Tea tree oil has been used by indigenous Australians as a traditional medicine. They administer it as a traditional medicine to treat wounds, cure sore throats and skin problems. They also believe in using tea tree oil to cure acne breakouts.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an extract of Melaleuca alternifolia, a shrub-like tree found in the northeastern part of the tropical coastal region of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. There are over 300 varieties of tea tree but only a few are known to produce the valuable oil, and other species are continuously being studied to see if they contain any of the beneficial properties of tea tree oil.
The Melaleuca alternifolia tree is typically cultivated for extracting the valuable oil in plantations in Australia.
Why Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Acne?
The thing about tea tree oil is that is one of the most effective essential oils. It is found in almost all the pharmacies in Australia and is used widely all over the world nowadays. It is known to contain antibacterial as well as antifungal properties.
It is considered non-poisonous – when prepared carefully, a non-irritating antiseptic with very strong properties. It is considered safe and effective. It can be used for long periods of time without complications that usually comes with synthetic or chemical-based products.
Dealing with Acne, Day in and Day out
For anyone who has been suffering from acne, there may have been rows of embarrassment from it. To make the acne go away, the usual and most readily given solutions are to stick to good nutrition, proper rest, and exercise as needed.
Nonetheless, there are things that cannot be taken care of by traditional ways so that there are many medications and cosmetic products that offer cure for acne. Products such as creams, gels, soaps, among others can be bought over the counter. An acne treatment will work for some, but this will not be the case with others. Some will develop sensitivity to the product that might even increase acne severity.
Tea Tree Oil and Acne: A Match Made in Heaven
Most acne synthetic products contain active chemicals that can cause more damage to the skin. Good news is that there are now natural remedies that even experts highly recommend. Although, it will take longer for tea tree oil to work as compared to more popular synthetic products. Tea tree oil based products are getting more popular since it has fewer side effects.
One of the reasons why acne develops is when the sebum produced by the oil glands clog the pores. Tea tree oil works by drying up oily skin. It also does great in keeping oily face at bay so the skin will look fresh and radiant. After prolonged use; it will result in treating the acne and improving it significantly.
According to a number of studies, using a 5% diluted solution of tea tree solution and compared to the same ratio for a synthetic solution, tea tree oil takes a longer period of time to see results, but it is effective nonetheless. Compared to the synthetic product, diluted tea tree oil resulted to lesser side effects such as itching, stinging and dryness.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Tea Tree Oil
As much the efficacy of tea tree oil for acne, products based with this oil should not be taken orally. Tea tree oil, when ingested, is toxic. It will bring on side effects such as drowsiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as induce coma and abnormalities in the production of blood cells.
When applied on the skin, tea tree oils labeled as 100% pure essential oil can cause irritation, redness, excessive dryness and itchiness. Pick or make a 5 % tea tree oil solution. Add 5ml tea tree oil per 100ml of water when making the solution.
There are many products that contain tea tree oil for acne ready to use – ointments, gels, lotions and soaps. These are formulated to be safe when applied to the skin. When you buy tea tree oil products, get the ones specifically formulated to treat specified part of the body since what works for the chest and back acne might not work for the face and vice versa.
Tea tree oil has long been used throughout time. It is one of the most effective essential oils in the market. To treat acne, it is important to pick the product that works with the owner’s skin not the ones that works for most. Natural remedies that are known to be effective are the best to try out in almost any case. In the case of acne, there is tea tree oil; a natural substance that’s known to be effective and definitely worthy of a try.