Research In Tea Tree Oil For Acne
With decades of research on the effectiveness of tea tree oil and how to use tea tree oil for acne, conclusive evidence has shown that the potency of tea tree oil triumphs the healing abilities of other, less natural treatments. Over time, bacteria build immunity to engineered antibiotics, reducing the effectiveness of synthetic medicines. Evidence shows that tea tree oil, a natural alternative to synthetic treatments, remains effective at reducing acne and regulating oil production in the skin.
- In a2017 study, participants with mild to moderate acne were treated with tea tree oil gel for 12 weeks. This study showed that these participants’ acne lesions reduced significantly, which is believed to be attributed to the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil. At 12 weeks, combined acne lesions decreased by an average of 45%. This study opposed antibiotics that were essentially deemed counterproductive in the long-term, as the acne bacteria develop a resistance to the antibiotics.
- A2016 study evaluating the effectiveness of tea tree oil to reduce excess oil on the skin as well as the appearance of acne and enlarged pores found that participants who used a mixture of resveratrol and tea tree oil showed significant improvement in the amount of oil, acne and enlarged pores present. Not only did the tea tree mixture reduce the condition of the skin, it proved effective at providing moderate UVA and UVB protection for the skin.
Types Of Tea Tree Oil
Since tea tree oil varies in quality, its important to buy an oil that is 100-percent natural, with no additives. Buy organic tea tree oil if possible, and always buy from a reputable brand. The Latin name, Melaleuca alternifolia, and the country of origin should be printed on the bottle. Look for an oil that has a 10- to 40-percent concentration of terpinen, which is the main antiseptic component of tea tree oil.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne Prone Skin
Getting rid of your acne means treating at least one or even better 2 or 3 of the causes of acne. This means acne causing bacteria, excess skin oil and poor or slow exfoliation.
Therefore proper skincare practises can have a very positive effect on getting rid of your acne prone skin.
Firstly, all effective acne fighting skincare routines must contain an efficient cleanser i.e. a cleanser with Tea Tree Oil.
Skin that is cleansed thoroughly is not as able to hold onto dead skin cells. Cleaning removes both excess skin oil and trapped dead skin cells. Cosmetic products like sunscreen, BB cream and foundation can also help prevent dead skin cells from shedding, causing them to become sticky and therefore unable to shed.
Cleansing skin daily can help prevent this from happening.
Pro-Tip: It is important to choose a cleansing product designed for oily, combination, acne prone skin. Products with Tea Tree Oil are the perfect choice.
After cleansing your skin, it can be helpful to use a face mask. Clay based face masks, like our clay based face mask with natural Australian Tea Tree Oil, are best for the job. Clay helps absorb excess skin oil drawing it from deep inside pores. Choose our clay based face mask and your skin will benefit from the Tea Tree Oils natural antibacterial action as well exfoliation from the sandalwood nut shells to help remove dead skin cells and prevent acne.
One product with 3 clear benefits.
Read More About: Is tea tree oil good for skin?
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What Skin Type Is Tea Tree Oil Best For
According to Dr. Shamban, tea tree oil is unique in that it works well albeit differently for dry and oily skin alike. “For dry skin that may be irritated or inflamed to compromise to the barrier matrix, it functions to calm the skin,” she says. “With oily and acne-prone patients it helps to support balance.”
Like other essential oils, tea tree oil should only be used topically never ingested. Always spot-test a small patch of skin to check for potential irritation like redness, dryness, and peeling before using it all over.
Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Acne bacteria breed from dead skin plugs found inside your skins pores. Its easy for them to become trapped when you have an oily skin type. Everyones skin is constantly exfoliating, however oily and combination skin types find it harder to shed dead skin cells. Exfoliating your skin regularly helps speed up your skins natural exfoliation rate, preventing dead skin plugs from forming and therefore acne bacteria from growing.
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Tea Tree Oil Can Treat Dandruff
Itchy, dry scalp and dandruff can be pretty embarrassing especially if youre noticeably shedding. And, its also just really uncomfortable.
“Tea tree oil is helpfulfor treating dry scalp and dandruff helps moisturize and soothe the scalp by clearing blocked pores and preventing dryness, Batra says.
It also fights. Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, so tea tree oils antifungal properties are great for treating it, she explains.
For both dry scalp and dandruff, massage a few drops of the diluted solution into your scalp and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing. You can also add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo and conditioner using about 10 drops for every eight ounces of product.
Allow the shampoo and conditioner to sit in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Products that already have tea tree oil in them can be just as effective at treating these scalp conditions, she adds.
How To Use It
When using tea tree oil, be forewarned that it has a strong and distinctive scent.
Most studies have been performed using about 5% strength tea tree oil, which equates to only a couple of drops each time you use it. You can simply dispense a couple drops into your palm and mix it with a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, and apply.
Alternately, you can dispense a couple of drops into your palm and mix it with whichever topical acne treatment you are currently using.
How I use it: I like to mix two drops into my moisturizer on occasion. But I must admit the scent packs such a punch that I don’t find myself using it every day.
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How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is generally safe to use, but there are some dos and donts to follow.
If its your first time trying tea tree oil for acne, you shouldnt apply pure oil directly to your skin. Like other essential oils, it needs to be diluted first so it doesnt irritate your skin .
Diluting oils yourself can be tricky, so it might be easier to purchase a ready-to-use product instead. Follow the package directions carefully as products vary. For example, some oils can be left on, while others need to be washed off. Try not to use products more often than recommended, as this may lead to irritation.
Some products also suggest doing a patch test somewhere else on your body before using it on acne-prone skin areas. Patch tests can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin. If you find that tea tree oil isnt helping, you can follow up with a dermatologist to identify the best products for your skin type and situation.
Tea Tree Oil Lavender Oil & Rice Flour Scrub For Glowing Skin
Ingredients:
- Castor oil
- Rice flour
Directions: For the rice flour, grind half a cup of rice to make a very fine powder. Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of castor oil to the rice flour. Castor oil is an astringent that helps control oil secreted by your glands. Add 3-4 drops each of tea tree oil, and lavender oil. Use the scrub twice a week as a part of your evening shower. You can use the scrub for the face, as well as the body.
Tip! Do you suffer from hair fall? Lavender can help! Read our post and learn how to use LAVENDER FOR HAIR GROWTH.
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How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil For Fighting Acne
It is important that you make sure that the oil is 100% pure so that it is most effective on your skin. This also helps ensure that it does not contain any preservatives your skin might be allergic to. Note, however, that the oil is very potent in this state, so you should dilute it before application.
If acne has already broken out, apply the oil lightly to the affected area using a cotton pad the oil can sometimes cause an allergic reaction, resulting in peeling or redness.
You can also use tea tree oil to promote the general health of your skin by adding it to your skin care product. Put one to two drops of the oil into your moisturizer make it a habit of applying this mixture twice a day. This works better than purchasing a tea tree moisturizer because you can control the oil dosage according to your needs, and it is also 100% pure. If your skin reacts negatively, try using the tea tree solution every 2 days.
Tea tree oil can also be used to prevent pimples from reaching the skin surface. If you feel a pimple forming, apply the oil immediately.
When you want to achieve a cleansing massage on your face, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with good massage oil, such as almond oil, and smoothly rub the mixture into your face. This should be done for a couple of nights to ensure your skin clears up.
Sometimes the tea tree oil is more effective on a pimple when you mix a drop of it with Vaseline because Vaseline ensures that the oil stays longer on your skin.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne Scars
Although its effectiveness in treating acne scars remains unclear, theres no harm in trying out this remedy. Here are a few ideas on how to use tea tree oil for acne.
Spot treatment: Put some coconut oil in a bowl, add two or three drops of tea tree oil, and then mix it well. Use a Q-tip to apply the mixture directly onto the scars. Let it sit until morning before washing it off.
Mask: Put some yogurt in a bowl and add two or three drops of tea tree oil. Once youve mixed it well, apply on your scars. Allow about 20 minutes before washing off.
Mist: Mix one cup of water, a teaspoon of witch hazel and two or three drops of tea tree oil in a bowl. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before you spray it onto your skin. When you are done spraying, use your hands to rub it in.
While this essential oil is considered safe for most users, youll want to do a patch test before any full application just to be sure.
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Deeply Cleans & Clears Away Dead Skin Cells
Oil and dead skin cells build up inside the pores on our face. And the oil thats trapped in our pores repels water, making it difficult to deeply clean out pores. Thankfully, tea tree oil acts as a solvent thats able to mix with the natural oils from our sebaceous glands and help unclog the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells trapped in our pores.
Infections Cuts And Wound
The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective wound healer.
According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil helps to heal wounds caused by bacteria. Nine of the 10 people who used tea tree oil in addition to conventional treatment showed a decrease in healing time compared to conventional treatment alone.
How to use: Add 1 drop of tea tree oil with a wound ointment cream and apply as directed throughout the day.
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Side Effects Of Tea Tree Oil
Sadly, natural doesn’t always mean side-effect-free. As mentioned, pure tea tree oil is heavily concentrated, which means it can cause some serious skin irritation if used undiluted. This is especially true if you’re eczema-prone or the owner of temperamental skin.
Also, Green notes that as with most essential oils, tea tree oil “contains chemicals that can increase skin photosensitivity, which makes it more susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.” Bottom line: Avoid exposing your skin to the sun when pure tea tree oil is on the skin care menu, or just use it as part of your p.m. skin care routine to avoid the risk altogether.
You should also be mindful of using tea tree oil in conjunction with other potent active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinol, warns Peredo, as the combination can be extremely drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin types.
Using products that are pre-formulated with tea tree oil is your best bet if you’re concerned with exacerbating your acne flare-ups. This decreases your risk of a dermal disaster, and your skin will benefit from the other complementary ingredients in the product’s formulation.
Why Does Tea Tree Oil Work On Acne
As a quick refresher, benzoyl peroxide, BP, is chemically formulated to kill the acne-causing bacteria on your skin fastthough often at an irritating costwhile tea tree oil, TTO, uses its natural antibacterial properties to kill off bacteria at a slower, gentler rate. So why use TTO, if it’s slower? Because “it’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, explains dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor at Yale University, meaning itll help calm the redness and irritation already on your skin, without causing more. And for anyone with temperamental skin, that’s a huge, huge deal.
Of course, there are some caveats. Tea tree oil can be really drying on some people, says Dr. Goharanamely, if you use it undiluted, which is the biggest of no-nos. For something that sounds so harmless , it’s surprisingly irritating when applied to clean, dry skin, thanks to how intensely concentrated tea tree oil is. But dont freakas long as you dilute it before you apply it, youll be fine.
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Some Precautions When Using Essential Oils For Acne
Essentials oils can be used by most people to treat acne and prevent outbreaks. However, care should be taken by some people when using essential oils.
- Always try a small amount of oil on the inside of your forearm and observe the reaction to make sure you are not allergic to this oil.
- Children and pregnant women should consult with their doctor before using essential oils on their skin.
- Find out in advance about the potency of the essential oils you plan to use.
- Some people notice a reduction in the number of pimples very quickly. However depending on your skin type and severity of your acne, it may take some time before you notice any results. So, be patient and try a combination of different essential oils for acne to find the perfect balance for your skin.
- Some essential oils are phototoxic which mean that they can damage the skin with sun exposure. Make sure to apply a sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun.
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What About A Tea Tree Oil Skincare Range Or Multiple Products Containing It
Some brands have a Tea Tree Oil skincare range which includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, mask, spot treatment, makeup wipes, etc., all containing Tea Tree Oil.
This can add up to a lot of tea tree oil, especially for daily or twice daily use.
Remember, acne is an inflammatory skin condition. Your skin is sensitive and irritated. You dont want to be using layer after layer of products containing strong ingredients like Tea Tree Oil.
It may be a natural ingredient, but its still very strong.
If you are going to use a commercial skincare product containing Tea Tree Oil, just use one product like a cleanser or spot treatment.
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Can Tea Tree Oil Make Acne Worse
The problem here is that tea tree oil is an essential oil, and pure essential oils are very strong and can be super irritating. So you would definitely want to dilute your tea tree oil with another oil firstlike mixing a single dab of TTO in with a few drops of your favorite face oil and blending that over your acne-prone areas.
Or, do what Cosmo’s deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger does : Dab it over your zit as the final step of your skincare routine. “All the face creams I layer on first usually provide a pretty thick buffer against the tea tree oil,” she says. “My skin is incredibly sensitive and reactive, and as long as I only dab it on once a day, I’m good.”
How To Use Tea Tree Oil In Your Skin
First, keep in mind that tea tree oil is best used topically and that ingesting the ingredient isnt safe. Its a good idea to try a patch test first, by applying the oil on the inside of your forearm and waiting a day or two to see if a rash forms.
To get started with adding tea tree oil to your skin-care routine, either purchase a skin-care product that contains tea tree oil or use the essential oil itself, says Dr. Holman. To use the essential oil, dilute it into a carrier, such as a witch hazel toner or moisturizer. She recommends using three drops of tea tree oil to two ounces of product. You can use tea tree oil in the morning or at night. Combine tea tree oil with a witch hazel toner if you have acne, which can be done after cleansing your skin, or combine the oil with a moisturizer as a last step in your evening skin-care routine, if you also have dry or sensitive skin.
It can make skin more sun sensitive, says Holman. For that reason, dont apply it immediately before going outdoors. No matter what skin-care products youre using, though, its always important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your face every morning.
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