Tea Tree Oil for Acne – All You Need to Know

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What is tea tree oil?

The tea tree is a plant native to Australia. The leaves of the tree were used as substitute for tea in the past thus giving the tree its name. The native Australian aboriginals used the leaves to treat a variety of skin conditions from cuts on the skin to infections, scrapes, burns and insect bites. They crushed the leaves and applied it on the affected part.

Medicinal properties

Oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree through a process of steam distillation. The main component of this oil is called terpenoids. This ingredient has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant compound in the oil and is thought to be the source of the antimicrobial quality. These properties make it to be of use in the cosmetic industry. Some of the conditions that can be treated with this oil include, foul breath, athlete's foot, cold sores, body odors and acne.

Tea tree oil infiltrates to the lower skin layers with its disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-killing) and cicatrizant (wound-healing) qualities.

Additionally the oil has a diaphoretic effect which means that it Promotes sweating. This is useful because it enhances the body's own natural defensive response when threatened by infection. This oil should be used together with other natural methods of treating acne such as vitamin supplements, a healthy diet plan and physical exercise

Due to the concentrated nature of the oil, it is diluted first before use. Otherwise it will cause irritations and produce unwanted side effects such as redness, dry skin or itching. You should never drink the oil or add to foods like salads because it is toxic

How to use Tea Tree oil for acne

Tea tree oil application is dependent on your skin type. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts water. For sensitive skin, mix 1 part tea tree oil with 9 parts Aloe Vera gel. You can strengthen the mixture if you feel that your skin can handle it. However you should only do so after a period of one week.

After diluting the mixture appropriately, wash your face using a gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a clean towel. Immerse a piece of cotton ball in the mixture and apply lightly over your face or the affected area. Wait for the skin to dry before applying an oil-free moisturizer. This process should be repeated just before going to bed.

You can as well make a tea tree oil mask. This mask can be applied once or twice a week to prevent acne break-outs. You will need natural green clay powder then add onto it two or three drops of the oil and mix with sufficient water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste evenly to your face and neck and let it stay for at least half an hour. You can use this mask to spot treat pimples by applying it on the affected area and leaving it overnight.

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Source by Thomas Kiboi

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