Here’s Why You Should Add Neem Oil To Your Beauty Routine

You probably already know this, but neem oil has been widely used for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Today, we’re going to deep dive into the benefits of neem oil for skin and hair.

What Is Neem Oil?

Extracted from the seeds and fruits of this tree found in India & parts of Asia, neem oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature.

How To Use Neem Oil On Skin

Here are a few dos and don'ts when applying neem oil.

Can neem oil be applied directly to skin?

Organic Cold Pressed Neem Oil can be applied directly on the skin. However, it is highly potent in nature, so it’s advisable to do a small patch test before using the product. Remember to dilute the oil before applying it.

Which carrier oil can you use with Neem Oil?

You also dilute it with Sweet Almond Oil or Sesame Oil. Leave the oil mixture on for 30 minutes and then rinse off with a mild cleanser.

What are the side effects of neem oil?

1. Neem oil is low on toxicity, but do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions and contact dermatitis.
2. Ingesting neem oil in large amounts can lead to adverse effects, especially in children.

How Neem Oil Benefits Skin

Neem Oil is also rich in vitamin E and rich in healthy fatty acids like palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids, which reduces free radicals damage, strengthens skin barrier and keeps your skin supple.

1. Neem Oil helps moisturise dry skin.

Thanks to healthy fatty acids and Vitamin E, it locks in moisture and is excellent for healing dehydrated, cracked skin. Remember, you must always dilute Neem Oil (2 parts) with a carrier oil like Sweet Almond or Sesame Oil (1 part) to give yourself a body massage.

2. Neem Oil helps clarify skin.

As you probably already know, Neem & Neem Oil are known and widely used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Neem can soothe redness, reduce inflammation and breakouts. This is why neem is used widely as an ingredient in many face cleansers.

3. Neem oil helps with hyperpigmentation.

Uneven skin tone, dark spots are one of the most common skincare concerns seen across both men and women. According to recent studies, neem oil balances melanin production and can be used to even out dark spots.

4. Neem oil reduces inflammation, rashes and itching skin.

It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like Nimbidin that help in treating rashes, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Neem oil’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties help in fighting skin infections while its pain-relieving properties reduce discomfort too.

5. It’s a natural insect repellent.

You can simply add Neem Oil along with complementary essential oils to your diffuser.

6. Neem Oil For Anti-Ageing

According to a study published in 2017, neem oil acts as a protective agent against UV damage and stimulates collagen production, helping you fight signs of ageing.

Benefits Of Neem Oil On Hair

1. It promotes hair growth.

Neem Oil has restorative properties that aid hair growth. Adding Neem Oil it to your weekly scalp massage can promote thicker, stronger hair.

2. Neem oil works as a hair conditioner.

Neem oil contains several fatty acids – such as linoleic, oleic, stearic acids which nourish and revitalise scalp and hair.

3. It’s antifungal in nature and helps with dandruff.

Scalp health plays a vital role in hair health. Neem oil is antifungal in nature, and also provides relief from dandruff, inflammation & itchy scalp.

4. Neem oil treats head lice.

According to studies, Neem oil is known to be effective in treating head lice without any side effects. Neem contains an insecticidal ingredient, azadirachtin, that is known to disrupt the growth and reproduction of lice.

5. Delays premature greying.

Fast-paced lives and hormonal imbalances can lead to premature greying. Applying neem oil can prove useful to delay further greying.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906293/

https://www.byrdie.com/neem-oil-for-acne-4801662

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/neem-seed-extract