Treat Acne With Tea Tree Oil

The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil is what makes tea tree oil effective in treating acne. Its two important chemical constituents, Terpinen-4-ol and Cineole are responsible for killing bacteria and germs. As Cineole is also a powerful irritant aside from its strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, we would prefer to go for tea tree oil with low Cineole content to minimize skin irritation when applied topically to our skin.

As tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from steam distillation of the Australia's Melaleuca Alternafolia tree leaves, it is much safer from benzoyl peroxide which is often the standard ingredient used in treating acne. Even though tea tree oil might cause some skin irritation to acne sufferers especially those with sensitive skin, its degree and number of side effects are much more lower than benzoyl peroxide which will often itching, dryness, burning and stinging to its users.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that some acne sufferers are using tea tree oil as a supplement to benzoyl peroxide as their acne treatment as its antibacterial property will kill the acne causing bacteria; Propionibacterium acnes and its less harsher side effects.

As with most aromatherapy oils, tea tree oil completely penetrates your skin without leaving any residue on its surface. With such a strong penetration power, tea tree oil is able to reach and kill the acne bacteria that resides in the pilosebaceous units. With regular application, acne bacteria are killed and reduced and over times, new acne lesions are prevented and even the appearance of acne scars are minimized. The best part is tea tree oil still remain active in the fatty cells even after 3 to 4 weeks of application.

If you experience immense skin irritation with tea tree oil, then dilute its concentration with jojoba oil or pure aloe vera gel. When you start your acne treatment with tea tree oil, you should apply to your acne spots only and leave them overnight. To your surprise, those acne blemishes have become less inflamed in the next morning.

Aside from its usage in treating acne, tea tree oil is also effective in treating Athlete's Foot, Bronchitis, dandruff, Whooping Cough, and even Ringworm.