Tea tree oil comes from an indigenous species, Melaleuca alternifolia, found in Australia. The Aboriginals have long used tree oil as an antiseptic and as a traditional medicine for other ailments. Dermatologists also concur with the healing powers of tea tree oil, but many people are not yet aware of just how powerful it can be or how to use it.
Today it is used as a natural alternative to treat acne. Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties essential in fighting acne-causing bacteria reducing acne breakouts on the face. Let’s explore the best way you use tree oil to counteract the growth of acne-causing bacteria and heal acne scars.
Using Tea Tree Oil To Treat Acne
Tea tree oil has many medicinal benefits which make it a great product to battle acne. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this essential oil.
Tea Tree Oil Is A Natural Disinfectant
Applying this oil on your face regularly helps clear environmental dirt on the skin’s surface. Tea tree oil can work its way into the pores, unblocking the sebaceous glands, disinfecting the surface, and deep into the skin pores. Since acne bacteria form from the pores, clear pores take away the existing bacteria and prevent more from forming.
Disinfecting the skin pores not only kills acne-causing bacteria but also treats inflammation and soothes the skin. Dead skin cells can repel water but not oil; therefore, tea tree oil also clears whiteheads and blackheads, leaving you with smooth, glowing skin.
It Cleanses and Moisturizes The Skin
Tea tree oil can easily penetrate the skin layers clearing grease, dust, and other irritants trapped in the skin. This oil mixes with the natural oils found on the skin, making a compound unsuitable for bacteria nourishment. Without adequate nutrition, acne-causing bacteria die out and disintegrate from the skin. As a moisturizer, the oil leaves skin properly hydrated, preventing dry patches where bacteria can breed.
It’s An Antioxidant
Tree oil comprises many antioxidant properties that come in handy, which help maintain good skin health. Regular use of tea tree oil reduces the ability of environmental irritants and acne-causing bacteria to infuse with the skin’s natural oil. Bacteria can’t lead to acne outbreaks when there is no room for growth.
Tea Tree Oil Isn’t For Sensitive Skin
Before switching to any new natural skin remedy, it’s recommended that you understand your skin type or compounds that could result in allergic reactions. Tea tree oil is a very potent ingredient due to its high concentration levels. The last thing you want is irritation or even a full-blown allergic reaction from this promising product. As such it’s recommended that you test a little bit of the oil on an inconspicuous area to see how your skin reacts.
Use Tea Tree Oil Sparingly
To be on the safer side, it’s also advisable to carry out a patch test before using this oil, even if you don’t have sensitive skin. Using the correct concentrations is vital to keep harmful side effects at bay. Don’t let the temptation to get rid of acne scars quicker take over, as the results can be devastating. You can dilute the Tea Tree oil in another carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil or sweet almond oil.
Tea Tree Oil Can Cause Skin Irritation
Although effective, this oil can irritate the skin when applied directly. In most cases, it’s recommended to mix it with carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil or sweet almond oil. However, it’s recommended to also test the carrier oil on your skin and only use non comedogenic oils that won’t block your pores. Using comedogenic oils, like olive oil or coconut oil can potentially exacerbate the acne outbreak against the intended goal for acne-prone skins.
Another good alternative is diluting tea tree oil with your facial moisturizer to treat acne-prone skin. A facial moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid is ideal. Using a cotton ball dampened with water and a drop of this oil can also work for spot treatment.
How To Apply Tea Tree Oil
Let’s take a look at how you can start to use Tea Tree oil to benefit from it’s amazing acne-busting benefits:
- Add up to two drops of tea tree oil to your facial moisturizer. If you’re unfamiliar with carrier oils it’s recommended that you avoid using them as comedogenic oils may potentially worsen the acne outbreak.
- It is important to do a patch test away from your face as a first-time user. The inside of your elbow is the best place to conduct a patch test, any signs of irritation, itchiness, inflammation, burning, and redness may suggest that this oil is unsuitable for you.
- Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and dry it well before applying the oil.
- Use a cotton round or pad to gently dab the diluted tea tree oil mixture on the blemishes and acne scars.
- Give your skin some time to dry, and then follow up with your preferred moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
- Repeat this process twice a day, preferably morning and evening, for the best outcome.
The Bottom Line
Fighting acne is, at times, a grueling journey that requires a lot of patience. Tea tree oil comes in handy as a natural product to help you achieve radiant-looking skin. Incorporating this oil into your routine also has other benefits that keep your skin glowing.
Have you used tea tree oil before? Let’s know how it’s going for you. As a first-time user, it is only a matter of time before you can share your experience.
