Neem oil treatment for skin and scalp conditions
The fatty acid and comedogenic rating of Neem oil treatment
Neem oil treatments are important to treat inflammatory skin conditions and it has a low comedogenic rating, which is important for not clogging your pores.
Linoleic acid – 13%
Oleic acid – 50%
Palmitic acid – 18% Stearic acid – 15%
Comedogenic rating – 1-2
Treat dandruff, skin and scalp conditions with Neem oil
Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Neem oil has been an essential part of traditional medicine for decades. The name originates from the ancient Sanskrit word ‘Nimba’, which translates to nectar. It is used in South-Asian countries to treat scalp and skin conditions, as well as inflammation and other common illnesses.
Extracted from the fruits of the neem tree, found in South Asia, this oil can protect skin and hair against fungi like candida, which is one of the leading causes of dandruff.
Restore protective barrier and moisturise the skin and hair with a Neem oil treatment
It also contains high amounts of antioxidants, making it ideal for protecting the skin. It’s rich in fatty acids, such as linoleic, oleic and stearic acids, and glycerides that can penetrate the skin’s outer layer and restore the protective barrier, preventing moisture loss.
Neem oil also has moisturising benefits, helps restore dry and damaged locks. It can also help nourish the scalp and hair, leaving it with a soft and silky texture.
Regenerate cells of the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth with a Neem oil treatment
In addition, Neem oil also has regenerative properties, which can aid in healthy cell division of the hair follicle and stimulate hair growth. If you apply neem oil regularly, you’ll notice your hair become thicker, glossier and stronger. This powerful oil also contains extremely high levels of antioxidants – even more than those found in superfoods like blueberries and spinach.
Tame frizz with Neem oil
Neem oil can help prevent frizz, especially for those living or holidaying in warmer climes, where it’s hard to beat the heat and humidity. Frizz is caused by the hygroscopic property found in our hair. This absorbs moisture from the air and leads to hair becoming frizzy. However, the properties found in neem oil repel moisture and water. When applied it forms a slight shield over hair, repelling any moisture and preventing it from becoming absorbed.
Antiseptic and antibacterial properties keep bacteria and skin infections at bay
Neem oil’s strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties can also help keep bacteria and secondary skin infections at bay. It is also effective against human fungi, such as candida which is a major cause of dandruff.
Dandruff is usually down to inflammation which can also leave your scalp feeling dry and itchy. Neem oil can help soothe and combat these symptoms and is usually a key ingredient in natural anti-dandruff shampoos. Eczema sufferers should also apply neem oil as it works well for pain-relief, helping to soothe itchiness and discomfort. As well as helping combat a range of hair problems, Neem oil can also aid in helping with pain relief, skin conditions and much more.
Those who suffer from fungal or bacterial infections should try applying neem oil as studies have found it to be particularly effective against these conditions. Unlike medicine, it’s also gentle enough to be used in intimate areas. However, you should always proceed with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s always best to test its use first or begin by diluting it with another oil.
Treat head lice and parasites with Neem oil
Neem oil can also treat head lice. It’s a great natural alternative as medicinal treatments are usually packed with nasty chemicals. Neem oil contains azadirachtin which disrupts the reproduction and growth of lice and eventually kills them off. It also inhibits them from swallowing, leading them to starve and die. Moreover, it has a very strong and pungent odour which immediately prevents lice from crawling onto your head.
Apply two teaspoons of the oil to your hair (including the roots and scalp), then tie a scarf over your hair and leave on for at least three hours. Finally, using a fine-tooth comb, lightly comb your hair to remove the dead lice, and wash your hair.
I never use more than 10 % of Neem oil in my homemade blends
When using this oil in one of my blends, I never put on more than a few drops as I find the smell very unpleasant, especially when I leave it on overnight and need to sleep. The scent is very strong, and I can’t stand it!
Neem oil helps with skin scarring and discolouration
Additionally, Neem oil can help with skin scarring and discolouration. When melanin (the property that colours our skin) is overproduced, it can cause dark patches, known as hyperpigmentation. However, when used regularly, Neem oil can help lighten these dark patches. Simply apply a small amount using a cotton pad to the affected area every night, and you will notice the colour fade over time. However, always remember to do a skin patch test before you apply anything to your face – natural or not.
Neem oil can help treat overexposed skin exposure
Neem oil can also treat skin that has been overexposed to the sun, which is a number one cause of premature skin ageing. Exposure to harmful UV rays can cause inflammation in the skin. UV rays are extremely powerful and if you regularly spend time in the sun without adequate protection, it will eventually penetrate through the skin and destroy the inner layers including the collagen. The result is fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles.
Looking past the aesthetic devastation UV rays can have on the skin, a more serious result is skin cancer caused by the free radicals produced by the UV rays. If you are exposed to the sun for a long time, you can turn to neem oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain and redness on the skin and the antioxidants in the oil can combat those pesky free radicals. The fatty acids within Neem oil could even help restore collagen to some extent!
Non-toxic insect repellant with Neem oil
Although neem oil is completely natural and safe for us to use, the same cannot be said for insects who find this oil to be highly toxic. So, if you’re looking for a more holistic approach to removing insects and pests in your home, then you could try neem oil. This is because it acts as a natural insecticide, keeping them far away.
Protect plants and pets from spiders and insects
Indoor plants can also benefit from neem oil as it keeps spider and insects at bay – it’s also much better for your health as opposed to using toxic chemicals on them. Neem oil is also great for pets who might be suffering from parasites.
My favourite natural and toxin-free organic brands for my hair, skin and beauty care are:
- Khadi: Herbal colouring with Henna, herbs and plant pigments
- Morrocco-Method: Herbal colouring with Henna, herbs and plant pigments
- Plant Therapy : Therapeutic and food-grade essential oils
- Ancient Apothecary: Therapeutic and food-grade essential oils
- Tata Harper:High Performing, innovative and toxin-free face care
- Au Naturelle: Advanced, active & toxin-free make-up
- Popy Austin:Pure, unrefined, organic, cold-pressed body/face/hair oils
- Levenrose:Pure, unrefined, organic, cold-pressed body/face/hair oils
Empowering others via my anti-ageing wellness platform and holistic health books
I hope you liked this neem oil treatment page. If you would like to learn more about my tips and tricks on how I saved my hair from falling to regrowing shiny luscious locks ensure to check out other pages of this anti-ageing wellness platform.
Or if you want to discover my no BS guides on how to regain your health, hair and life, ensure to check out my holistic wellness books on this link.
After a frustrating decade of battling several chronic illnesses, I became disillusioned with the medical system and decided to take my health into my own hands.
Now, through my books and wellness platform, I want to empower people around the world do the same and regain their health, hair, life and beauty!
