Clove, a type of spice used in many foods particularly in Asia, is a gift of nature and its benefits for human health in general and human skin in particular are so many that cannot be counted on fingers. In Asian countries clove has been in human use for centuries due to its effectiveness in preventing and treating many of the diseases. It gives a peculiar taste to the food making it a treat to eat and adds an appetizing aroma which is so pungent and appealing that one finds it hard to prevent oneself in tasting it.
- WHAT IS CLOVE OIL?
Clove oil is an essential oil and is an essential ingredient of many of the beauty and skincare products. It is extracted from the close fruit, flowers, leaves and even the bark of the clove trees. It may be colorless or having yellowish tinge. Main clove producing countries are Indonesia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Comoros.
WHICH PROPERTIES OF CLOVE OIL HELP TREAT ACNE AND SCARS?
Clove oil has a compound named eugenol that has the most effective property to treat acne as it helps in exterminating the acne bacteria and also reducing swelling and redness.
- ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTY
The antibacterial property of the clove oil makes it an effective treatment of acne which are caused when the wall of the plugged follicles ruptures and spreads the bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum on the skin. If clove oil is applied in such a condition, it removes acne-producing bacteria and thus treats it and also prevents the appearance of the acne.
- ANTISEPTIC PROPERTY
Clove oil contains significant amount of chemical called eugenol which is a very effective and powerful treatment of various types of skin infections. It unclog the pores and cleanses the skin and in this way, it prevents the recurrence of acne and pimples.
- ANALGESIC PROPERTY
Clove oil soothes pain as it has been in use to have relief even in tooth pain. In the same way, its analgesic properties give a significant relief in case of severe pian caused by acne, pimples and cysts. It also helps in numbing the irritation due to itchy spots and in reducing the size of acne and pimples.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTY
Clove oil’s eugenol chemical has the potent antioxidant property which presents powerful anti-inflammatory quality as it works for reducing swelling, red spots, itching, irritation and uneasy feelings due to acne, pimples and cysts.
- ANTIOXIDANTS
Clove oil has plentiful and potent antioxidants which work for freeing the radicals, lessening oxidative strain and helping in repairing the damaged cells and tissues of the skin. All these aspects make clove oil an effective home remedy to treat acne-prone skin.
- ANTI-SCAR PROPERTY
Clove oil provides effective and powerful treatment of the scars and black spots on the skin. The oil makes the cell viable, softens scars, lessens scar formation, repairs broken fibers, collagen structure of the skin layer, discharges pigments of scar tissues. Therefore, all these properties present effective treatment of the scars and spots.
SPOT SERUM: The brightening spot serum can also be used to treat acne and black spots by mixing clove oil with lemon juice or liquorice extract. It should be applied on the dark spots daily to reduce discoloration and to have uniform complexion.
HOW TO USE CLOVE OIL FOR ACNE?
Clove oil in concentrated form may cause irritation, itching or redness so it is advisable to use clove oil by diluting it with another oil. Some viable and suitable combinations are as under;
- CLOVE OIL AND OLIVE OIL
It is required to mix one table spoon of clove oil with one table spoon of olive oil and blend both of them well. Before using this mixture, it is advisable to steam the face to open the clogged pores. Afterwards, the mixture should be dabbed with
cotton on the affected area and should be allowed to stay there for 10 to 15 minutes. The face should, then, be washed with normal water and patted to dry.
- CLOVE OIL AND COCONUT OIL
Before application of the mixture of oils, it is advisable to steam the face so that the clogged pores may open. Now one table spoon each of the clove oil and coconut oil should be taken and mixed well. The mixture should be applied on the affected area with the help dab. The mixture should be allowed to stay on the acne for 10-15 minutes and then should be washed with normal water and should be patted to dry with towel.
- OTHER OILS
Clove oil can be diluted by mixing it with other oils such as almond oil, jojoba oil, mustard oil and others.
- PATCH WORK
Though clove oil is a natural product having no side effects, the concentrated form of the oil may cause irritation and itching. Therefore, it is better to apply a small amount of clove oil on a small patch at the inner side of the elbow to know whether clove oil causes allergy, irritation, itching or not.
- HOW DOES CLOVE OIL FADE DARK SPOTS?
Clove oil has the properties to fade the dark spots and blemishes left by acne. Its exfoliating property removes dead cells of the skin and helps in keeping the skin tone even. Its antioxidants treat harmful molecules and help in preventing skin aging and damage and thus ensure better skin health and vitality.
- BOTTOMLINE
Clove is termed a wonder spice because of its wondrous benefits to human health and its oil is equally beneficial for many of the health-related issues. However, it is more a remedy or prevention than a medicine. If problem has already reached the precautious stage, it is better to consult a medical man for proper treatment. Apart from enormity of the issue, clove oil has solution to many skincare problems as it prevents as well as treats acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and others.
FAQs
Can clove be diluted with water?
Water reduces effectiveness of the clove oil and limits its benefits.
Can clove oil be consumed for better skin?
Clove oil can be consumed by mixing its one spoon in a glassful of lukewarm milk only once or twice a week.
How long should clove oil be used for acne?
Clove oil should be used almost daily as long as the problem persists. Afterwards, it should be applied once or twice a week.