Oregano oil for seborrheic dermatitis

Oregano oil is a natural anti-fungal and anti-septic agent and has been shown to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis and acne. The oil is available in a pure essential oil form or ‘oil of oregano’. If you’re applying oregano essential oil topically, make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil that is safe to use in seborrheic dermatitis. 

(you may also be interested in the best essential oils to treat seborrheic dermatitis)

Let’s take a deep dive:

Can oregano oil help treat seborrheic dermatitis?

You and I both know it’s important to have the right skin care routine for seborrheic dermatitis. Too little TLC and our skin get greasy and dirty. Too many active products and it gets irritated, dry and flaky. It’s downright frustrating that going too much either way can flare SD up.

A compound needs to earn it’s place in our skincare regimen. Oregano oil should be considered due to its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and most importantly, anti-fungal properties.

In a pig study, ingesting a weight-based dosage of oil of oregano for 4 weeks improved gut health and reduced ‘leaky gut’, directly improving our immune system. I’m not familiar with oregano oil supplementation as I don’t do it myself. It’s probably best to consult your doctor or naturopath before ingesting oil of oregano.

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Can I use oregano oil on my face?

Oregano oil is thought to be a natural antiseptic and has been used on the face for centuries. Some people put a few drops in their face wash, others use it in their moisturizer or in a mask.

If you have seborrheic dermatitis with oily skin, using oregano oil regularly can help regulate the oils and prevent SD flares and acne.

Oregano oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which makes it a good choice for treating skin conditions such as SD and acne. It can also help with rosacea.

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How do you dilute oregano oil for skin?

Oregano oil is a popular choice for topical use, as it has a variety of benefits for the skin. However, you need to dilute oregano oil to use it.

Dilute oregano oil with a good carrier oil for SD like MCT oil or squalane oil. To start with, use a 1:9 ratio – 1 part oregano oil to 9 parts carrier oil. Dilute more if it causes skin irritation or you have sensitive skin. You can increase the amount of oregano oil in your formula as your skin tolerates.

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Why does oregano oil burn my skin?

When the pure undiluted essential oil is applied to the skin, oregano oil can cause burning and inflammation. Essential oils, including oregano oil, are purified, concentrated formulas and should never be applied directly.

During a flare of seborrheic dermatitis, your skin is inflammed and the skin barrier is broken. Scratching can also cause open wounds. When you apply an oil like oregano oil, even when diluted, it can cause a temporary burning sensation.

If you have open wounds, avoid applying oregano oil in the area as it will sting like crazy and make it worse.

Does oregano oil get rid of dandruff?

If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of dandruff, oregano oil may be the solution you’re looking for. This essential oil is popular for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which can help to clear up your scalp inflammation and Malassezia which is at the root of dandruff.

However, it’s important to note that oregano oil won’t work miracles – it’s only a temporary solution. You’ll need to apply oregano oil regularly to continue seeing its effects.

Some commercial shampoos contain oregano oil but usually in very small amounts:

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How do I use oregano oil on my scalp?

If you are looking to use oregano oil on your scalp, there are a few ways that you can do so. One way is to mix 2-3 drops of the oil with another carrier oil like MCT oil or squalane oil and rub it into your scalp gently. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil. Leave on your scalp for 45 minutes before using an anti-dandruff shampoo to completely rinse it out.

You may also add 2-3 drops of oregano oil to your shampoo and apply it in the shower. Let it stay on your hair for 3-4 minutes then rinse. Condition as usual.

What is the difference between oil of oregano and oregano essential oil?

Oil of oregano is an oil that is extracted from the leaves of the oregano plant. It can be used as an edible oil or can be ingested in capsule form.

Oregano essential oil on the other hand, is a much more concentrated substance than oil of oregano. It’s potent and potentially caustic. Oregano essential oil is usually used in aromatherapy and as a treatment oil for topical use. You should never ingest oregano essential oil.

Usually, when someone refers to oregano oil, they are referring to the essential oil rather than the edible oil.

Further reading: Best essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis

What are the side effects of oregano oil?

Unlike the herb you cook with, oil of oregano is highly concentrated. When ingested as directed by someone who knows what they are talking about, oil of oregano should be safe.

I’m concerned about ingesting oil of oregano as it contains thymol. In high doses, thymol may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

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Applied topically, thymol may also be irritating or corrosive to the skin and eyes. That’s why you need to dilute oregano oil.

Even if diluted, oregano oil should never be applied to broken skin or used on or near the eyes.

Oregano oil may also cause an allergic reaction in some people. It can also irritate the skin, causing a skin rash even when you’re not allergic to it.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, don’t use oregano oil. There are concerns that oregano oil may cause uterine contractions or miscarriage.

To wrap up

Oregano oil is a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis with few side effects, and it can be used in combination with other treatments. It may not work for everyone but give oregano oil a try and see if it helps you get relief from your symptoms. Just make sure you dilute the oil first.