Got Acne, Eczema, or Dandruff? You Need Neem

OK, so we neem to know: what is neem oil, and where does it come from? For many of us, it’s an ingredient we’ve never heard of and have never used – let alone shopped for. But with June and National Acne Month just around the corner, we’re rediscovering the cool clarifying properties of the incredible neem tree.

Neem is a tree herb grown in semi-tropical climates, original to the subcontinent of India. In addition to the many natural agricultural uses of neem, this herb is slowly being popularized in the beauty world. Skin and hair care formulas use it to fight inflammatory disorders such as acne, eczema, dandruff, and a host of other conditions.

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Also known as Indian Lilac or Azadirachta indica, neem is a vibrant green tree with slender leaves and pale green pods. At full maturity, it looks like the perfect shady hideaway for a picnic or a good read. But within these leaves hides an abundant anti-inflammatory oil, which has been used in ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years.

Neem is an antioxidant, which around here is code for ‘free radical exterminator’. For that reason, neem oil is sometimes prescribed as a supplement. Studies show neem oil as beneficial against disorders such as leprosy, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

Neem has also played a part in women’s health and medicine. A study on gynecological cancers showed neem as having a positive result on participants. In other studies, neem has even been considered a form of effective birth control.

Many studies suggest neem oil has stimulant effects on the immune system, which explains why skin conditions like acne and dandruff are often treated by the herb. We love a multi-purpose herb or extract, and neem oil makes for the perfect addition to many of our product formulas.

Even for those who don’t suffer from scalp or hair irritation, neem oil is still beneficial. The oil from this evergreen tree is packed with hair benefits. Most notable is its high content of fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to increased hair growth, and potential minimizing of hair loss – especially for those that experience pattern baldness.

The most common symptoms of suffering scalps, dryness and dandruff, will benefit from neem oil. This active extract has a nourishing, healing impact on the scalp. It helps to soothe active irritation, and penetrates deeper for lasting comfort. Depending on your hair type, daily or weekly use of a neem-infused shampoo or conditioner could gradually ease hair and scalp into better health.

Washing our hair means ridding strands of grease and product buildup – but it’s really our scalp that needs the reset. A thorough cleanse with our Healthy Scalp Shampoo can help inject neem right to the source of healthy hair: your scalp.

This neem oil shampoo deeply penetrates the scalp to help alleviate dryness while building an immune defense against dandruff, eczema, and similar issues. Follow with a layer of Healthy Scalp Conditioner on your ends from the ears down, for a boost of intense nourishment.

With support from strengthening provitamin B5 and moisture-locking kelp, this unstoppable shampoo and conditioner combo makes for a rejuvenated mane and happy scalp.

PRO TIP: Is your itchy scalp caused by something more than dryness? Neem oil can kill head lice, too!

Barrier Function
Neem oil contains essential fatty acids that are key for fortifying the skin’s cell membrane. This barrier, also called the stratum corneum, keeps hydration in and bacteria, damage, and toxins out. This barrier relies on elements like cholesterol, ceramides, and EFA’s to function properly.

When your cell membrane is damaged by abrasive scrubs, harsh acids, or severe temperature fluctuations, serious issues can arise. You’re looking at inflammation, dryness, and acne flare-ups. Part of why neem oil makes a great dermatitis and psoriasis treatment is because it boosts immunity, and deposits those essential fatty acids for skin barrier health.

Phytochemical + Preservative Power
Limonoids are commonly found in citrus fruits, but can also be found in neem oil. They act as natural pesticides that protect the leaves of the neem tree. These phytochemicals have been discovered to work against cancers, with special consideration to the mouth and skin.

Neem oil also contains powerful triglycerides, which helps it act as an emollient in skin care formulas. They can bind ingredients that aren’t innately compatible, and are effective to some extent as a product preservative. Although there is mixed research on the purity and purpose of triglycerides, neem oil can still contribute preservative power, emollient abilities, and solvency in many of our products.

Thorough, Gentle Cleansing
Since we know neem oil to be effective for protecting the skin’s moisture barrier, this ingredient is great to have in a cleanser. Many cleansers can leave the skin feeling too clean, dehydrated, stripped and totally uncomfortable. These feelings can actually translate to damage – damage to our skin’s delicate moisture barrier.

Rather than using a harsh cleanser for acne or oily skin, we’re looking to our Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Cleanser. It makes our cleansing experience a lot gentler, and far more sustainable for regular use. Supporting ingredients willow bark and tea tree are calming, detoxifying, and clarifying for clean, balanced skin.

Acne Treatment
To follow-up your neem oil cleanser, go for the Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Astringent. Neem, turmeric root, and parsley offer serious benefits for acne-prone skin by decongesting pores with detoxifying power.

The base of this acne astringent is tea tree water – as an antimicrobial, it helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Algae and glycerin make this astringent far more gentle than those drugstore formulas you’re used to – they lock in essential moisture to leave skin soft and smooth.

It’s safe to say that with the help of neem oil, we’re transforming not just our skin care regimen – we’re improving the health of our skin. For more on powerful herbs, read our guide to detoxifying herbs, and don’t miss our feature on the wonders of lavender oil for skin!