Clary sage essential oil, derived from a plant of the same name, has many medicinal and healing properties that make it an excellent treatment for acne and other skin problems. Clary sage’s uses throughout history are long and varied, and we’ll explore how this powerful herbal remedy can benefit your skin and help treat your acne breakouts.

What Is Clary Sage?

Native to the Mediterranean as well as parts of central Asia and northern Africa, clary sage is a member of the Salvia family of plants. It has been used since the time of the ancient Romans and Greeks to treat eye conditions, heal wounds, and rejuvenate tissue. Known as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, clary sage also contains compounds that can relieve pain, kill fungal infections, and promote healing.

Among the most potent compounds in clary sage are:

• Linalyl acetate- not only provides medicinal properties to calm and heal skin but also supplies the relaxing aroma for which this herb is known
• Linalool- lowers pain, reduces inflammation, and fights bacterial infections
• Germacrene- strong antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Sclareol- an antioxidant known to decrease inflammation

These compounds combine to create an herbal acne treatment as well as effectively calming rashes and other skin disorders. The active ingredients in clary sage promote the regulation of the natural oils in your skin, helping both oily and dry skin and leaving you with healthy skin free from blemishes.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition caused by many different factors. While nearly four out of five adolescents and young adults have acne, some adults suffer from occasional or even chronic breakouts through their entire life.

Most acne is the result of excess production of sebum, which is your natural skin oil. Other causes of pimples include bacteria in your pores, inflammation of follicles and pores, and skin abnormalities. Most adult acne is the result of some type of hormonal imbalance, while adolescent acne is usually the result of oily skin as a result of puberty.

Other factors that can influence the development of acne include taking oral contraceptives, stress, fluctuations in hormone levels, and high levels of insulin. Stubborn or recurrent acne is usually the result of some other medical condition and addressing that disorder will be imperative in treating your acne. If your skin is prone to developing acne, it is likely sensitive to environmental changes, and using harsh chemicals or acne treatments can degrade the quality of your skin rather than improve it.

Using Clary Sage to Treat Acne

The use of clary sage to treat acne is a natural fit because it addresses nearly all of the leading causes for these breakouts. The linalyl acetate found in this herb regulates the production of natural skin oils, lowers skin inflammation, and stops the growth and spread of the bacteria known to cause acne.

Stress and increased levels of cortisol are contributing factors to acne breakouts. Results published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research indicated that the aroma of clary sage lowered cortisol levels, reduced feelings of stress, and improved mood in participants.

Research published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology show the effectiveness of clary sage in reducing the presence of bacteria on the skin. This is not only true for the microbes that cause acne but also other types of skin infections and irritations.

As a natural hormone regulator, clary sage can even treat acne caused by puberty, menopause, and other types of hormone fluctuations.

Adding clary sage to your beauty routine can improve the look and feel of your skin as well as reduce the severity and frequency of your acne.