Acne is caused by four main things: oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria; however, hormones, medications, diet and stress can can all contribute to this health concern as well.
Home remedies for acne can be a great option to avoid putting harsh chemicals on your skin, which often can just make breakouts even worse. Using tea tree oil for acne is one of the top things you can do to improve this skin problem naturally. Research even shows that tea tree oil can be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne, but with less irritating side effects.
Topically speaking, using tea tree essential oil for acne is a very popular and highly effective option. And it gets better — using tea tree oil is really easy to do at home with a DIY recipe like this one. Before you know it, you may look in the mirror and see clearer, acne-free skin soon!
What Is Acne, Again?
Acne can be quite confusing, whether you are experiencing it as an adolescent or adult. Although it’s more common in teenagers, it can happen to anyone at any age. Many things can contribute to acne, including overproduction of oil, bacteria, stress and hormonal imbalances.
So what is acne exactly? Acne can be defined as a skin disorder in which hair follicles become plugged up with dead skin cells and oils. This skin clogging situation can result in pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts or nodules.
This common skin concern is most commonly located on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Acne can come and go. It can also leave behind scars and cause emotional distress.
When you’re struggling with acne, your skin is not functioning in its healthiest or most ideal way, but there are natural things you can do to help yourself, such as using tea tree oil.
What Research Says About Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Tea tree essential oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree through a distillation process. Tea tree oil is becoming more and more popular in the household, from cleaning products and wound healing to skin care. Tea tree oil is commonly used externally to treat acne, nail fungus, athlete’s foot and insect bites.
So is tea tree oil good for acne? Here is what we know. Tea tree oil contains some pretty impressive antibacterial properties, specifically terpenes. Some dermatologists claim that terpenes destroy bacteria while offering soothing qualities.
In a 2017 study conducted by the The Australasian College of Dermatologists, researchers evaluated the combination of tea tree oil gel versus a face wash without the tea tree oil. Subjects applied tea tree oil twice a day for three months and assessed at different points along the way. The study concluded that tea tree oil can significantly improve mild to moderate acne.
And as mentioned earlier, tea tree essential oil has even been shown to work as well as conventional acne treatments, but with a reduced likelihood of unwanted side effects!
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Tea tree essential oil is one of the best essential oils for acne as well as for healing the skin. To begin using tea tree essential oil for acne, try my DIY recipe. This is a three-ingredient recipe that can produce some amazing results, helping to minimize acne in no time.
In a small bowl, place the tea tree oil and aloe vera gel. As noted above, tea tree oil is antibacterial, which helps knock out bacteria that may cause acne.
Aloe vera gel has long been known as a powerful, soothing ingredient for skin health. It contains vitamins A, C, E and B12. These vitamins are age-defying, helping to prevent wrinkling of the skin and fight inflammation that helps slow the growth of aging cells. Additionally, it contains antioxidant properties that can rid your skin of damaging free radicals.
Now, add the argan oil, which research shows can actually help to balance sebum levels, especially for people with oily skin. Argan oil is rich in linoleic acid, which can help to calm the skin inflammation that comes with having acne. It’s also soothing and moisturizing to the skin, so it’s a great ingredient to combine with potent and astringent tea tree oil.
Once you have blended these ingredients together, place them in a small container with a lid. It is best to keep essential oils and products containing essential oils in a cool, dark place. Don’t forget to label it!
To apply, simply rub a small amount onto clean skin at night before bed. Make sure your hands are clean as well before dipping into the container. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
Wondering how to use tea tree oil for acne spot treatment? Simply dab a small amount of this recipe directly onto blemishes.
How long does it take for tea tree oil to work on acne? Results will vary. Improvement may be seen after just one use, but best results are typically seen when tea tree oil is a part of a daily skincare routine.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne Scars
You can also use tea tree essential oil for acne scars by applying this recipe to areas of concern before bed each night.
While there is a good deal of research about using tea tree for active acne, using it for acne scars has not be studied much to date.
Some people experience improvement in scars, or at the least, using tea tree oil for active acne may make future scarring less likely.
Risks and Side Effects
Tea tree essential oil is meant for topical use only. Ingesting can cause some serious problems such as dizziness and confusion.
The best tea tree oil for acne is 100 percent pure. I also suggest purchasing essential oils that are certified organic and therapeutic grade. Your tea tree oil should not include any added bases, fillers or additives. This will ensure that you are getting the best quality product for your skin.
When selecting argan oil, look for a brand that is 100 percent pure, organic, cold-pressed, unfiltered and non-deodorized.
Can you put tea tree oil directly on your skin? Some people use pure tea tree essential oil undiluted on their skin, but combing it with a carrier oil (in this case, argan oil) is a good idea to reduce the likelihood of irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
If you’re wondering how to dilute tea tree oil for acne, this DIY recipe takes care of the dilution aspect of using tea tree essential oil for acne. Testing this DIY recipe on a small area of your skin is always advised just to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction of any sort.
Can tea tree oil make you break out? Just like with other skincare ingredients, tea tree oil won’t agree with everyone’s skin. For some people, tea tree essential oil may cause contact dermatitis. Discontinue use of this recipe if you experience skin irritation.
The post How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne (DIY Recipe) appeared first on Dr. Axe.
