You may have seen tea tree oil acne products in the store and wondered what exactly this ingredient does. Tea tree oil enjoys a fantastic reputation as a natural acne treatment, but is it really effective? Treatments for acne can be very expensive and most of them are full of harsh chemicals. More and more often, people are seeking home remedies for acne in their quest for a clearer complexion. Tea tree oil has recently emerged as a strong player in the holistic acne cure scene. This essential oil, which is derived from the leaves of the tea tree and is prevalent in Australia, is well-regarded for its antiseptic qualities and has been used to successfully treat conditions ranging from from acne to athlete’s foot to MRSA to herpes. This oil is an all-star when it comes to killing germs including the ones that cause acne.
A lot of people have reported great results using tea tree oil for acne and it is often included in many acne tips. It is very simple to use. You only need to apply a small amount directly on the blemish using a cotton swab. It can be very strong and drying so it’s better if you dilute first with a bit of water, vitamin E oil, or aloe vera gel. It is also very effective at healing acne scars, although it may take some time before you see any results. Studies have shown this home acne remedy is actually just as effective at treating acne as benzoyl peroxide while being much less irritating, which makes it an ideal treatment for people who have had bad reactions to benzoyl peroxide in the past.
In addition to using tea tree oil straight up, you can also find skincare products that contain it as an ingredient. Many natural skincare products found in health stores feature this highly effective ingredient. You can find tea tree oil acne products such as toners, cleansers, and acne spot treatments. It has a very distinctive smell that is clean, herbal, and almost medicinal and the smell can linger for a while. Some people find the fragrance to be pleasant and it is featured in many of the shampoos that create a “tingling” effect on the scalp.
When taking tea tree oil, there are a few precautions that should be followed. The pure oil is very strong and should never be applied directly to the skin without diluting it first. Do not take it internally because it can be toxic if ingested. It can be irritating so don’t use it more than twice per day. Despite being classified as an oil, it is surprisingly drying so be sure to keep the area moisturized to avoid chemical burns and flaking or dryness. Pregnant or nursing women should never use this or any other essential oil, nor should it be used on children or pets.
Natural tea tree oil acne products are a great introduction to using this oil. Because these products contain other ingredients as well, it is much gentler than using the oil solo and less likely to lead to a reaction. Many people find it best to combine daily use of a tea tree oil face wash for maintenance and reserving use of the tea tree essential oil as a spot treatment. Play around with it and find out what works best for you.
On the whole, a lot of people have had incredible results with this essential oil for acne. Just remember if you have sensitive skin to exercise caution to avoid the possibility of chemical burns because of its strength. Start out by using it once every other day before slowly working your way up to daily or twice daily as your skin builds up a tolerance to it. If you are unsure about using this or have any medical conditions, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any tea tree oil acne treatment. Usually people notice an improvement within a few weeks after beginning to use tea tree oil for acne. If you don’t make any progress by then, it just may not be suited to your skin type or your particular type of acne so discontinue use and try a different method.
