radiance.
Fades Dark Spots and Scars
In addition to boosting new skin cell development, oregano oil also contains skin-lightening properties that make dark spots, acne marks and scars progressively fade over time with consistent use. These blemishes which can severely undermine confidence become less noticeable. Combined anti-inflammatory, collagen-stimulating and skin regenerative benefits provide a more flawless, even-toned complexion.
Soothes Sensitive Skin
While typically safe for all skin types, oregano oil should always be diluted before applying to skin to prevent chances of irritation. This extra step ensures those with sensitive skin prone to reactions can still benefit without redness or dryness. In fact, diluted oregano oil calms, nourishes, and hydrates sensitive skin prone to itchiness, flaking, burning and rashes. It decreases negative responses and leaves a healthy glow.
Relieves Inflammation
Due to its high concentration of anti-inflammatory agents, oregano oil applied topically can significantly calm inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis which are often characterized by redness, swelling, irritation, and discomfort. The inflammation-reducing capabilities help mitigate visible symptoms of these conditions and promote healing.
Those suffering from persistently inflamed facial skin, flare ups of scaling and flaking skin, or chronic hives and rashes can experience relief by lightly applying a few drops of carrier oil-diluted oregano oil onto clean skin one to two times per day. It may take a couple weeks of continued use to see substantial reduction in visible inflammatory skin reactions, but oregano oil can provide much-needed comfort without the drawbacks of harsh prescription treatments.
Fights Skin Infections
The powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial activities of oregano oil help protect skin from infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Applying diluted oil onto cuts, bites, burns, rashes etcetera fights infection-causing contaminants. It also prevents open wounds from developing infections during the healing process. Oregano oil is a natural preventative and treatment option for common skin infections.
Conclusion
Oregano oil provides multi-faceted skin care benefits due its medicinal properties and nutrient content. It can help treat various skin issues, accelerate healing, enhance collagen production, fight sun damage, and improve overall skin quality and appearance. Diluted oregano oil is generally safe for most people when used moderately. Introduce new products slowly and do a patch test before widespread use. Consult a doctor for guidance on using oregano oil if you have specific skin conditions.