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Neem oil is an extract of the neem tree. Some practitioners of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine apply neem oil to treat atmospheric condition ranging from ulcers to fungal infections.

This type of oil contains several compounds, including fatty acids and antioxidants, that tin do good the skin.

Below, find out virtually the uses and potential benefits of neem oil, as well as the risks. We also provide tips for using neem oil on the skin.

a woman smelling neem oil that she is going to use for her skin Share on Pinterest
The utilize of neem oil is common in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Neem oil derives from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree. These trees grow mainly in the Indian subcontinent.

Neem oil is rich in fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids, which assistance support healthy pare. The oil is, therefore, a pop ingredient in peel intendance products.

The leaf of the plant likewise provides wellness benefits. The leaves contain plant compounds chosen flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial backdrop.

Also, the Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA) note that neem oil contains azadirachtin, a natural pesticide.

Researchers have only recently begun to examine how establish compounds influence health and disease. Equally a event, few scientific studies have investigated the apply of neem oil in full general skincare or every bit a treatment for peel conditions.

Authors of a 2013 review of the available research into medicinal uses of neem ended that its extracts can aid treat a variety of skin conditions, including:

  • acne
  • psoriasis
  • eczema
  • ringworm
  • warts

The following are some benefits of neem oil and the show behind these claims.

Start, however, it is important to note that about of the studies involved prison cell lines or animals. Those that did involve humans only included small numbers of participants. This makes it difficult to depict conclusions about the effectiveness of neem in the general population.

Anti-aging effects

A 2017 study investigated the anti-aging effects of topical neem leaf extract in hairless mice. The researchers showtime exposed the mice to skin-damaging ultraviolet B radiation. They then practical neem oil to the skin of some of the rodents.

The squad concluded that the oil was effective in treating the following symptoms of peel aging:

  • wrinkles
  • skin thickening
  • skin redness
  • h2o loss

The researchers also constitute that the extract additional levels of a collagen-producing enzyme called procollagen and a protein called elastin.

Collagen gives the skin structure, making it look plump and total, while elastin helps retain the peel's shape.

Product of these compounds decreases as people age. This eventually leads to dry, deflated-looking, thin pare and the formation of wrinkles.

Promoting wound healing

Research suggests that neem oil may assist enhance wound healing.

In one 2010 fauna study, researchers discovered that neem oil showed superior wound healing effects, compared with Vaseline. Specifically, the rats that received topical neem oil healed more rapidly. They besides developed stronger and more resilient tissue at the sites of their wounds.

A similar 2013 study compared the furnishings of saline and neem oil on wound healing in rats. Those that received neem oil healed faster and did not develop raised scars.

The researchers speculated that compounds in neem oil may promote claret vessel and connective tissue growth, thus enhancing wound healing.

A 2014 report investigated whether a gel containing neem oil and St. John's wort could aid reduce skin toxicity from radiation therapy. The study involved 28 human participants who were receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

All participants experienced some reduction in skin toxicity following treatment with the gel. However, it is of import to note that this study did non include a placebo control.

Fighting pare infections

A 2019 study examined the antibacterial backdrop of cosmetic products containing neem compounds. The authors plant that soaps containing extracts of neem leaf or neem bawl prevented the growth of several strains of bacteria.

Most people can use neem oil safely. However, the EPA consider the oil to be a "depression toxicity" substance. It tin, for example, cause allergic reactions, such equally contact dermatitis.

Also, while ingesting trace amounts of neem oil will likely not cause harm, consuming large quantities can cause adverse effects, especially in children. These may include:

  • vomiting
  • liver harm
  • metabolic acidosis
  • encephalopathy, a term for brain disease, disorder, or harm

People should utilise organic, cold-pressed neem oil. The oil should take a cloudy, yellow-dark-brown color and a strong olfactory property.

Neem oil is generally safety to utilise to the peel. However, it is very potent, so it may be a good idea to exam it on a minor patch of skin earlier applying it more extensively.

To perform a patch test, mix a couple drops of neem oil with h2o or liquid lather. Apply the mixture to a pocket-sized area of skin on the arm or the back of the hand.

If the skin becomes red, inflamed, or itchy, dilute the neem oil farther by adding more water or liquid soap. Test this mixture on a different area of skin and watch for any signs of irritation.

People who are allergic to neem oil may develop hives or a rash afterward a patch test. If this happens, finish using the oil — and any products that comprise it — immediately.

Treating skin conditions

Some people utilize neem oil to treat various skin conditions, including infections and acne.

To employ it equally a spot treatment, utilize a pocket-sized amount of diluted oil to the affected skin. Let the mixture soak into the skin, then rinse it off with warm water.

Neem oil has a particularly strong odor. To disguise information technology, try mixing neem oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, kokosnoot, or almond oil. Carrier oils also help the skin absorb neem oil.

Neem oil has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Despite this, researchers have only recently begun exploring the potential applications of neem oil in Western medicine.

Neem oil contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds, and these tin can do good the skin in a range of ways. Research shows that these compounds may assist fight skin infections, promote wound healing, and gainsay signs of skin crumbling.

To use neem oil as function of a skincare routine, mix it with water or a carrier oil. It is important to do a patch test when trying neem oil for the first time.

Neem oil is available for purchase online.

Some people experience a reaction to neem oil, such as contact dermatitis. If this occurs, terminate using the oil.