How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne
Natural and effective, tea tree oil has become a popular treatment for acne. Tea tree oil is an excellent acne fighter that helps kill blemish-causing bacteria and soothe inflammation. Making it a superstar ingredient to have in your skin care arsenal. While it’s a great ingredient to use, it must be used correctly. If you use it incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good. So you want to make sure you’re applying it the right way to achieve its beneficial results.
Where Does Tea Tree Oil Come From?
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, comes from the leaves of the myrtle tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. Tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it useful in treating skin conditions like acne by reducing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria.
This effective multi-purpose acne fighter is actually gentler on skin compared to other harsh acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, so when used properly, it can be an effective spot treatment to help get your acne under control.
Here are 3 DIY recipes with tea tree oil that you can try at home to treat acne and reduce inflammation.
1. Tea Tree Oil And Baking Soda
Shopping List
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil (jojoba or almond oil)
- Water
Instructions
- Dilute the tea tree oil with the carrier oil.
- Take the baking soda in a bowl and add enough water to make a paste.
- Add the diluted tea tree oil to this mixture and mix well.
- Apply the paste to the acne and let it dry.
- Wash it with water after 5 minutes.
- Repeat the treatment once every alternate day.
2. Tea Tree Oil And Witch Hazel
Shopping List
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 Q-tip
Instructions
- Dilute the tea tree oil in the witch hazel (store it in a glass bottle).
- Dip the Q-tip into the mixture and apply directly to the acne lesion(s).
- Let it dry and then wash it off. You can also keep it overnight.
- Repeat this every alternate day or night.
3. Tea Tree Oil And Aloe Vera Gel
Shopping List
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh aloe vera gel
- 2-3 drops tea tree oil
- A cotton swab or Q-tip
Instructions
- Mix the tea tree oil and the aloe vera gel.
- Use the cotton swab or Q-tip to apply the mixture to the affected area. Let it dry.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- Repeat this once every alternate day.
How to Use Pure Tea Tree Oil
If you’re planning on using 100% pure tea tree oil, Start by diluting a drop or two into your moisturizer to make a less potent version. Some people can easily use it as a spot treatment without dilution. But please keep in mind that everyone is different, and it’s best to use it diluted when you first get it so you can avoid any redness and irritation.
8 Things to Avoid When Using Tea Tree Oil
- Never apply it all over your face. Use tea tree oil just as a spot treatment.
- Never add tea tree oil to your face cream, serum, or any skin care product that you will use all over your face.
- Do not cover the acne spots after dabbing tea tree oil on them.
- Do not use tea tree oil simultaneously with other acne treatment products (especially products containing retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other active agents).
- Do not apply tea tree oil more than once a day. LESS is more!
- Never use tea tree oil on broken, irritated, scaly, and dry skin.
- Do not continue using tea tree oil if it burns and dries out your skin or causes redness.
- Do not go out in the sun after applying tea tree oil.
A word from PJ:
You need to use tea tree oil for at least a month before you start seeing any results. If you do not notice any change in your condition after a month, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.
Just like all good things, improvement takes time, whether you’re looking to clear breakouts or just reduce the amount of oily shine on your skin. A good skin care routine tailored to your oily skin type will help you do just that. Don’t hesitate to contact Princess if you need help.
