Neem Oil and Neem leaves have been used in skin care for thousands of years. It is a highly treasured oil in India and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for many skin issues. We are now seeing Neem Oil rise in popularity across Europe and more recently, in the United States.
What Is Neem?
The Neem Tree is an evergreen tree that is part of the mahogany family and is a common feature of the drier regions of India, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Neem bark, leaves, fruit, seeds and oils all contain medicinal qualities. Many of these qualities play an important role in healthy skin care. Scientific studies have shown Neem to have properties that are:
- Antiviral – inhibits the growth of viruses
- Anti-fungal – inhibits the growth of fungi
- Antibacterial – destroying the growth of bacteria
- Analgesic – providing pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory – reduce certain signs of inflammation, swelling or tenderness
- Antimicrobial -destroying the growth of microorganisms
1. Anti-Aging with Neem
Neem Oil is used in skin care because it’s loaded with nutrients. Neem contains extraordinarily high levels of antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage. Neem also contains carotenoids (similar to carotene) which provide high antioxidant compounds that help defend the skin against age-promoting free radicals.
Neem Oil is especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E and is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving skin greasy. Once absorbed, these powerful properties work to rejuvenate the skin’s cells and restore elasticity.
When used regularly, this blend of compounds, makes Neem perfect for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines while helping to prevent the signs of aging. The saturation of antioxidants and vitamin E will help restore a youthful glow to dry or damaged skin and balance skin tone.
Recommendations: After cleansing face, take a few drops of Neem Cure (a mixture of Neem Oil & Jojoba Oil) on finger tips and massage gently on to face and neck area every night before bed. Other products include Neem Saop and the # 1 selling Neem Clay Mask for further anti-aging benefits.
2. Neem will Improve Acne Prone Skin
Neem Oil is ideal for acne-prone skin because it can help to soothe irritation and inflammation, clear up pimples and remove bacteria from the surface of the skin that can cause more break-outs.
Neem oil contains an aspirin-like compound that helps with acne conditions by ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria. It also helps reduce redness and inflammation.
The high fatty-acid content in Neem Oil is said to prevent and treat scars from acne and is non-comedogenic. Its leaves are also an excellent exfoliant that can be used in a facial masque to pull out impurities and tighten pores.
Recommendations: Cleanse with Neem Soap and follow with an application of Neem Cure to affected areas. Also use the #1 selling Neem Clay Mask two times per week for best results in clearing acne prone skin.
3. Soothe Dry Skin & Eczema with Neem
Eczema is a very common inflammatory skin condition characterized by extremely irritable, dry, red, itchy skin. At it’s worst, skin really flares up, and can become raw, and cracked and can cause secondary infections.
The root cause for eczema lies in our genes, so eczema usually runs in families. Neem Oil, can relieve eczema symptoms, but it will not cure the root causes for eczema. But due to its ability to reduce inflammation and heal abrasions, it can be very soothing for eczema sufferers.
The nimbidin and nimbin are two anti-inflammatory compounds that are found in the Neem Oil which helps to relieve swelling and redness. A third is Quercetin, which is well known as a compound that supports the body’s ability to respond to inflammation by inhibiting both the manufacture and release of histamine and other irritants.
Emollients are what dermatologists recommend for eczema. Substances that fill the gaps and cracks in the skin, prevent moisture loss, and restore the protective barrier. Since Neem is especially high in important fatty acids and vitamin E and can quickly penetrates outer layers of skin, it is extremely effective in healing dry and damaged skin. Its strong antiseptic properties will also help to keep bacteria and secondary skin infections at bay.
Recommendations: Apply Neem Cure to affected areas several times a day. Cleanse with a gentle Neem Soap and apply Neem Lotion after showering and before bed. Also available, exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and re-moisturize with Neem Body Scrub. For extremely itchy skin, soak with JustNeem’s original Neem Tub Tea.
4. Treat Nail Fungus, Ringworm & Athletes Foot
Nail fungus, ringworm and athletes foot are all common fungal infections of the skin. Since Neem extracts are some of the most powerful anti-fungal plant extracts around, Neem is a great natural alternative to over-the-counter creams from the drugstore.
Gedunin and nimbidol, compounds found in the leaves of the neem tree are powerful anti-fungal agents that destroy fungi, which cause athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. Neem extracts have proven in laboratory experiments to be toxic to more than 14 cultures of common fungi that invade the skin, according to Pharmainfo.
Recommendations: Apply Neem Cure to affected areas in place of or along with more traditional treatments to help clear and protect the affected area. If you are prone to skin fungal infections, using Neem Oil or Neem lotion on a daily basis may help prevent future infections.
48 Comments
My experience with Neem oil is that it smells soooo bad. Is there a way to tone down the odor?
Hi Robin, try our products. We work extra hard to make sure that they are pleasant for all your senses! Our Neem Cure is a blend of Neem Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tea Tree and other essential oils. Many of our products are made with Neem extract and Neem leaves. Oil, leaves and extract all hold great benefits for the skin. Try them and we guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised!
The Neem cure smells so bad..I will continue to use it hoping it will help with my skin breakouts..thankfully I can tolerate the smell..but it is hard
I have itchy skin on both arms on the inside of my elbows and on the backs of my knees. Would a neem product work on this condition?
Absolutely Dan! I would use a Neem Soap such as our Organic Fragrance Free Soap in the shower, followed by the Fragrance Free Neem Lotion. And for your itchy patches try the Neem Cure. The natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties of Neem will help with itchiness and help to heal and soothe your skin.
I’m wondering if Neem products could be used for babies as my 5 month old granddaughter has a severe case of excema and which ones would you suggest, thanks
Hi Barbara, Read the comment above. Our all natural Fragrance Free Neem Soap and Lotion are gentle enough for babies and are free of steroids like prescription creams. Please let us know if it works her.
Is there a form of neem oil I can safely use on my dog to treat his problem skib?
Hi CC, I have been using the Neem Cure on my dog for 2 years. I use it as a skin soothing oil and instead of chemical tick & flea applications. I put a few drops of Neem Cure on his skin once a week to help keep those pests away. Neem is a natural repellant and good for his skin.
Essential oils can be extremely toxic to animals and should never be used on them. They can kill your pet really quickly. I would NOT use this product on an animal.
Casey, Thanks for your comment. Neem Oil is actually highly recommended for use on pets. You can find Neem Oil in many pet shampoos and other pet products. Neem is non-toxic an a very effective natural repellant for biting mosquitoes and fleas. For thousands of years the people of India have used Neem on their livestock to cure skin conditions too. Here is just one article you can read, but you can also look for pet products out there made with this wonderful natural oil.
http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/neem-oil-a-miracle-herb-for-dogs-and-for-you-too
i have been using neem oil and taking neem pills every day for the past 6 weeks. my skin has not cleared of ring worm. why??
I wish I knew the answer for you Lindsay. If you are using straight Neem Oil, try mixing it with a bit of jojoba oil to help it absorb into the skin. Or use an over the counter anti-fungal cream along with it.
tea tree oil helps alot
Would this be good for after surgery scars?
Neem Oil is not necessarily known for getting rid of scars. It is high in vitamin E, has anti-inflammatory properties and is very helpful in healing the skin. Give it a try and let us know!
anywhere in Massachusetts that you can get your products???
We are presently in the Southeastern states only. But ask your Whole Foods Market to carry us! http://www.justneem.com/where-to-buy/
Can you please recommend which Neem Soap would be good for people with acne?
Thank you very much,
Julie =o)
Try the Coconut Soap or the Green Tea. Both soaps are wonderful for the face and have a higher level of Neem. Also keep a look-out for our AcNeem products coming out in late Spring! The soap will help clean away make-up too!. But I would remove your eye make-up with something natural like olive oil or coconut oil first. Those natural oils are great for removing mascara!
Also, does your Neem Soap remove make-up?
My mom has Scorisis very bad in the back of her neck and her head. Do you have a product that would help with this?
Thanks
Deanna, Have her try the Neem Cure. Have her message it into her scalp and neck and leave it in overnight. In the morning she should shower with with her favorite (gentle) shampoo and add a few drops of Neem Cure and shampoo as usual. She could try using our Fragrance Free Neem lotion after the shower on the back of her neck too. I hope that helps!! Please let us know if it works.
Hi
Is the Neem oil good to use on oily skin?
Neem oil is good for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores. It will help to rid your pores from acne causing bacteria.
Can you use neem oil for discoid lupus?
April, Our exposure to discoid lupus is nonexistent. Because Neem Cure is made with all natural essential oils, I don’t think it would hurt. I would check with your doctor to make sure it is OK to try.
I would like to know that if I can use neem oil for hair too, because the smell is so bad
You can absolutely use Neem Oil for your hair and especially your scalp. One suggestion is to mix a few drops of Neem Cure to your favorite shampoo before washing your hair. It is fantastic for an itchy flaky scalp.
Hey will neem cure work for impetigo?
Impetigo should be treated by a doctor with antibiotics. However, Neem Cure will help to heal the sores fast and keep bacteria at bay.
I love the coconut soap and it has really helped with my skin and redness on my face. I wish you had the lotion in coconut as well so I could buy them together. Any chance you may have it available in the future?
We are so happy you like our Coconut Neem Soap. It is a best-seller! At the moment no plans to add a coconut lotion. But keep checking back for new products!
Are any of your products available in Ontario Canada. We have a large Emporiam nearby & I would love to try your products.
So sorry Judith, but right now we only sell and ship to the U.S.
can I use oil of neem to cure scavies and how should I use it?
Marlena,
First, I would recommend seeing your doctor and getting a prescription so it does not spread to others in your family. You can use Neem Soap to wash your skin, and Neem Cure on your body after shower and before bed. Also soak in a tub with Neem Tub Tea. All of these things will help relieve your itchy skin, but it may not be strong enough to get rid of scabies without the prescription. Make sure to wash all your sheets & clothes in hot water too.
is any product of neem really beneficial for improving color of skin
If used regularly it has been shown to brighten the skin tone and lessen redness and scar marks for some folks.
can neem face washes for acne and pimples be used for dry skin??
Hi Katie, The great thing about Neem is that it is high in vitamin E and antioxidants as well as having the benefit of killing bacteria on the skin surface. This makes Neem very nourishing for all skin types. Any of our Neem soaps can be used for your face as well as for your body.
I have dry skin and lots of pimples on my face. Does neem oil really cure pimples if i use everynight before bedtime?
Hi Anzu, Give it a try! I would recommend washing your face every night and every morning with a Neem Soap like our Coconut, or Green Tea and then using the Neem Cure as a spot treatment. And then please…tell us if it worked for you!
Since having 2 babies, I have started having more black heads, does the neem oil work for that, and also, the soap, is it good for your face? I have the mask and love it but was wanting to switch over to all neem products for the face, what would you recommend? Thanks
Hi Rachel, I am right there with you! I use the Neem mask once a week, but I also LOVE using the Neem soaps on my face. The darker the soap, the more Neem is in it. The soaps I recommend for the face are Coconut, Green Tea or Fragrance Free. They all have bits of Neem leaf in the soap as well the helps to exfoliate the skin.
I had an ear infection and sinus infection and now have a fungus or yeast in my ears. Can I use Neem oil in the ears? Lois
Lois, Please do not use Neem oil inside your ear! Neem oil is a topical solution for fungus. I would absolutely check with your doctor to see what he recommends.
I had an ear infection before and dabbed a que tip with Oregano oil as far as I would brave. it does burn a little but it definitely works. After 3 days of continuous use it went away. You can also ingest it as well. So great for anti fungal infections, etc.
I acually have had an allergic reaction from oranges I believe from work. And have a rash on my arm that continuously comes back when I return to work. I found Oregano Oil helped a lot but it still itched and dried up. I ended up using Neem Oil for that. I found its extremely soothing, moisturizes my skin and brings down a lot of inflammation. It keeps bacteria from growing and keeps from making it worse like usual. Definitely great for topical use.