Have You Tried Tea Tree Oil For Acne?

The Melaleuca Alternifolia plant produces a chemical called terpinen-4-ol which is the main ingredient that gives tea tree oil it’s antimicrobial benefits. It has been used for thousands of year as an antiseptic.

Leaves and twigs of the paper-bark tree are steamed in large stills to produce the essential oil. It is used in many products for skin care and acne problems. Many reviews on the Internet recommend this oil for mild to moderate acne.

Tea tree oil has been shown that it can hinder and destroy microbes. It is speculated that because it can kill bacteria, it may help reduce acne by destroying Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria that is associated with acne. This bacteria is very common and is usually not a problem. It’s when the pores of the skin get plugged up with excess oils, that P.acnes can inflame the skin causing acne to form.

If you use a product that contains alpha hydroxy lotion, it might help stop dead skin cells from plugging follicles openings. This could be applied in the mornings and a tea tree oil product could be used in the evenings just before bedtime. This tactic attempts to treat two of the main factors attributed to acne.

Tea tree oil products often have a very distinct smell. The major component of tea tree oil is a natural terpene. The word “terpene” comes from word turpentine which what the smell reminds me of.  Other people have said it has that “camphor” smell to it. I have read a ton of people complain that their family members or partners don’t like it.

If you buy pure tea tree oil, it should be diluted if your using it for acne. It is too strong and can cause skin irritation. It should also be tested on the inner arm before applying it anywhere on the face or neck to make sure your not allergic to it. I use a teaspoon of tea tree oil diluted in 3 ounces of water for my acne wash. Don’t dilute it too much though because it won’t be effective on P.acne.

• Some people can have allergic reactions to some of these products.
• Safety should be your first concern.
• Keep this stuff away from pets and children.
• It is toxic if swallowed!

If your using any OTC product including tea tree oil for acne, and it is not helping,the best thing you can do is see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Don’t keep trying every new product that comes along.  Chronic acne left untreated properly, can lead to scarring and sometimes even affect a person mental state.

There are different kinds of acne and they require different types of treatment.

Using the wrong product or using it improperly can make acne worse.

In fact, I would not recommend using any topical treatment (including tea tree oil) before consulting a certified dermatologist.