Published on November 10th, 2022

Last updated on January 24th, 2023

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Face? Tea Tree Oil Benefits For Skin

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
tree oil jar

If you suffer from facial acne, you may wonder what treatment options are available. One option you may not have considered is using tea tree oil to treat your face skin. Tea tree oil is a natural and tried-and-true remedy that can effectively treat acne. It has antibacterial properties and beats all synthetic analogs in effectiveness and safety. 

Take tea tree oil to win the fight against rashes. In this article, I will tell you how to use tea tree oil for acne and its benefits. We will also discuss the possible side effects of tea tree oil and how to reduce these risks. 

But if you use tea tree oil acne spot treatment, please consult your doctor before doing so. 

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

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Tea tree oil is an essential oil made from the leaves of the tropical tree Melaleuca alternifolia, which grows only in Australia – one of the reasons why this essential oil is quite expensive. The plant got this name because Australian aborigines used melaleuca leaves to make a “medicinal drink” resembling tea. In today’s world, however, tea tree oil is used to treat acne spots or colds.

If we go back in time, the Australian aborigines used the tea tree for hundreds of years to treat various diseases. They learned how to squeeze oil from the leaves, which they inhaled to eliminate colds or apply to the skin. 

Today in stores, you can find “pure” (i.e., 100%) tea tree oil or in different cosmetic products (from 5% to 50%). Like other essential oils, tea tree oil is very concentrated. It means that it can sometimes irritate if not used correctly. 

It contains many beneficial organic compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, which can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In addition, terpinen-4-ol increases the activity of white blood cells, which fight germs and other infections. These properties make tea tree oil a unique natural treatment for acne spots. But does tea tree oil help with acne? 

What Does Scientific Research Say?

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In 2015, an extensive review analyzed alternative ways to treat acne. Scientists concluded that you could use tea tree oil for acne, not only on the face but also on the back. However, the review’s authors noted that the evidence is still insufficient. 

Another study published in 2006, showed that tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, you can use it to treat acne. 

One more 2016′ study examined the combination of tea tree oil and resveratrol to protect against the sun’s rays. Researchers found that this combination reduced skin pores. The subjects also had less sebum (sebum) and bacteria, which should potentially help with acne. 

In a 2017 study, subjects applied tea tree oil to their faces twice a day for twelve weeks. Researchers concluded that tea tree oil helped with acne without serious side effects. But, only 14 people participated in the study, which is too few to draw a definite conclusion. 

But existing studies show that you can use tea tree oil for acne on your face, back, and other body parts. And it works.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne?

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First of all, you need to find quality essential oil. There are both expensive natural oils and cheap synthetic ones available in stores. Of course, for treating acne on your face, back, and body, natural tea tree oils are best and can be found most often in drugstores.

Any pure essential oil is too concentrated to apply to the skin. Therefore, you should dilute it. If you use tea tree oil for acne, you should mix it with another oil (coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil). The ideal ratio is 12 drops of tea tree oil per 30 ml of base. The resulting mixture is best stored in a cool, dark place. You also can store this mixture for up to a year. 

You can apply the mixture spot on your acne with a cotton swab. It is best to apply the oil 1-2 times a day. Also, you should not use it with other products that contain active ingredients (various acids, retinol, vitamin C, and others). 

If your pimples don’t go away or get worse, be sure to see a dermatologist. But you should not expect to see results the following day. You need a long time (at least two months) to notice the first result.

What Else Can Tea Tree Oil Do?

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Okay, tea tree oil helps treat acne spots, but its miraculous abilities don’t end there. Let’s learn about the other benefits of this essential oil for the skin.

1. It Will Make Your Skin Glowing And Smooth

It’s no secret that natural oils are great for moisturizing your skin and hair, and of course, you can use tea tree oil. Not only does this essential oil know how to fight skin rashes, but it will give your face a healthy and radiant glow without Instagram filters. What’s more, it reduces the greasiness of your skin. Another plus of tea tree oil is that it doesn’t dry out your skin like prescription acne products.

2. Protects Against Bacteria And Viruses

Keeping your hands clean is the best way to save yourself from nasty bacteria. The tea tree’s antibacterial properties make it ideal for treating acne spots and a great candidate for creating an antiseptic. Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to your disinfectant. And because it’s excellent for moisturizing your skin, your hands will thank you.

3. Will Let You Get Rid Of Dandruff

It’s no secret that your scalp’s health depends on your hair’s health. Many girls pay a lot of attention to their hair but forget that the scalp also needs care. With anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil will eliminate flaking and itching. In addition, shampoo with tea tree oil will eliminate excess sebum.

4. It Will Help Maintain A Pleasant Fragrance 

Another unusual property of tea tree oil, besides getting rid of acne, is that it can be used as a natural deodorant. The fact is that sweat itself has no odor. It receives an unpleasant odor when bacteria begin to multiply. And tea tree oil, which has antimicrobial action, will help solve this problem.

5. Get Rid Of Skin Infections

Studies show that tea tree oil can kill a dangerous infection like Staphylococcus aureus. This nasty infection causes serious problems. Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent resident of gyms and other places that actively disinfect. So next time you’re at the gym, try a shower gel with tea tree oil.

Who Should Not Use Tea Tree Oil?

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Of course, you can use tea tree oil for acne, but you must be careful, just like any other essential oil. Tea tree oil is safe enough, but you need to know a few things before using it. 

  1. First, it should not be added to food or consumed. Since it is quite toxic when ingested. So, try to store the oil in a place that is out of the reach of children;
  2. Second, do a rudimentary patch test before your first use to see if you’re allergic. Apply the oil to the back of your hand, leave it on for 24 hours and see the results. Use it safely if there is no redness or flaking on your skin;
  3. Third, you cannot apply concentrated tea tree oil to your back and face skin if you want to eliminate acne. It should be diluted to an acceptable concentration;
  4. Fourth, you should not use tea tree oil more than twice daily;
  5. Fifth, avoid getting this oil in your eyes since it can cause irritation and redness;
  6. Sixth, experts do not recommend tea tree oil for pregnant women, people with chronic kidney disease, children, and those with autoimmune conditions;
  7. Seventh, do not give this essential oil to pets. While it is safe for humans, tea tree oil causes severe animal problems.

Acne is an unpleasant and challenging problem for many people. But you can use tea tree oil to treat acne and get great results. Just remember to follow the safety rules when using this essential oil.

FAQ

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For The Face?

To use tea tree oil for your face, you must dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. You can do it twice a day. Once diluted, you can apply it to your face using a cotton swab or your fingers.

Can Tea Tree Oil Help With Acne Scars?

Tea tree oil can help fade acne scars over time. It won’t happen overnight, but you will start to see a difference with consistent use. 

Is Tea Tree Oil Good For Cystic Acne?

Tea tree oil is good for treating all types of acne, including cystic acne. Cystic acne is a type of acne that is characterized by large, red, and painful bumps. Tea tree oil can help reduce the inflammation and size of the spots.