Using Orange Peel For Acne: Know Why And How

One of the banes of adolescence and early youth is acne, which does not only cause pain but also leaves behind ugly scars. Adults are not entirely immune from it, and some people have a higher tendency of getting acne than others. This condition develops when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much oil, clogging up skin pores. The mix of oil (sebum), hair, and cells in the pores encourages the growth of bacteria. Sensing this, the body sends white blood cells to fight the infection, thus causing an inflammation. The result is a painful lesion called a pimple.¹ Often, it’s filled with pus. While there are several anti-acne creams available, not all of those suit everyone. So if you are looking for natural remedies, try orange peel. It is packed with bioactive compounds and vitamin C, which are great for pimples. Here’s a look at the benefits of orange peel for acne.

Phenols In Orange Peel Kill Acne-Causing Bacteria

Pimples are basically bacterial infections. Specifically, a kind of bacteria called the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the culprit. These microorganisms live on our skin. They thrive in clogged skin pores, causing inflammation that results in those unsightly zits.²

Fortunately, extracts from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) peels have been found to be effective against P. acnes, chiefly due to the phenolic antioxidants. One study even concluded that the antibacterial action of orange peels is as potent as that of antibiotics.³

While studies have not been conducted on the antibacterial effects of other types of oranges, since all orange peels contain antioxidants, the effect will be similar.

Nobiletin In Orange Peel Makes Your Skin Less Oily

Sometimes, the oil glands in our skin make excess oil or sebum. This can lead to clogged pores and acne. If you’re prone to greasy skin, consider putting those orange peels to work. Studies have found that nobiletin, a flavonoid found in orange peels, can actually reduce sebum production.⁴

Vitamin C In Orange Peel Fights Inflammation

Having a pimple is bad enough. Inflammation just makes it worse! But this is typical with the P. acnes infection during an outbreak. It causes reddening and swelling, adding to your acne woes. Luckily, orange peels actually have flavones with anti-inflammatory properties. Nobiletin is particularly potent.⁵ Plus vitamin C is a known antioxidant that reduces inflammation. In fact, the peel has more vitamin C than the flesh.

Bitter Orange Peel Strengthens And Tones Your Skin

Normally, our skin forms a protective barrier against bacteria and environmental pollutants like chemicals. It also prevents excessive water loss. However, acne can make our skin fragile and impair its protective function.⁶ The skin of bitter orange has astringent qualities; so it can narrow the skin pores and tone the skin. It also prevents skin fragility.

[pullquote]Don’t use the bitter orange peel directly on your face. Use the extract or essential oil. And don’t step into the sun immediately afterward.[/pullquote]

But rather than using the bitter orange peel directly, use the extract or orange essential oil. The peel has a high methanol content and is irritating for the skin. Also don’t step into the sun immediately after using this oil or extract. It can make your skin more sensitive to light.⁷

3 Ways To Use Orange Peel For Acne

Method 1: Squeeze the fresh peel lightly to release juice. Rub it on pimples.

Method 2: In a blender, blend the peel with some milk into a paste. Apply this orange peel paste on the acne and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes or till it dries before washing it off.

Method 3: Dry orange peel in the sun for a couple of days and grind it into a powder. Sieve the powdered peel and mix with milk to make a paste. This can be left on for 10 to 15 minutes before it’s washed off.⁸

Before you use orange peel on your face, remember to clean both your face and the peel. Keep in mind that orange peels can cause a slight tingling sensation. This shouldn’t worry you, though. But to be safe, do a skin patch test first to make sure the peel agrees with your skin. Don’t go near a source of harsh light immediately after you have applied the peel on your face, either.