Is Sesame Oil Good For Acne?

A simple ingredient that soothes your skin and eliminates those pesky pimples!

Medically Reviewed by Dr. CP Thajudheen, MD
By Sucharita Mishra

Have you ever used sesame oil for acne? If not, you should give it a try. Sesame oil is extensively used in skin care products. Apart from its culinary uses, it is a part of traditional medicine to treat skin care ailments (1). Sesame oil is also beneficial for maintaining your hair and skin health. If you are looking for natural ways to deal with acne breakouts, you can rely on sesame oil. Wondering how it works? We have the answers right here. Keep reading to learn more about how sesame oil may help heal acne.

Benefits Of Sesame Oil For Skin

1. May Help Treat Acne

Sesame oil contains sesamin that has anti-inflammatory properties (2). This compound may help ease the inflammation associated with acne breakouts.

2. May Not Clog Pores

Anecdotal evidence suggests that refined sesame oil may work without clogging pores. Since clogged pores may lead to acne breakouts, this non-comedogenic property of sesame oil may help reduce acne.

3. May Heal Wounds

Sesame oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. In one study, the oil was found to help heal burn wounds (3). More research is warranted to understand if sesame oil has similar effects on all types of wounds.

4. May Slow Down Aging Signs

Sesame oil is known for its anti-aging properties (4). Some research shows that sesame oil may resist 30% of UV rays (5). This may prevent wrinkles and other aging processes from showing up on your face. This may also help in preventing skin cancer as well.

Sesame oils antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help treat acne and the associated inflammation. But how can you use it?

How To Use Sesame Oil For Acne

1. Apple Cider Vinegar And Sesame Oil

Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties (6). It may help treat acne while sesame oil could help ease the inflammation.

What You Will Need

  • 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons of water

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix 4 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar and sesame oil with the 2 tablespoons of water.
  2. Apply the mixture to your face.
  3. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
  4. Wash it with normal water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do it once a day.

2. Rice Flour And Sesame Oil

Anecdotal evidence suggests that rice flour may help absorb the excess oil from the face. It could help reduce acne breakouts when used with sesame oil.

What You Need

  • 1 tablespoon of rice flour
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the rice flour and sesame oil in a bowl.
  2. Apply the paste all over your face.
  3. Leave the paste on your face for 20 minutes and wash with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do it once a week.

3. Turmeric And Sesame Oil

Turmeric is known for its antiseptic properties that may help heal your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help treat acne (7).

What You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of turmeric
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons of sesame oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix the turmeric and sesame oil in a bowl.
  2. Apply the mixture to the affected areas of your face.
  3. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes and wash with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

There are a few other ways you may use sesame oil on your face. We have discussed them below.

Other Ways To Use Sesame Oil For Acne

  1. You may soak cotton balls in sesame oil. Apply those oil-soaked balls gently on the acne-affected regions of your skin. Let the skin absorb the oil for 20 minutes or so. Wash with a mild medicated soap or cleanser. Of course, you may prefer to leave the oil on your body overnight and have a bath in the morning.
  1. You may also apply sesame oil to the acne spots and sit beside a bathtub filled with hot water. The steam will unclog the skin pores and allow the sesame oil to seep in better.
  1. You may use sesame oil for cooking foods to enhance its effect on your skin. It contains an antioxidant (sesamol) that increases when the oil is cooked (8).

Let us now see if you must take any precautions while using sesame oil.

Precautions To Be Taken While Using Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is generally safe for everyone to use without any side effects. However, those with oily skin must use it sparingly in small quantities.

The research on sesame oil’s effect on acne breakouts is limited. However, anecdotal evidence claims that using sesame oil for acne may help soothe the inflammation. In addition, sesame oil provides various other skin benefits and treats acne. This oil can help slow down the aging process and keep the skin smooth. Sesame oil is also relatively safe to use without causing any negative effects. On the other hand, those with oily skin should use them in moderation. You can follow the tips discussed in the article to incorporate this oil into your daily skin-care routine and get the effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sesame oil good for oily acne-prone skin?

Sesame oil is non-comedogenic and may work well on oily acne-prone skin.

Is coconut oil or sesame oil better for the skin?

Sesame oil contains skin-loving nutrients and is better for rejuvenating the skin. In addition, it protects your skin from moisture loss. You can take advantage of coconut oil’s moisturizing and rejuvenating properties if you don’t have acne-prone skin.

Is sesame oil a good skin moisturizer?

The presence of essential fats in sesame oil makes it an effective skin moisturizer. It helps keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Does sesame oil tighten skin?

Yes. According to one study, toners enriched with sesame oil help tighten the skin (9). Also, it can control the enlargement of skin pores.

What is the difference between sesame oil and sesame seed oil?

Sesame oil is made from raw, pressed seeds, while sesame seed oil is made from toasted seeds.

Can I mix sesame oil with coconut oil?

Yes. You can mix sesame oil with coconut oil. They offer the essential skin nutrients and keep your skin hydrated.

Key Takeaways

  • Sesame oil contains sesamin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the irritation caused by acne.
  • You can mix it with apple cider vinegar, rice flour, or turmeric to treat acne.
  • Sesame oil is generally safe to use and has no negative side effects.

References:

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Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and specializes in writing on Health and Wellness. She has worked on... more

Dr. CP Thajudheen

(MD)
Dr. CP Thajudheen has over 20 years of experience in various lasers, light-based devices, and other advanced equipment. He was... more

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