Dealing with pimply, oily skin is hard enough as it is in your teens. For many of us, particularly the guys, it stays well into adulthood like an unwelcome flatmate. Worse still, there’s no telling if the majority of over-the-counter drugs are any good. Luckily, as with so many health problems, black seed oil, also known as black cumin or Nigella sativa.
This tried-and-true remedy has been around since the age of the Pharaoh. With its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, its benefits aren’t just internal, but external as well. As interest in men’s health and wellness continues to grow, a natural solution is the need of the hour.
So, how good is black cumin seed oil against acne? First, let’s see the foe we’re dealing with.
Acne in Adults
There are things from our youth worth remembering fondly. Acne, or acne vulgaris, is not one of them. Many recall the oily skin and the persistent pustules and scarring that haunted their teenage years.
This happens when your pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oily secretions. Meanwhile, the pools of sebum beneath your skin become riddled with inflammation-causing microbes.
About 40% of men reportedly suffer from acne past the age of 25, which can refuse to budge until their forties. This includes not just facial but also truncal acne, which affects your chest, back, and shoulders.
Although it’s not dangerous, acne is notoriously unsightly, irritating, and difficult to get rid of. Plus, those pimples and blackheads aren’t great for your self-esteem.
How Acne Affects Men
Persistent or late-onset acne is more common in women than in men. That might explain why healthcare companies and blogs often focus more on feminine skincare.
However, research shows that the difference in male and female acne isn’t just number-based. For instance, there are slight differences in male and female skin pH and evaporation. This can reflect different topical care needs.
Men and teenage boys also produce more sebum. This sometimes correlates with another type of skin inflammation, called seborrheic dermatitis. Research shows that its symptoms can worsen the effects of acne in male subjects compared to females.
Herbal Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Blackseed oil is derived from cold-pressed black cumin seeds. It is rich in essential oils and compounds, especially its unique active ingredient: thymoquinone or TQ. This substance boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and even anti-cancer properties.
For centuries, it has helped treat all manner of illnesses, from flu and poor digestion to skin disorders. Today, it is recognized by modern medicine as the ultimate health and wellness solution with next to no side-effects.
In particular, dermatologists seem to stand by it against a range of topical conditions. Reliable research shows its potent action against bacterial and fungal infections, psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo, and of course, acne vulgaris.
How Black Cumin Seed Oil Fights Off Acne
The exact risk factors that can lead to acne are something of a mystery. In the court of public opinion, puberty hormones, poor hygiene, and diet are usually to blame. Modern research suggests that genetics do most of the heavy lifting.
What we know for sure is that study after study demonstrates how black seed oil targets and fights acne. Here’s an overview of its key capabilities.
Anti-microbial Action
Blackseed oil with 3% thymoquinone content targets pathogens like Malassezia, Candida, and Staphylococcus. Applying it topically helps combat acne vulgaris as well as seborrheic dermatitis.
Sebum Reduction
Thymoquinone is anti-inflammatory, and helps break down sebum molecules by targeting nitric oxide production. This keeps your follicles clear and helps soothe irritated skin. Tests even show that black cumin seed oil improves the outcomes of micro needling for acne scars.
Restoring Balanced Skin Health
N. sativa oil is an antioxidant that eliminates free radicals. This helps restore the chemical and microbial balance in your skin, making it less susceptible to irritation and infections.
Mental Health
High cortisol levels are known to accelerate acne. Adding black cumin to your diet can help combat stress and hormone-induced acne. Plus, it offers relief from anxiety and sleeplessness caused by the persistent presence of acne in your life.
A Safer Pathway to Skincare and Diabetes Management
Some conventional drugs used against acne include antibiotics and retinoids, taken orally or topically. Unfortunately, these commonly used medications have a higher risk of side effects like skin irritation and dehydration.
With natural remedies like N. sativa, there is no such danger. Instead, it offers relief to irritated skin on top of targeting microbes and sebum.
Many diabetic patients use whey protein supplements to manage their blood sugar levels. However, it can elevate hormones that lead to greater sebum production in men. Black cumin seed oil can be used to manage diabetes without the unwanted tradeoffs.
Best Practices for Using Blackseed Oil
Start Simple
Different companies advertise black seed products like lotions, ointments, and other applications. While it’s an effective remedy, blackseed oil is not something to dive into without a little research. It can be a very potent product for some at first.
You’ll need to find out more about the product and consult with your doctor. Or better yet, simply use cold-pressed oil from a bottle, available in different potencies at The Blessed Seed.
Choose the Right Potency
Cold-pressed Nigella oil can be available in different potencies, with different amounts of thymoquinone. Strong oil contains around 3% thymoquinone, which is effective in medical cases. However, if you wish to start small, look for more mild or diluted concentrations.
Ask Your Doctor
Consult a reliable dietician or dermatologist when considering Nigella sativa for managing skin conditions. Ask them about which products are best for you, how much is the perfect dose, and whether you’re better off using it orally or topically.
The Natural Choice for Spotless Skin
For men, tailored and effective treatment for acne can be tough to find. Even harder is to locate an all-natural solution for skin reddened with blemishes. Luckily, with pure black seed oil, you need not look further.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties galore, it is a safe and proven remedy for your skin. Look forward to being vitalized inside and out, and being rid of anxieties that muddle your self-esteem.
