The use of evening primrose oil for acne treatment has become an all-natural alternative for those suffering from this annoying and often painful skin condition. According to many people in the skin care industry, evening primrose oil can be highly effective in the treatment of acne as well as other skin problems, such as rosacea or eczema. The use of evening primrose oil for acne treatment can be accomplished both externally and internally. Evening primrose oil as an acne treatment is desirable because the oil has few side effects and is relatively inexpensive compared to prescription medications. Evening primrose oil could be a very easy and viable option for those with acne flare-ups.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid produced by the evening primrose flower. It is thought to have medicinal and healing properties that reduce inflammation. The high concentration of GLA in evening primrose oil is somewhere between 7 and 10 percent of the different fatty acids contained in the product — one of the highest levels contained in any food source. Taken internally, GLA encourages the production of prostaglandins, which promotes the contraction of blood vessels that tend to lead to inflammation. It is believed that evening primrose oil helps to dilute sebum, which is the thick and oily substance secreted by the skin, usually in an exaggerated form for most who suffer from acne.
Topically, using evening primrose oil for acne can be done easily by simply applying the oil directed to the acne pustules. It is advised to begin treatment with evening primrose oil slowly, perhaps every other night for the first week, and then nightly thereafter. Applying the product at night to allow it to work during sleeping hours probably is the most effective and common manner of application. In the morning, washing the face with a mild foaming cleanser should be enough to remove any excess oil that has not been absorbed. Positive results of using evening primrose oil should be seen in about 90 days with regular treatment.
Available without a prescription, evening primrose oil comes in either liquid or encapsulated form. The liquid usually is available only through health-food stores or other natural remedy retailers, but the capsules can be found in almost any drugstore or other large general retailer. The recommended dosage for acne treatment is from 0.1 to 0.2 ounces (3,000 to 6,000 mg) daily, taken internally. The oil can go rancid very quickly, so keeping any liquid product refrigerated is a must. For this reason, the capsule form is much easier to keep for longer periods of time and is very handy for applying small amounts directly to the skin.