If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from acne, you know how frustrating it can be to find a solution that actually works. Many over-the-counter acne treatments can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. That’s where tea tree oil comes in. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne.
The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree, which is native to Australia. It has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it an effective treatment for acne. Here are just a few of the benefits of using tea tree oil for acne:
- Kills bacteria: Tea tree oil has been shown to kill the bacteria that cause acne.
- Reduces inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
- Unclogs pores: Tea tree oil can help unclog pores, which can lead to fewer breakouts.
- Reduces oiliness: Tea tree oil can help regulate oil production, which can help prevent future breakouts.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Tea tree oil can be used in a variety of ways to treat acne. Here are a few of the most effective methods:
- Spot treatment: Apply a drop of tea tree oil directly to the pimple using a cotton swab. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning.
- Facial steam: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water and place your face over the steam for 10-15 minutes. This can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Face wash: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite face wash to help kill bacteria and reduce oiliness.
Precautions
While tea tree oil is generally safe to use, there are a few precautions you should take:
- Do a patch test: Before using tea tree oil on your face, do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Dilute it: Tea tree oil is very potent and can be irritating to the skin if used undiluted. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying it to your skin.
- Avoid contact with eyes: Tea tree oil can be irritating to the eyes, so be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Our Favorite Tea Tree Oil Products
If you’re ready to try tea tree oil for acne, here are a few of our favorite products:
Say Goodbye to Acne with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural and effective way to treat acne. With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and regulate oil production. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions and dilute the oil before using it on your skin. With regular use, you can say goodbye to acne and hello to clear, healthy skin.
- “Tea Tree Oil.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24 Aug. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tea-tree-oil. Accessed 17 May 2021.
- Enshaieh, Shahla, et al. “The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.” Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, vol. 73, no. 1, 2007, pp. 22-25., doi:10.4103/0378-6323.30646.
- Bassett, I.B., Pannowitz, D.L., and Barnetson, R.S. “A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne.” Med J Aust, vol. 153, no. 8, 1990, pp. 455-458.
