Evening Primrose Oil :

A Good Natural Acne Treatment?

Is Evening Primrose Oil a good natural acne treatment? Lots of people think it is and are using it treat their acne and other skin problems. It's loaded with powerful essential fatty acids (EFAs) that may help to fight acne both internally and externally. They do that mainly by reducing the inflammation that causes many acne outbreaks. Evening Primrose Oil also appears to help regulate skin cells' use of nutrients in a way that reduces acne outbreaks while also producing prostaglandins, chemicals that stimulate the contraction of blood vessels. EPO may also help to dilute the thick oily substance called sebum which is sometimes over-produced by the skin, clogging pores and leading to the small infections that cause pimples.

Evening Primrose Oil has been used for centuries to treat and in some cases even "cure" a variety of health problems. Since the 1930's doctors have used it to help treat eczema, another inflammation-caused skin condition even more serious than acne. It's also shown promise in treating painful rheumatoid arthritis. Many women use EPO to reduce problems associated with PMS, menstrual cycles, and even menopause.

If you choose to use EPO to try to cure acne please consult a doctor and follow these simple steps:

1. Use it on a regular basis OR during occasional outbreaks, especially those associated with stress or menstruation.

2. You can make a topical EPO formulation on your own using diced or ground flower leaves combined with petroleum jelly or other skin-safe oil. Keep the formula covered and refrigerated.

3. You can buy many different EPO products -- including tablets, capsules, and creams -- in health food stores and even many major supermarket chains. Always try to find the freshest-possible products since the acne-fighting compounds in Evening Primrose Oil can degenerate rather quickly, lowering their effectiveness.

4. Be patient. EPO is a natural and mild alternative skin treatment that may not provide immediate results the way many drugs and OTC treatments do. You should use it for at least 2-4 weeks before giving up because of an apparent lack of results.

5. Start slow, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you choose to take it internally (in supplement form). Slowly increase the amount you use or ingest to see how your body reacts.

6. Do not use EPO products if you are pregnant!

More About Evening Primrose Oil and Acne

Evening Primrose Oil comes from the seed of the Primrose plant. It is often used for the treatment of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Though it does not appear to be as effective on eczema as it is on acne. It is also being studied for other uses and treatments in the body like multiple sclerosis (MS), and cancer, just to name a couple. In the diet Evening Primrose Oil is used as a source of essential fatty acids, which as the name suggests are absolutely essential for the normal, healthy functioning of the human body. It is also used in soaps and cosmetics.

EPO contains inflammation-reducing and pain-relieving elements and, in fact, the phenylalanine in primrose oil has been used to treat chronic headaches. The most important acne-fighting substance found in EPO, though, is probably the plant-based fatty acid called GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid. Most experts believe that this "good" fat is largely responsible for EPO's amazing healing abilities. Only a few other plants are known to contain such large concentrations of GLA.

The gamma-linoleum acid and other nutritional substances in this oil are vitally important for the cell structure of the skin. Increasing your intake of them may improve the complexion and smoothness of the skin. It may help treat acne and rosacea by working to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance that is over secreted in some people with acne. The essential fatty acids in EPO may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing.

Evening Primrose Oil is a relatively affordable product and there is a wide variety of EPO products on the market. It has its pros and cons like any natural diet supplement or skin treatment. You should definitely research carefully EPO or any natural treatment before you choose to use it for your acne problems.

This oil is known by many names, including: Aceite de Onagra, Cis-Linoleic Acid, EPO, Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Fever Plant, Huile D'Onagre, Huile de Primerose, King's Cure-all, Night Willow-Herb, Oil of Evening Primrose, Primrose Oil, Oenothera biennis, Oenothera muricata, Oenothera purpurata, Oenothera rubricaulis, Oenothera suaveolens, Onagra biennis, Scabish, Sun Drop.

Though it has been found to be effective for some skin problems there are a few precautions in certain cases. In some people EPO can cause mild side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and headache, so watch out for those symptoms if you begin using it to treat acne. Also, although acne is sometimes more prominent during pregnancy, EPO is not recommended for pregnant women or women who breast feed because it can cause possible complications. There are also negative interactions with some medications. You should not take primrose oil without checking for drug interactions and asking a doctors permission, especially when taking it internally.

Definitely do not take Evening Primrose Oil if you take the following medications or similar medications: Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs, medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others. It has also been known and documented to cause seizures during surgical procedures or with people who take seizure medication.

Back to evening primrose oil .com