Could the secret to detoxed skin and fewer pimples be hiding in your spice rack?
While the dried herb has long been prized by foodies, as an Essential Oil, Oregano is quickly earning a reputation as a natural skin ally – from deep cleansing to calming breakouts and promoting a healthier-looking complexion. But what does Oregano Oil do for skin health?
In this article, we’ll uncover how this powerful Essential Oil works for skin detox and reducing pimples, while providing some simple ways to make it a regular in your self-care routine.
Secrets and Truths About Oregano Oil
Oregano might be best known as a staple in the kitchen, but this herb has a long history as a natural healer.
For centuries, it has been valued in traditional medicine for boosting immunity, supporting digestion, and helping the body fight off harmful microbes. And now this natural plant regularly used for cooking is taking on a whole new life chapter as a skin care support.
When distilled into an Essential Oil, Oregano becomes especially potent thanks to compounds like carvacrol and thymol, collectively responsible for its strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It’s these very constituents that are believed to work wonders for the skin, from restoration and rejuvenation to healing, are the precise reason many people are trading their harsh, chemical-based skin care solutions for this natural alternative.
But how does it work, and is it really the secret to clearer, healthier-looking skin?
How Does Oregano Essential Oil Benefit Skin Health?
When it comes to natural skin care, few remedies spark as much curiosity as Oregano Oil. No wonder, when its benefits for the skin come into play on multiple levels: helping to reduce pimples, calming irritation, protecting against damage, and supporting cell repair.
Here’s how Oregano Oil became a powerful natural option for detoxifying the skin and maintaining a clear, healthy-looking complexion.
Fights Acne
- Oregano Oil contains carvacrol, a powerful antibacterial compound that targets acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- By reducing bacterial growth, it helps prevent new breakouts and minimises existing blemishes from spreading.
- Natural antimicrobial action also makes Oregano Oil a favourite alternative to harsh chemical-filled acne treatments.
Soothes Irritation
- The anti-inflammatory properties in Oregano Oil help calm redness, swelling, and irritation caused by skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
- It can also help reduce itchiness and discomfort; you can use Oregano Oil for skin rashes and restoring balance to sensitive skin.
- With gentle application, Oregano Oil supports a more even, soothed complexion.
Acts as an Antioxidant
- Oregano Oil is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, one of the main causes of premature ageing.
- These antioxidants help protect skin cells from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV damage.
- Regular use of diluted Oregano Oil may reduce visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and dullness.
Speeds Up Healing
- Traditionally, Oregano Oil has been used to support the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and blemishes.
- Its natural antibacterial action makes Oil of Oregano good for skin infection and tending to small wounds.
- By supporting faster skin repair, Oregano Oil can help restore a smoother, healthier surface.
Improves Skin Texture
- With its natural cleansing properties, Oregano Oil helps unclog pores and remove impurities.
- Using Oregano Oil to cleanse the skin can leave it looking brighter, fresher, and more refined.
- Over time, the protective and restorative qualities in Oregano Oil may contribute to a smoother, more even skin tone.
Rather than providing a single step “detox”, these combined benefits of Oregano Oil help your complexion naturally renew itself. By clearing pimples, soothing redness, protecting against toxins, and supporting faster healing, it encourages ongoing skin detox - keeping your skin balanced, refreshed, and in its best condition.
How to Use Oregano Oil for Skin Care
When you’re ready to welcome Oregano Oil into your world, try our favourite recipes for detoxifying the skin and keeping your complexion balanced, refreshed, and in top condition.
Facial Cleanser: Mix 1 drop of Oregano Essential Oil with 2 tbsp of Jojoba Oil (or Sweet Almond Oil), mix well and massage gently onto damp skin for 1–2 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use once daily to help remove impurities and support smoother skin texture.
Spot Treatment: Add 1 drop of Oregano Essential Oil to 1 tsp of Rosehip Oil Refined Mix well and apply a small amount directly to pimples using a cotton bud. Use as a spot treatment only, up to twice daily, to target acne and calm irritation.
Healing Balm: Combine 1 drop of Oregano Essential Oil with 1 tbsp of Fractionated Coconut Oil, mix and apply a thin layer to small wounds, blemishes, or red patches to reduce redness and promote healing.
Safe Use of Oregano Oil for Skin
Oregano Essential Oil is highly potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting Oregano Oil without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using Oregano Essential Oil during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- We suggest storing your Oregano Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets. Essential Oils are highly concentrated and likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your oils before using them topically (on the skin). Follow our topical dilution guide for more information about safe use.
Oregano Oil Topical Dilution Guide
Because Oregano Oil is particularly potent, the recommended topical application is less than the regular amount for essential oils. The following guidelines are based on use by healthy adults:
- General Use: 1 – 2% dilution (2 – 4 drops per 10ml)
- Facial Application: 0.5 – 1% dilution (1 – 2 drops per 10ml)
Buying Oregano Oil for Pimples and Skin Detox
You can find Oil of Oregano in many health and general stores, but their quality and purity can differ vastly. That’s why it’s important to source your oils from a reputable supplier - like AWO!
Our collection includes a wide range of 100% pure essential oils and carrier oils at competitive prices, including Oregano Oil. By purchasing our stock in bulk, we keep costs low and pass those savings on to you. Plus, with our operations based right here in Australia, you can be confident about shopping locally from a trusted brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use Oregano Oil for acne?
Yes, when diluted with a carrier oil, Oregano Essential Oil can be a natural support for acne-prone skin. Always patch test first, as it’s extremely potent. Once you know it suits your skin, you can use it regularly as an all-natural remedy for breakouts.
Yes, when diluted with a carrier oil, Oregano Essential Oil can be a natural support for acne-prone skin. Always patch test first, as it’s extremely potent. Once you know it suits your skin, you can use it regularly as an all-natural remedy for breakouts.
Can Oregano Oil be used as part of a skin detox program?
It’s best to see Oregano Oil as part of an ongoing skin detox program rather than a one-off solution. Its cleansing, soothing, and antioxidant benefits support ongoing skin renewal, making it a great addition to your daily skin care routine.
It’s best to see Oregano Oil as part of an ongoing skin detox program rather than a one-off solution. Its cleansing, soothing, and antioxidant benefits support ongoing skin renewal, making it a great addition to your daily skin care routine.
How often should I use Oregano Oil on pimples and skin?
When to use an oil depends on your personal situation and the severity of your pimples. As wih any new skin care routine, start slowly - AWO recommends 2–3 times a week in diluted form. You can then adjust the frequency based on how your skin responds.
When to use an oil depends on your personal situation and the severity of your pimples. As wih any new skin care routine, start slowly - AWO recommends 2–3 times a week in diluted form. You can then adjust the frequency based on how your skin responds.