Verzameling: Neem olie

Neem oil is one of the most versatile natural oils you can have on hand. It's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and for good reason. The main uses fall into two categories: skin care and hair care.

For skin, neem oil is popular for treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. It contains compounds like nimbidin and azadirachtin that have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Many people use it as a spot treatment for breakouts or mixed into their moisturizer for general skin health. Research has also shown promise for wound healing and reducing signs of skin aging.

For hair and scalp, neem oil is particularly effective against dandruff. The fungi that cause flaky, itchy scalps (like Candida and Malassezia) don't stand a chance against neem's antifungal properties. It also nourishes hair follicles and can help with dry, brittle hair.

As for the smell, yes, it's strong. Pure neem oil has an earthy, garlicky, somewhat pungent odor due to its sulfur compounds. This is actually a sign of quality and potency. The smell fades once you wash the oil out, and you can mix neem with pleasantly scented carrier oils like coconut or jojoba to make it more tolerable during application. DRUERA's neem oil is cold-pressed and 100% pure, which means you're getting the full strength of those beneficial compounds along with that characteristic aroma.

For most applications, yes, you should dilute neem oil before using it. It's potent stuff, and applying it undiluted can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin. The exception is spot treating acne or blemishes, where some people apply a tiny amount of pure neem oil directly to the pimple.

For skin care: Mix a few drops of neem oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil. A good starting ratio is about 1 part neem to 10 parts carrier oil. Apply this blend to your face or body as a moisturizer or treatment oil. You can also add a few drops of neem oil to your regular lotion or face cream. Always do a patch test first by applying a small amount to your inner forearm and waiting 24 hours to check for any reaction.

For hair and scalp: Combine 3-5 drops of neem oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut and castor oil work well for hair). Massage this mixture into your scalp, focusing on areas with dandruff or dryness. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash it out with a gentle shampoo. For a simpler approach, add a few drops of neem oil directly to your regular shampoo before washing.

Remember that DRUERA's neem oil is for external use only. Never ingest neem oil, as it can be toxic when consumed.

The frequency depends on what you're treating, but most people find that once or twice a week is plenty for both skin and hair applications.

For dandruff and scalp issues: Apply a diluted neem oil treatment to your scalp once or twice weekly. Many people start noticing a reduction in flaking and itching within the first few weeks of consistent use. The antifungal properties of neem address the root cause of dandruff rather than just masking symptoms, so the results tend to be lasting as long as you maintain the routine.

For acne: You can use neem oil more frequently for breakouts, even daily as a spot treatment. Most people see improvement within a few weeks, with reduced redness and fewer new pimples forming. Neem's antibacterial properties help kill acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory effects calm existing blemishes.

For general skin health: Using neem oil mixed into your moisturizer 2-3 times per week can help with dry skin, minor irritations, and overall skin balance. Some research suggests neem may also help with signs of aging by supporting collagen production, though this takes longer to show results.

A few practical tips: Don't leave neem oil on your hair overnight more than occasionally, as it can dry out your strands. For skin, avoid using it immediately before going out in the sun, as some people find it increases sensitivity. And because of that distinctive smell, it's best to use neem treatments when you're not heading anywhere important right afterward.