Acne & Tea Tree Oil

Acne is a common problem, developing in as many as three out of four teenagers and often extending into adulthood according to the National Institutes of Health. As an essential oil commonly used for various skin conditions, tea tree oil may provide relief for acne problems in certain instances. Always talk to your doctor before using tea tree oil or any other alternative remedies as a primary treatment for acne, especially if you suffer from allergies or sensitive skin.

Tea Tree Oil Basics

Tea tree oil is a substance extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant that grows in wet, swampy areas of Australia. Historically, the aboriginal people of Australia crushed the leaves of the tea tree plant, using them as a topical treatment for wounds and various skin ailments. Tea tree oil has a clear to pale, yellow appearance and a strong camphorous scent. It's generally available as a pure, undiluted oil or a 5-percent dilution in topical acne treatments.

Features

According to Wendy Kohatsu, author of "Complementary and Alternative Medicine Secrets," tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Various compounds that seem to be responsible for these properties include terpinen-4-ol, cineol and pinene.These features may work together to help minimize acne flare ups, especially when the blemishes are due to bacteria buildup, which according to the Mayo Clinic, is the main contributing factor in the development of acne.

Studies

Various human studies have been conducted for the purpose of investigating the effect of tea tree oil on acne. The Mayo Clinic notes that research indicates over-the-counter gel solutions containing 5 percent tea tree oil may provide relief from mild to moderate acne. Kohatsu notes that Australian studies indicate a 5 percent tea tree oil gel provides acne relief equal to that obtained from a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide solution. However, the National Institutes of Health states that not enough evidence is available to definitively indicate that tea tree oil should be used in the treatment of acne.

Warning

Talk to your primary care doctor or a dermatologist before using tea tree oil as a primary or secondary treatment for acne or any other skin problem, especially if you have sensitive skin. The NIH notes that tea tree oil may cause mild skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis when used topically. Reactions range in severity from redness and mild itchiness to severe, blistering rashes. Never use tea tree oil to treat acne if you have a history of allergies either to tea tree oil or members of the Myrtle family, including eucalyptus and clove.

Considerations

If your doctor approves the use of tea tree oil for your acne, remember to practice additional preventative strategies as well. Limit face washings to once or twice daily while always using a mild, non-drying soap, as recommended by the NIH. Limit your use of makeup and facial creams, especially those that aren't water-based. Other preventative techniques include keeping your hands and hair away from your face, as well as not picking the pimples and blemishes.