Acne
Our skin is reflection to our lifestyle and health. Occasional breakouts and unsightly acne plague millions of people around the world. Acne, acne vulgaris, is the occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin, particularly a condition characterized by red pimples, zits, whiteheads, and blackheads on the face, back, chest.
How To Get Rid Of Acne?
Unfortunately, many people choose harsh chemicals and expensive scrubs to deal with them. Are they really worth of trying? – think before choosing them. Most of them contain cancer causing substances. Shocking right!
Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Treating a problem caused by excess oil with an oil product – though this looks completely strange. Isn’t it? But according to the research done by University of Maryland Medical Center, tea tree oil is more effective and less harsh than benzoyl peroxide – a common ingredient present in commercial pimple treatments.
Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Acne?
Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Acne Treatment:
- It contains terpinen-4-ol that is responsible for its antimicrobial activity. When applied to the affected skin, it destroys the skin-dwelling bacteria that cause acne.
- It has antiseptic and antifungal properties that help prevent acne.
- It contains natural antibacterial and anti-microbial properties that make it an excellent alternative to harsh synthetic chemicals and kills acne-causing bacteria.
- It deeply penetrates skin to unblock the sebaceous glands. This disinfects the pores, dries out whiteheads, pimples, zits, and blackheads, and prevents further outbreaks.
- It is used as an antiseptic that removes damaged skin cells.
- It balances skin by controlling oil production.
- It has natural antibacterial properties that treat cystic acne naturally. It penetrates the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect pores, and dry out blemishes.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne?
Tea tree oil can be used in many ways to rid acne quickly. Be sure to always use 100% pure, raw, organic tea tree oil as it is the best for your skin and for treating acne. It is extremely potent, so it should always be diluted before application.
Home Remedies For Acne
1. Tea Tree Oil
This method is effective for treating cystic acne and it reduces redness and swelling.
- Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Leave for 3 – 4 hours or overnight.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
2. Diluted Tea Tree Oil
This method can alternately be used as a face rinse, if desired, and is effective for treating cystic acne.
- Rinse your face with water and pat dry.
- Mix 1 part tea tree oil and 9 parts water.
- Apply to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Leave for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Apply moisturizer.
- Repeat 2 times a day.
Note: For sensitive skin or spot treatment, dilute oil with aloe vera gel instead of water.
3. Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera
Aloe vera kills the bacteria that cause acne and has anti inflammatory property which soothes the skin.
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and two teaspoons aloe vera gel.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Leave for 3 – 4 hours or overnight.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly to treat acne.
4. Tea Tree Oil And Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial that kills bacteria and heals skin.
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and two teaspoons of raw, organic honey.
- Apply to the pimple affected area using a cotton ball.
- Leave for 3 – 4 hours or overnight.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Apply oil free moisturizer.
- Repeat regularly to treat acne.
Note: You can refrigerate the left over mixture for later use.
5. Tea Tree Oil And Plain Yogurt
Yogurt soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
- Wash your face and pat dry with a towel.
- Mix 5 drops of tea tree oil and 1/4 cup of plain yogurt.
- Apply paste to the affected area.
- Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Repeat regularly to treat acne.
- Alternatively, you can also use 2 – 3 drops of tea tree oil, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey
6. Tea Tree Oil And Olive Oil
- Olive oil has anti-bacterial properties and many nutrients that promote skin health. It also removes oil and other toxins from pores and moisturizes skin.
- Mix 3 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected area.
- Leave on for 20 – 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Repeat daily.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
7. Tea Tree Oil And Coconut Oil
- Mix 1 teaspoon tea tree oil with 9 teaspoons of coconut oil.
- Wash and dry your face.
- Soak a clean wash cloth in hot water and drape it over your face.
- Leave on until cold to allow steam to open pores.
- Use fingertips to gently massage mixture into skin, rubbing in circular motions.
- Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Alternatively, mix 3 tablespoons each of aloe vera gel, coconut oil, olive oil and 1 teaspoon tea tree oil.
- Alternatively, replace coconut oil with either aloe vera gel or olive oil.
- Repeat twice a day.
8. Tea Tree Oil And Green Clay Powder Face Mask
Clay masks are one of the most effective ways to remove toxins from pores.
- Mix 3 – 4 drops of tea tree oil, 2 tablespoons of green clay powder, and enough water to make a paste.
- Apply evenly to your face and neck.
- Leave for 20 – 30 minutes or until the clay dries.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
- Repeat regularly to clear acne.
9. Tea Tree Oil And Jojoba Oil Face Mask
- Mix 3 – 5 drops of tea tree oil, a teaspoon of jojoba oil, and half of a finely chopped tomato to make a paste.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Leave for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and pat dry with a towel.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
10. Tea Tree Oil And Egg White
Egg white detoxifies and shrinks pores to smooth skin and prevent toxins from clogging pores.
- Whisk 4 drop of tea tree oils and one egg white.
- Apply to the affected area as a mask.
- Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Repeat regularly to get rid of pimples.
11. Tea Tree Oil And Witch Hazel
Do not overuse this method as it may dry out the skin and make acne worse. Avoid direct sunlight as this method may make skin more sensitive to UV rays.
- Mix 3 – 5 drops of tea tree oil and 20 – 40 drops of witch hazel.
- Apply to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Repeat 1 – 2 times daily for best results.
- Repeat regularly.
12. Tea Tree Oil With Homemade Scrub
Sugar melts as it exfoliates, detoxifying pores without causing irritation. This method is effective for treating cystic acne.
- Mix 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 10 – 12 drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply to a damp face and massage gently in circular motions for 2 – 5 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
- After that, wash it off with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
Note: Make a large amount and store in an airtight container for future use.
13. Tea Tree Oil Bath
- Pour 10 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil in warm water.
- Stir it well and take bath.
- It helps to clear the he pimples on the chest, back, shoulders and other parts of the body.
- Repeat regularly.
14. Tea Tree Oil Steam
Steam opens pores to allow maximum penetration by tea tree oil.
- Boil water and pour into large bowl.
- Mix in 5 drops of tea tree oil.
- Drape a towel over your head and lean into the steam for 5 minutes.
- Repeat regularly.
15. Tea Tree Oil in Cleanser and Moisturizer
This method combats stubborn pimples. Be sure to avoid the eye area.
- Add 2 – 6 drops of tea tree oil to your regular moisturizer and cleanser.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Rinse with water and pat dry.
- Apply moisturize on pimples.
- Repeat regularly.
Tea Tree Oil Products:
There are many products that have harnessed the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil for acne treatment. Try these products for added results.
- Some products like tea tree cleansers, moisturizers, soaps, lotions, and spot gels are available at the store or online.
- Tea tree oil gel deeply penetrates skin, drying acne and pimples. The gel is ideal for treating whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and acne as it unblocks the sebaceous ducts. Apply a small amount of gel to the affected area twice daily. Add aloe vera gel to avoid overly dry skin.
- Tea tree oil soap is the right way to gently cleanse and disinfect skin. Tea tree oil soap will stop breakouts and prevent more in the future.
Best Tea Tree Oil for Acne:
- It is always good to use to use 100 % pure Australian essential tea tree oil from reputed brands.
- Good brands of tea tree oil available in Australia are All Thursday plantation products (contains pure Australian TTO), All Desert Essence branded products (contains only pure Australian TTO) and Tea Tree Wonders offer only pure Australian TTO.
- Best brands in U.S., Canada, UK and other countries are Eden’s Garden, Plant Therapy, Essential Vitality, doTERRA, Aura Cacia, Young Living, CVS Melaleuca Alternifolia, etc.
Tips and Precautions:
For best results, follow the advice below when using tea tree oil to treat acne.
- Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, dryness, and itching. Dilute the oil with either water or aloe vera gel to avoid these symptoms.
- Tea tree oil should only be used for topical application. Ingesting the oil has severe side effects.
- Tea tree oil is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with eczema.
- Stop using tea tree oil if you develop an allergic rash, blistering, or itching.
- Before starting regular tea tree oil treatments, do a patch test to find out of you are allergic to it.
- Make sure to use pure tea tree oil. Adulterants can cause adverse effects.
Like other acne treatments, tea tree oil is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid excess sugar and carbohydrates, and drink enough water to stay completely hydrated.