Acne Remedies - Treating Acne with Tea Tree Oil

A popular remedy for acne, tea tree oil, is extracted from the leaves of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia which grows in Australia. It is used as an ingredient in a wide range of products including shampoos, mouthwashes, gels, creams etc. It has powerful antimicrobial properties though to be due to terpinen-4-ol. Pure tea tree oil, diluted in water, can be applied to pimples where it can kill the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, that cause acne.

It can be used as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide as it has fewer side effects. One study indicated that it can significantly reduce inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions over a period of time although it was less effective than benzoyl peroxide and took longer to produce noticeable benefits. For sufferers who experience itching, redness, burning or dryness when using benzoyl peroxide it can be a good alternative. There have not been any other studies.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil

Applying tea tree oil undiluted to the skin is not recommended as it can result in irritation, redness, itching etc. A 5% solution should be used, made by mixing 5ml of tea tree oil with 95 ml of water. You could also purchase acne remedies containing tea tree oil.

Safety

Although this acne treatment is safe to use there are some precautions to take note of. Never ingest tea tree oil or use it undiluted on the skin. Avoid the use of tea tree oil if you are pregnant or nursing as no studies have been done on the safe use for pregnant and nursing mothers.

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