How to Use Black Seed Oil for Acne

Black seed from the Nigella sativa plant has been proven to provide several benefits for your entire body. So, it’s no surprise that it may also help you achieve clearer, healthier skin. While you might be used to ingredients like retinol and benzoyl peroxide for acne, black seed may be incredibly effective without the side effects of dryness, burning, and itchiness.

If you’re curious about using black seed oil for acne, take a look at our guide as we uncover why black seed oil is so good for your skin and how you can use it to get the best results.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil for Acne

Black seed oil is so potent for your skin and body because of the active called thymoquinone. This essential component of Nigella sativa is why you enjoy so many benefits from using black seed supplements.

1. Antibacterial

Thymoquinone may have powerful antibacterial qualities, especially against acne vulgaris bacteria — which causes whiteheads and blackheads. When you have reduced bacteria on the surface of your skin, you’re less likely to experience irritated or infected pores.

2. Antifungal

In addition to its antibacterial properties, black seed oil for acne is also antifungal. It may have the ability to combat dermatophytes and pathogenic yeast fungi that are responsible for a variety of fungal skin conditions, like ringworm.

Studies show that the high concentrations of linolein acid help boost ceramide production, creating a healthier lipid barrier and preventing contaminants and fungi from literally getting under your skin.

3. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory

Because black seed oil for acne is rich with phenolic compounds, including carvacrol, thymoquinone, and thymol, as well as saponins like alpha-herein, it is a major source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are the essential ingredient to combating oxidative stress and calming inflammation. You get protection from free radicals while soothing redness and irritation.

4. Regulating Sebum Production

Black seed has a very unique fatty acid profile, which includes around 50% linoleic acid, 20% oleic acid, and 2% stearic acid. All of these acids play a crucial role in regulating sebum production and managing the oils on your skin.

Linoleic acid is especially effective, as it can unclog pores while also reducing oil production. Oleic acid balances out the effects of less oil by maintaining skin’s hydration even without the high levels of sebum.

5. Supports Other Products

One of the best reasons to use black seed oil for acne is because the high amounts of linoleic acid can enhance the effects of other skincare products. The acid allows these other products to penetrate even deeper, making your entire skincare routine more effective.

6. Improves Healing

Black seed has already been known to speed wound healing by minimizing inflammation and preventing the growth of bacteria. This can be especially useful for those who have acne scarring, as it can both prevent future scars and soften current lesions.

3 Techniques - How to Use Black Seed Oil for Acne

There are many ready-made products on the market that make it easy to use black seed oil for acne, including facial oils and serums. However, there are several ways you can learn how to use black seed oil for acne. Take a look to decide what works best for you.

1. Apply Directly

Instead of using pre-made formulations, you can actually apply black seed oil directly to your face. It’s not greasy and very lightweight. Because it has a comedogenic rating of two, black seed oil for acne will most likely not clog your pores

2. Combine With Other Oils

You don’t have to use pure black seed oil alone! Combine your black seed oil with other natural and essential oils to get different results. For acne-prone skin, you may want to consider rosehip oil, grapefruit oil, and evening primrose oil. Each of these has been proven to support a healthy skin barrier.

3. Make A Mask

Homemade remedies are a great choice for anyone who wants to customize their acne treatments. If you already have a favorite face mask recipe, use it with black seed oil by swapping out the carrier oil for black seed. Some masks use avocado oil, vitamin E oil, or shea butter. You can replace them completely or add half of each to make your mask.

If you make your own mask, we recommend doing a test patch to check for negative reactions. Spread some of the mixture on your arm and wait 24 hours before applying it to a small portion of your face to start.

Quick Facts About Black Seed Oil for Acne

You might still have some questions about what to expect when using black seed oil for acne. Take a look at our answers to some common concerns for all the details.

How long will it take black seed oil to start working?

Studies show that black seed oil products can take between 6-8 weeks to show noticeable improvements. This time is in line with many other ance products. However, some personal factors, like your age, skin type, and severity of acne will affect this.

Does black seed oil work for fungal and cystic acne?

Black seed oil may work on fungal acne because thymoquinone has antifungal effects. It may prevent infections in your follicles that are caused by yeast. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to show that black seed oil can affect cystic acne.

Can you use black seed oil capsules for acne instead?

Good news! You don’t have to put black seed oil directly on your skin to enjoy the benefits. You can take black seed oil capsules to get similar dermatological effects, ranging from acne prevention to soothing inflammation caused by psoriasis and eczema.

Healthier Skin for a Better Life

Now that you know how to use black seed oil for acne, you can start your journey to healthier, happier skin with Amazing Herbs! And for more details on the benefits of black seed for other parts of your body, check out our blog for additional guidance.