One of the best ways to manage symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis is to use natural oils on your skin.
Plant-based oils work in three ways:
- Attack the yeasts which are thought to be at the root of the problem
- Calm inflammation
- Keep skin healthy and robust long-term
Always patch test!
Avoid any oils, cosmetics or toiletries that could aggravate the condition. That makes synthetic perfumes and fragrances a no-no, but as a general rule of thumb you should always patch test new skincare products before widespread use, even ones using only natural ingredients.
See our patch test information page here.
Essentials oils with antifungal properties
Essential oils are well-known for their antimicrobial properties, battling effectively against bacteria, yeasts and even viruses. Some are more potent than others, and some are more likely to irritate your skin if used neat, so always dilute essential oils in carrier oils.
8 essential oils which have antifungal effects include:
- tea tree
- lavender
- thyme
- clove
- peppermint
- orange
- geranium
- eucalyptus.
Oils with anti-inflammatory properties
Choose oils which act to calm down inflammation, reducing the rash’s heat and acting as a mild analgesic to soothe any soreness. Some essential oils are known to help with an inflammatory response, including chamomile and lavender, but you can also find macerate oils (where herbs like chamomile and calendula have been steeped in a carrier oil) or cold-pressed oils (minimally-processed, pure seed or nut oils) which are great at calming down rashes, and supporting healing.
5 plant oils which have anti-inflammatory properties:
- olive
- sunflower
- coconut
- grape seed
- safflower.
Oils to feed your skin
Pick oils that will actively nourish the skin, so that any damage to the skin barrier can be repaired. You’re looking for oils that are rich in fatty acids, which the epidermis uses to regenerate itself. Pick ones which are low comedogenic scores so they won’t clog pores, and avoid nut oils if you have a sensitivity!
5 oils to feed your skin:
- olive
- hemp seed
- rosehip
- borage
- evening primrose.
3 natural oils to keep skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis in healthy and resilient condition.
Balmonds Scalp Oil is a great antimicrobial rescue oil; made with tea tree, nettle, rosemary and borage, it can be used as a topical rescue oil on areas of skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis around the nose, eyebrows, hairline and on the scalp.
How to use: apply a few drops to affected skin in the morning and evening.
Balmonds Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil is rich in regenerative rosehip and soothing calendula, perfect for dry patches on the face. Using this all-natural, unfragranced, soap-free cleanser avoids potential irritation from synthetics, perfumes, or SLS, and instead feeds depleted skin with the nutrients (especially EFAs) it needs to function normally.
How to use: massage into the face and remove gently with a warm, damp cloth or cotton wool.
Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil is made with rosehip, lavender, palmarosa, calendula and chamomile, all oils which work to moisturise and nourish fragile skin.
How to use: apply a few drops directly to troubled patches anywhere on the face or body, or mix in with your favourite natural daily moisturiser for an extra boost of essential nutrients.
See more in our series of articles about seborrheic dermatitis here: What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Recommended products:
Balmonds Scalp Oil
with tea tree, nettle, borage & rosemary
Balmonds Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil
with rosehip and calendula
Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil
with rosehip, calendula, lavender & chamomile
