Several studies have shown that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide at reducing the severity of acne – although it takes longer to see the same results. As Eaton explains, the benefit of using tea tree oil is that it is much more gentle and less irritating for the skin.
Tea tree essential oil can be purchased at any natural food store but should be diluted before applying to the skin. 4 Most aromatherapists recommend diluting tea tree oil in a carrier like coconut oil or sweet almond oil. But beware, these oils can clog your pores and make acne worse.
Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It's thought to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation. It may even help to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.
Tea tree oil is also considered to be as effective as salicylic acid for the treatment of acne. Some people prefer this essential oil over salicylic acid because it's a naturally-sourced product that tends to be gentler on the skin than its pharmaceutical counterparts.
It Can Help Other Acne Treatments Be More Effective
Tea Tree Oil works on the actual bacteria and resulting inflammation, while Salicylic Acid helps remove the surface oil, dirt, and debris that can clog up the pores and make it easier for p. acnes to create an infection.
Keep in mind that you should avoid using pure tea tree oil with other harsh, acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, retinol or retinoids, or salicylic acid.
Don't mix Tea Tree Oil with other active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin c, etc. Best to use one or the other, not both. Never use it more than once a day – less is more!
As Zeichner tells us, "Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a home remedy for treating cystic acne." Plus, he adds, "It can decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria sitting on top of the skin and simultaneously reduce inflammation." There's a reason the oil is found in many ...
Tea tree oil is considered to be effective in treating or alleviating a variety of skin conditions, including dry skin, eczema, dandruff, cuts, psoriasis, and, of course, cystic acne (among other types of acne).
Mixing tea tree oil in your cleanser allows the oil to penetrate your clogged pores, dry them out, and unclog them. Regular use of this remedy will ensure that you're free of blackheads. Just ensure that you're using a good non-comedogenic moisturizer after you wash your face.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil reduces both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions associated with acne, Batra says. “Allow the solution to stay on your skin for a few hours or overnight then rinse your face with warm water," she recommends. "This treatment can be repeated daily and should help stop breakouts."
A. If you are using tea tree essential oil, then it is highly advisable not to use it directly on your skin. Essential oils are extremely potent and can end up burning your skin. Therefore, always mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice and apply it onto your skin.
Some research suggests that you may see results in as little as two weeks if you apply the oil twice a day.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, benzoyl peroxide is the most effective acne-fighting ingredient available without a prescription. It works best on traditional red, pus-filled pimples (pustules).
During the first 3 weeks you are using benzoyl peroxide, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, check with your doctor.
As a quick refresher, benzoyl peroxide—or BP—is chemically formulated to kill the acne-causing bacteria on your skin quickly. The downside: said speediness often comes at an irritating cost. However, tea tree oil (TTO) uses natural antibacterial properties to kill off bacteria at a slower, gentler rate.
Witch hazel can be used on its own or found within skin care products such as toners. While it can't cure acne on its own, it can dry up oil and shrink blemishes in addition to relieving symptoms such as inflammation, redness and irritation. Witch hazel is easy to incorporate into your skin care routine.
Tea tree essential oil is the bomb but it's not magic. It can take several months (or even years) for acne scars to fade. Upping the amount of tea tree oil you use won't help your scars fade faster. In fact, too much of this good thing can be damaging.
Conclusion: Topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
For diluting tea tree oil for acne you need to mix it with any carrier oil (coconut oil, sesame oil or almond oil), aloe vera gel, warm water or honey.
Jojoba oil is an essential oil that reduces the amount of excess sebum through absorbing. And excess sebum is what clogs pores and creates blackheads. All you have to do is wash your face with warm water and massage a few drops of Jojoba oil onto your skin. Leave on for five to ten minutes and then rinse off.
It's almost like steaming the face. 'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear. '