How to use Camphor for Your Skin
Camphor is a somewhat mysterious, ancient tool in the arsenal against health concerns, and it comes with remarkable properties incredibly important for skincare. Camphor oil is harvested from the Cinnamomum camphora tree, and only trees that have reached 50 years of age produce the compound from which camphor oil is made!
For a potentially flammable, combustible, poisonous-if-ingested substance, camphor is amazingly therapeutic and effective as a treatment for a whole plethora of skin problems! You might recognize the distinctive scent of camphor from products like Vick’s VapoRub - even the cold sensation its smell elicits when breathed is therapeutic!
What is camphor?
Camphor is a natural substance derived from the wood of the camphor tree, which is known for its strong aroma and its many medicinal properties. For centuries, camphor was used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, from respiratory issues to skin problems and more. In modern times, camphor has gained popularity as a skincare ingredient that can soothe and heal the skin.
What is camphor good for?
Camphor is effective for many skincare applications, including:
- Soothing irritated skin: Camphor has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm irritated skin. It can be particularly helpful for reducing redness and swelling caused by acne or eczema.
- Treating fungal infections: Camphor has antifungal (and antibiotic) properties that can help to treat infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Creams and lotions containing camphor are extremely effective against fungal and bacterial skin infections.
- Moisturizing dry skin: Camphor has hydrating properties that can help to moisturize dry, flaky skin. It can also help to improve the skin's overall texture and appearance by hydrating the skin and making the texture appear less uneven.
- Promoting wound healing: Camphor has antiseptic properties that can help to prevent infection and promote healing of minor wounds and cuts - it’s great in ointments under a bandage to make sure the wound heals nicely!
- Aging skin: Camphor has recently been celebrated for its anti-wrinkle properties! Fine lines and wrinkles benefit from camphor in products like creams and lotions.
- Blemishes: Camphor hydrates and soothes skin affected by eczema and acne. It can treat rashes and irritation, and calm angry areas.
How do I use camphor on my skin?
Camphor can be used in a variety of ways to benefit the skin. Don’t ever eat camphor, and definitely don’t set it on fire! Dilute pure camphor oil in carrier oils. Below are some of Bellecôte’s most effective ways to use camphor in skincare:
- Camphor oil: Camphor oil can be applied directly to the skin to soothe and heal irritated areas. Mix a few drops of camphor oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or almond oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Camphor cream: Camphor cream contains pure camphor as its active ingredient. It can be applied to the skin as a moisturizer to soothe dry, irritated skin.
- Camphor bath: Adding few drops of camphor oil to a warm bath can help to soothe and hydrate the skin. It can also help to reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed.
Pure camphor is a natural substance that hydrates, soothes, and treats dry, irritated skin. It can be used in a variety of ways, from applying it directly to the skin to adding it to a warm bath. Camphor can be a powerful tool for promoting healing and improving the overall health of your skin!
BelleCôte Esthetician’s Advice: The best solution for blemish-prone skin is Camphor oil mixed with Green tea, Tea Tree Oil, Volcanic Mud, and Calendula. This healing combination can combat any breakout on Oily/Combination skin.
The Takeaway
Camphor is a natural substance that’s been used for generations as a therapeutic ingredient to treat all sorts of ailments, from respiratory to skin. It’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and an anti-inflammatory, so it soothes and heals the skin quickly and effectively. There are many ways to apply camphor to the skin topically, but it’s best use is for oily or combination skin, and for skin that breaks out.
Camphor is a great natural solution for acne or blemish-prone skin! Though it should never be ingested, you can try breathing in the scent to help clear sinuses, relaxing in a camphor oil bath to treat dry or irritated skin, or smoothing it onto skin affected by acne, rosacea, eczema, and aging in high-quality skincare products - we’ll recommend our favorites below!
Bellecôte Regimen & Recommended Products
1. Marine Volcanic Mud cleanser
2. Azelaic Toner
3. Drying Lotion (for any pimples and blemishes)
4. Marine Moisture Gel
5. Double Sun Protection cream
For Oily/Combination skin (see our Regimen)
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