Tea Tree Oil for Acne and Acne-Prone Skin
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Photo by cultivar413, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tea tree oil for acne-prone skin is a popular home option for mild breakouts. It is an essential oil taken from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia.
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. According to the NCCIH, a small amount of research suggests it might help acne, but more evidence is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
The reason people use tea tree oil against acne is that it can slow the growth of propionibacterium acnes in lab tests. These bacteria play a role in acne.
Its main active compound is terpinen-4-ol, an antimicrobial agent. Small studies suggest tea tree oil gel may reduce mild acne, but it has not been proven to work better than standard acne treatments. Tea tree oil is sold in serums, creams, face washes, gels and soaps.
This essential oil is for topical use only. Tea tree oil should never be swallowed: taken by mouth, it can cause confusion, unsteadiness and even coma.
Being "natural" does not make it risk-free, including when you use it to Rid of acne. Some people get redness, irritation or allergic skin reactions, especially with old oil that has been exposed to heat, light or air.
Do not put undiluted (pure) tea tree oil on your skin. Mix it with a carrier such as almond oil or aloe vera gel, and test a small patch of skin first. Water and rose water do not mix with oil, so they are not good diluters.
Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne and Acne-Based Skin
There are multiple ways to use tea tree oil, but the easiest is to buy a ready-made product that lists a low concentration. If you make your own mix, the options below are gentler choices.
1- Ready-Made Tea Tree Oil Products
Look for a gel, cleanser or spot treatment that lists its tea tree oil concentration. Follow the label directions and stop using it if your skin becomes red, itchy or swollen.
2- Almond Oil And Tea Tree Oil
Mix one or two drops of tea tree oil into about a teaspoon of almond oil or another carrier oil. Dab a small amount onto the affected area with a clean fingertip or cotton swab.
Rinse it off after a few hours, and use it no more than once a day at first to see how your skin reacts.
3- Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is soothing, which makes it a good base. Mix one or two drops of tea tree oil into a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and apply a thin layer to the blemishes.
Start once a day. If your skin tolerates it, you can use it up to twice a day.
What to Avoid
Skip mixes with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. These acids can irritate the skin, especially skin that is already inflamed.
Also avoid squeezing or picking pimples, which can lead to infection and scarring. If acne is moderate, severe or leaving scars, see a doctor or dermatologist. Proven treatments include benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, salicylic acid and prescription medicines.
Sources
- Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH
- Acne, MedlinePlus
