7 Essential Oils For Skin Tags – How To Use And Side Effects

Skin tags are harmless growths and do not cause an issue. However, they can be a cosmetic concern if they are on the face and neck. While several skin care treatments are available to remove these skin blemishes, many prefer essential oils for skin tags. So the question is, can essential oils remove skin tags effectively?

Empirical evidence is lacking to prove the efficacy of essential oils for skin tags. The claims are largely based on anecdotal evidence. If you want to try them, this article can guide you. Scroll down to understand what skin tags are, how essential oils may help you get rid of them, and associated risks.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are harmless, benign growths that usually appear on the neck, upper eyelids, chest, and armpits. These soft protrusions are generally 1-2 mm in diameter. They consist of blood vessels and collagen surrounding the outer layer of skin.

Skin tags can occur in both men and women, and the exact causes of their development are still unclear. Friction can be one possible reason behind the occurrence of skin tags. A study also found an association between low-risk human papillomavirus and skin tags (1).

Several other conditions are also associated with the presence of skin tags. They are:

• Type 2 diabetes: Skin tags are a marker of type 2 diabetes (1).
• Obesity: The relation between obesity and skin tags is controversial. However, skin tags are prevalent in obese people (1).
• Pregnancy: You may observe skin tags during pregnancy. They may occur due to hormonal imbalance and weight gain during this period.
• Genetics: You are at risk of developing skin tags if it runs in your family.

Skin tags are typically the same color as your skin. However, in some cases, they might be darker due to hyperpigmentation. Skin tags generally appear in places where your skin folds, such as:

• Armpits
• Eyelids
• Thigh
• Neck
• Area under your breasts
• Groin

Skin tags are harmless. However, they may rub against your skin or clothes and may cause inconvenience. That is one reason most people prefer getting rid of them. In some cases, thin skin tags may rub off or go away on their own in a couple of months or even years. If not, you may need to get rid of them – either naturally or otherwise. Many people suggest using essential oils for skin tag removal. But do they work? Let’s find out.

Quick Tip

While skin tags are usually rice-grain-sized, records show they can grow as big as 12.7mm long.

Can Essential Oils Remove Skin Tags?

There is not enough research to conclusively prove the efficacy of essential oils for removing skin tags. However, anecdotal evidence claims that these natural remedies might work. Let’s take a look at the best essential oils that you can use to remove skin tags.

7 Essential Oils For Skin Tags

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil acts as a natural antiseptic. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is effective against human papillomavirus to reduce warts (2). Although there are no studies that prove its efficacy against skin tags, many people found it beneficial in removing skin tags and improving other skin conditions.

2. Oregano Essential Oil

Also referred to as “nature’s antibiotic,” oregano oil has antiviral properties. It contains carvacrol, which is effective against viruses affecting animals and humans (3). While there is no proof if it works against human papillomavirus or can remove skin tags, proponents of oregano oil claim that it can remove skin tags.

3. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil is known for its antimicrobial activities, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects in soothing skin issues (4). Frankincense finds a place in traditional healing methods and is a herbal medicine believed to remove skin tags.

4. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is widely used in traditional Chinese alternative medicine and is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties (5). Many people use it for aromatherapy, skin healing, skin tag removal, and preventing new ones from occurring.

5. Lemon Essential Oil

The lemon essential oil is a potent antiseptic and antioxidant. It is used for its anti-aging benefits (6). Anecdotal evidence claims that lemon oil can help get rid of skin tags quickly and effectively.

6. Clove Oil

Clove essential oil is used in formulating several cosmetic products. Though there is currently no scientific evidence to prove its efficacy in removing skin tags, anecdotal evidence suggests that the phytochemicals present in it may help restrict the blood flow to the skin tag, causing it to dry and fall off. Combined with rosehip oil, it may help speed up the healing process and heal the scar left on the skin.

7. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (7). Although not scientifically proven, applying cedarwood essential oil on a skin tag might help dry it out, causing it to shrink. With continued use, the skin tag may eventually fall off.

Essential oils are extremely potent and should not be used undiluted. Here is the correct way to use essential oils for removing skin tags.

How To Use Essential Oils To Get Rid Of Skin Tags

1. Mix 2-3 drops of the essential oil with a tablespoon of any carrier oil.
2. Use avocado, olive, jojoba, almond, and coconut oils for dilution.
3. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the skin tag.
4. Cover with a band-aid.
5. Repeat every night until you see a difference in the size of the tag.

Always do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions. You can even prepare an oil blend and store it in a cool dark place. Here is an easy recipe.

DIY Essential Oil Blend To Remove Skin Tags

You Will Need

• 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops of oregano oil
• 1 drop of frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop of lavender essential oil
• 1 drop of peppermint oil
• 4 tablespoons of carrier oil

Method

1. Mix all the oils and pour the blend into a glass jar.
2. Store it in a cool and dark place.
3. Use as required.

In the next section, we have discussed some handy tips to prevent skin tags and keep your skin healthy.

How To Prevent Skin Tags

1. Wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent excessive friction, especially on the body folds.
2. Use a sharp razor for shaving. A dull razor blade can cause repeated friction and may damage your skin.
3. Keep the skin folds moisturized. This prevents friction and keeps the skin hydrated. Focus on areas like the underarms and under breasts.

Here are a few more measures you can follow to prevent skin tags.

Precautionary Measures To Consider

• Get your skin tag examined by a doctor before you try any home remedies or treat it yourself.
• If it does not seem to go away or keeps regrowing, you may consider cosmetic removal.
• If the skin tag bleeds, itches, or changes color, consult with your dermatologist immediately.

Quick Tip

Medical experts advise avoiding OTC treatments that claim to remove skin tags as many of them contain peroxide that may cause chemical burns.

Infographic: Essential Oils For Treating Skin Tags

Essential oils are used for a variety of reasons — from their smell to overall soothing effects. Not surprisingly, some of them are quite potent in treating and preventing certain skin conditions and improving skin health. Below are a few essential oils considered helpful in case of skin tags. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put frankincense oil directly on my skin?

Essential oils, including frankincense oil, are potent. Hence, you must dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.

Can frankincense burn your skin?

Frankincense essential oil could be safe to use. However, it may cause skin irritation in specific individuals. So, to be safe, run a patch test to see whether you’re allergic to this oil.

Can you mix essential oils with water for a spray?

Yes, you can combine essential oils with distilled or pure water. But do ensure to use an emulsifier before you dissolve the oil in water.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more