Is chamomile oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Chamomile oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and has skin regenerative properties. The oil may help reduce inflammation and itching asscoaited with seborrheic dermatitis. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as topical steroids. 

There are 2 types of chamomile essential oils – German (blue) chamomile oil and Roman chamomile oil. The two share many similar benefits but German chamomile oil has superior skin benefits due to higher levels of Chamazulene.

Let’s take a deep dive:

What is chamomile oil?

Chamomile oil is a type of essential oil that has been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions. Chamomile oil is extracted from the chamomile plant, and it has a number of beneficial properties that make it useful for treating a variety of conditions.

This natural extract is composed of various essential oils and terpenes, including linalool, beta-pinene, and alpha-pinene. These ingredients are believed to help with anxiety, depression, and stress relief.

In recent years, chamomile oil has become popular in the United States as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea.

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Is chamomile oil antifungal?

In a lab study, chamomile extract was found to have antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Penicillium. A 2o21 study compared chamomile extract cream to clotrimazole for vulvovaginal candidiasis and found that chamomile was as effective as clotrimazole.

However, a Korean study found that Roman chamomile and blue chamomile had no antifungal activity against Malassezia.

Benefits of chamomile oil on the skin

Chamomile oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation and irritation. Chamomile oil is also gentle and soothing, making it ideal for use on delicate skin.

The oil is well known for its ability to calm and soothe the skin. It also has anti-microbial and mild analgesic properties.

In fact, a 2018 study found that Roman chamomile extract healed wounds quicker and had high antibacterial properties than tetracycline ointment.

This rapidly absorbed oil may be able to penetrate deeper into the skin in order to provide longer lasting relief than other topical creams or lotions can offer.

Is chamomile oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

While it has no anti-fungal activity, Chamomile oil has many other benefits for seborrheic dermatitis sufferers.

Chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. A mouse study showed that applying German chamomile once a day for 4 weeks lowered histamine levels and reduced inflammation. This makes it a great option to soothe the itchiness and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Chamomile essential oil can help control over-production of sebum, which is partly responsible for the development of seborrheic dermatitis. If you have oily skin and are prone to breakout, it may be worth trying chamomile oil.

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How best to use chamomile oil for seborrheic dermatitis?

One thing to keep in mind when using chamomile oil is that it is a powerful essential oil and should be diluted before use. This means mixing it with a carrier oil or moisturizer before applying it to your skin. Doing this will help ensure that you get the most out of this natural remedy.

The best way to use chamomile oil for seborrheic dermatitis is to mix it with a safe carrier oil like jojoba oil or squalane oil and apply it to your face day twice a day. This will help protect your skin and prevent any further inflammation.

You can also mix it with water and use it as a calming face spray. You can also mix a few drops of Chamomile oil into your face cleanser, toner or serum.

Side effects of chamomile oil

Since chamomile oil is a gentle and calming oil, it’s generally well tolerated and doesn’t cause any adverse side effects, even on sensitive skin. However, as with any other product, test it on a small area of your skin first before applying it on the rest of your face.

On the odd occassion, chamomile oil can cause skin irritation, or an allergic rash. Discontinue use if you see any negative skin reactions.

Roman chamomile vs German chamomile oil

Roman chamomile has a light, fresh fragrance while German chamomile smells more like sweet straw. German chamomile is also known as Blue Chamomile. Roman chamomile is the preferred choice for aromatherapy and perfume but German chamomile has more skin health benefits due to higher level of Chamazulene.  This compound gives German chamomile more anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties than Roman chamomile.

To wrap up

Chamomile oil has been found to be an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a natural and safe remedy that can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments. The calming scent, coupled with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties soothes your skin and your mind.