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Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree, the leaves of which are used to make eucalyptus oil. This oil has a variety of uses in medicine, and as a flavoring, repellent, and fragrance. Eucalyptus oil has a strong fragrance and powerful properties. It is great for treating nasal congestion, asthma, and to reduce the symptoms of coughs and colds. It also has a number of uses for your skin – to find out if your skin needs this ingredient, take our skin quiz!
Eucalyptus oil is most known for having antiseptic properties, and can be used to treat wounds and prevent infection. It is often used in creams and ointments that treat burns, cuts, and other minor injuries. You can also treat cold sores by applying eucalyptus oil to the affected area. All of these actions combined make eucalyptus a great ingredient for treating acne and keeping pores clear.
Like all essential oils, eucalyptus oil can be hazardous if used inappropriately. Always dilute it before applying, such as with a carrier oil like olive oil. . Also avoid using this strong oil too close to your eyes, as it may cause irritation and a burning sensation.
Eucalyptus has been shown to cause flare-ups in rosacea.
Another possible downside is the fact that it is highly allergenic, so make sure you do an allergy test before using the product on your face.
Melasma is a specific example of hyperpigmentation. Melasma looks like whole patches of brown or darker skin across the parts of the face and neck. Melasma is common among women who are pregnant - it’s even referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” But melasma can occur in both men and women who are not pregnant, too. Melasma can be caused by UV damage, but there are also genetic, hormonal, and medication-induced causes for melasma, too.
There are a variety of topical ingredients that can be used to lighten the skin from melasma or reduce its appearance. Each ingredient works in different ways, and each has their own benefits and drawbacks. hydroquinone, arbutin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, etc) are some of the most commonly used ingredients for melasma treatment.
Hydroquinone is a skin lightening cream that works by suppressing the production of melanin. There are drawbacks to using hydroquinone, however, including cancer risks demonstrated by recent scientific studies, as well as hydroquinone-induced ochronosis.
Arbutin is a synthesized derivative of hydroquinone. It acts as a powerful skin lightening ointment that works a bit differently than hydroquinone. It blocks the production of melanin instead of “bleaching” the skin.
Vitamin C can be used as a brightening agent to lighten the hyperpigmentation of your sunspots or melasma. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, preventing the formation of melatonin.
Ascorbic Acid is actually the formal scientific name for one form of Vitamin C. It can refer to either a naturally occurring Vitamin C found in foods such as citrus, or a synthetic form of ascorbic acid created to be more shelf-stable for skincare products like discoloration repair lotions and creams.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is another form of Vitamin C. By synthesizing this compound from Vitamin C, dermatologists are able to give us all the benefits of Vitamin C in a more shelf-stable form that can also be soluble in oil to make more effective, deeper penetrating skin products. (Herndon 2016)
Ingredients in the vitamin A family (ie. Retinol, tretinoin, etc) and acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid) help damaged pigmented skin cells shred faster, so they also help with melasma.
Eucalyptus may be effective for melasma, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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