HOW IS LIMONENE GOOD TO ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Acne is one of the major skin issues which make the teenagers its prey due to hormonal disorders as they gain puberty. The acne issue is not limited to the adolescence as it may continue to affect the people at later stage of life due to certain factors. The acne may occur as hair follicles under the skin get clogged, sebum oil gets overly produced and dead skin cells which clog the skin pores causing bacteria and microbes and ultimately give rise to outbreaking of lesions called pimples and zits. In addition, hormonal transitions, abnormal menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, stress, anxiety, oily beauty products, certain drugs especially steroids, dehydration, over exposure to sun, environmental issues, unhealthy lifestyle etc., are also play their role in acne outbreak.

WHAT IS LIMONENE?

The limonene is found in the rind of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, kinnow and others. The orange or kinnow rind contains 97 percent of limonene. The limonene possesses citrus acid and a natural chemical which is used in cosmetics, foods and cleaning products. Its health benefits especially for skin care are numerous as it is particularly ranked high for having therapeutic properties. The people have been extracting limonene for treating of many diseases and particularly skin-related issues for centuries.

 WHY SHOULD LIMONENE BE USED FOR ACNE TREATMENT?

The limonene contains such properties that addresses acne-causing factors. Some acne preventing properties are as under;

1. Anti-microbial
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. Scar preventor
4. Antibacterial

     5.Skin health booster

6. Cures redness and swelling
7. Antioxidant
8. Balances skin pH value

HOW TO USE LIMONENE?

The limonene can be used in variety of ways as some suggest its oil extracted from the peels of the citrus fruit but that is the industrial extract involving distillation and thus a complicated process that cannot be done at home. However, as DIY and at home remedy, there are some simple methods to use limonene on skin for treating acne.

• DIRECT APPLICATION

 Limonene can be used on the skin particularly on the face and other affected areas without going for complicated process.

• METHOD

1. Take a few large pieces of orange or kinnow peels
2. Wash them well before application
3. Squeeze the peel by pointing to the acne
4. Soak all the acne with the limonene
5. Rub the peel gently on the face or other affected areas
6. Let the limonene stay on the skin for 5-10 minutes
7. Wash the face and other areas with normal water

• BENEFITS

1. Ance starts disappearing within a few days
2. The skin becomes soft, smooth and even
3. The skin tone gets lighter
4. The skin becomes glowing
5. Limonene treats rashes, spots, wrinkles and fine lines
6. It also removes blackheads and whiteheads
7. It fades away sun burns and other scars

• PRECAUTIONS

1. Limonene may cause some irritation however, it goes away after sometime
2. It should not be used in case of wounds, deep rashes and other such issues
3. The people with overreactive and sensitive skin should not use it

HOW TO MAKE LIMONENE TONER?

Limonene toner is the best home remedy for handling acne and acne causing factors. It is also the best moisturizer and sun screen. It is very easy to make at home.

• METHOD

1. Take a few pieces of the orange or kinnow rind
2. Wash them well with simple water
3. Tear the rind into small pieces
4. Put them in a glass or clay jar with a tight lid
5. Put water to dip the pieces well
6. Keep the jar at a cool and dry place such as refrigerator
7. Leave the jar for two to three days
8. Shake the jar twice daily
9. After it, strain it well to remove the peels
10. Put the toner in a spray bottle and apply it on the skin
11. Rub it on the skin well with finger tips
12. The skin should be allowed to absorb the toner
13. It may be allowed to stay overnight or the whole day
14. For better aroma, some rose water should be added to the toner

• BENEFITS

1. Limonene toner is the best moisturizer
2. It keeps the skin hydrated and fresh
3. It treats acne and acne causing factors

      4. It treats rashes, inflammation and irritation

5. It gives the skin an even tone
6. It brightens the skin by giving it a lighter look
7. It treats blackheads and white heads
8. It removes ageing signs, sagging, wrinkles and fine lines
9. It also treats dark circles and other spots

• PRECAUTION

1. It may cause some irritation which gets away after some time
2. It should not be used on wounds, bruises, deep rashes and injuries
3. It should not be used on oversensitive and overreactive skin

HOW TO GET LIMONENE OIL?

Apart from distillation method, the limonene oil can be prepared at home with simple process.

• METHOD

1. Take a few pieces of orange or kinnow rind
2. Wash them well with simple water
3. Put them in half a cup of olive, mustard or almond oil
4. Store the ingredients in a jar at dry place
5. Keep it for three to four days
6. Jar should be stirred well twice a day
7. Afterwards, strain the oil to remove the peel
8. Add a few drops of rose water for aroma
9. Apply the oil on the acne
10. It may be used on the face and other affected areas
11. Let the skin absorb the oil
12. It may be left overnight and washed it off with warm water

• BENEFITS

The benefits of the limonene oil are the same as of the limonene toner.

• PRECAUTION

The precautions are also the same as have been discussed above.

• SUMMARY

Limonene is a perfect natural product and its use should be done in a natural way. The extra processes such as distillation to extract essential oil from the orange or kinnow rind could destroy its natural properties. It is always better to use the natural products fresh to have better results however, limonene can be used only in it seasons but its oil as has been discussed above can be stored for a longer period. It is safe for all types of skin having no side or adverse effects save some cases when skin is overtly sensitive and overreactive and in such a situation, limonene should be avoided. 

FAQs (Frequent Asked Questions)