Why Tea Tree Oil For Acne Works

Tea Tree Oil has been popular in Australia where I grew up so I have been very familiar with this medicinal oil long before its rise to fame here in the United States. Health care specialists have been espousing its benefits due to its antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. As a result, it is one of the best treatments for acne.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea Tree Oil is the oil from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree native to Eastern Australia. The Australian Aborigines would crush up the leaves and inhale the oils to treat respiratory illnesses. They have been using this oil medicinally for thousands of years.

It is because of the properties that Tea Tree Oil possesses that makes it the perfect solution to treat moderate to severe acne with no side effects. Studies have shown this oil to be on par with 5% benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is the most well known anti-acne treatment but it can leave the skin extremely dry, irritated and red. Sometimes it can be so drying that skin is on the verge of cracking. It must be noted however that Tea Tree Oil will need more time to take effect than benzoyl peroxide.

Why Tea Tree Oil Works For Acne

There are many underlying reasons for acne:-

Genetics

Imbalance of hormones (this is why teens get acne and women during certain times of the month)

Foods we eat can exacerbate acne

But acne is always caused by the same 3 things for everyone:

Excess sebum (oil glands produce too much oil)

Excess skin shedding (the skin cells lining the follicle wall shed too frequently)

P. acnes bacteria (which is already present on skin)

These 3 things combine to form a plug that clogs the pore. Tea Tree Oil works for acne because it dissolves oil. The principle behind this is that only oil can dissolve oil. A great example of this is when you are trying to wash off a sticky price tag. The more you try and clean it with detergent the stickier it becomes. But when you use a cloth dipped in oil, such as olive, it dissolves easily. Tea Tree Oil cuts through the sebum on your skin unclog the pores and kill the P. acnes bacteria.

Safety Of Tea Tree Oil

This oil can be toxic if swallowed and can cause a host of side effects including drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea. Before using this oil you should patch test by putting a couple of drops just behind the ear. If no reaction occurs after an hour, then you are free to use this treatment.

Tea Tree Oil needs to be diluted before using on skin. Start by using half oil and half water - a 50/50 solution and see how that works. You can then add more or less depending on your preference. Instead of water, aloe vera can be used to dilute or if you prefer more hydration try using a carrier oil like Jojoba.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Acne

Place your 50% dilution in a small bowl

Wash your face with a mild cleanser, rinse with cool to lukewarm water and pat dry

Saturate a cotton ball with the solution and apply to your whole face

Let it dry and do not rinse

Use this toner 2x/day - in the morning and before bedtime.

*** Please discontinue use if you feel any discomfort. Wash face with a mild cleanser, pat dry and apply a small amount of oil-free moisturizer

Australian Tea Tree Oil is simply the best solution for acne if you want to go the all-natural route. Using this natural toner one to two times daily will help heal your pimples while preventing new blemishes from forming. You will need to experiment with the correct dosage amounts that suit your skin. My suggested dilution works for me but you may need more or less depending on the severity of your acne. Keep in mind that Tea Tree Oil is not a quick fix and as such requires your patience. If you would like faster results then try this comprehensive 100% natural acne treatment system.