Tea tree oil contains a constituent called terpinen-4-ol (which is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s antimicrobial activity).
Because tea tree oil can kill bacteria, applying topical tea tree oil to acne lesions has been thought to destroy Propionibacterium acnes (skin-dwelling bacteria that is involved in the development of acne).
Clinical Studies on Tea Tree Oil and Acne
A single-blind, randomized study by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared the effectiveness and tolerance of 5 percent tea tree oil gel with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 people with mild to moderate acne. People in both groups had a significant reduction in inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions (open and closed comedones) over the three month period. Although the tea tree oil took longer to work initially, there were fewer side effects with tea tree oil. In the benzoyl peroxide group, 79 percent of people had side effects including itching, stinging, burning, and dryness. Researchers noted that there were far fewer side effects in the tea tree oil group.
A smaller study published in 2007 involved 60 people with mild to moderate acne who were treated with either a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil or a placebo for 45 days. Researchers found that the tea tree oil worked better than the placebo in reducing the severity and number of acne lesions.
How to use Tea Tree Oil
-make sure to dilute it (either with water or another oil such as olive oil) pure tea tree oil is very powerful and may cause some skin irritation when used topically for acne.
-use a Q-tip or cotton swab (to attack problem areas more effectively dip a cotton Q-tip in some water (or oil) and then dip it into Tea Tree Oil. Apply Q-tip to breakout spots and acne) using your fingers will cause bacteria to get into the oil and on your face. Also using a Q-tip allows you to dilute the oil.
-best before bed or during a day in (Tea tree oil has a distinct smell and looks oily on the face) using tea tree oil under makeup or before going out will stifle its ability to heal your acne.
*Remember:
-this is an alternative to the spot treatment products in stores so it takes some time and patience! (works best on mild acne, but it always varies from person to person)
-if you are struggling with severe acne its best to go to your local dermatologist so they can help you out!
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