The tea tree, native to Australia, has been used medicinally for years. It has been used to treat acne and other skin conditions such as eczema, fungal infections and burns and wounds, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In medicinal applications, the leaves of the tea tree are used to produce an oil that is used in creams, gels and shampoos. Because its effects on the body are not fully understood, its best to consult with a qualified medical professional before using it to treat your acne.
History
The tea tree is native to Australia, which is where the plant was first used medicinally. The tree was named for its aromatic leaves, which were used in some instances as a substitute for traditional tea, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. More than a century after its discovery, the chemical properties of the tree were studied, leading to the observation that it works as an antiseptic. Because of this discovery, tea tree oil became the standard of care for people suffering from wound infections. That use continued until antibiotics became readily available.
How It Works
In addition to antiseptic properties that make it useful for treating acne, tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Despite chemical compounds that may make it useful for treating skin conditions such as acne, scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking, according to MedLine Plus. Early research suggests that use of products containing tea tree oil may reduce the number of acne blemishes a person has and also decrease redness and inflammation. Consult a medical professional before using tea tree oil to see if it may be beneficial for improving your acne.
Dosage
No matter what its intended use, tea tree oil should only be used externally because of potentially serious health effects when ingested. Several forms are available, including gels, ointments and shampoos. To improve acne, use a gel containing 5 percent to 10 percent tea tree oil once a day for up to four weeks, according to MedLine Plus. Before using tea tree oil to improve your acne, be sure to consult a knowledgeable medical professional.
Safety Warnings
Because tea tree oil should only be used externally, the risk of adverse health effects is minimal. However, when swallowed, tea tree oil can cause diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, lethargy, severe rash, impaired immune system function, mental confusion and coma, according to MedLine Plus. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use tea tree oil because of risks to the baby or potential complications with labor. Discuss your full medical history with a doctor before using tea tree oil to treat acne.
Side Effects
Side effects related to use of tea tree oil are generally mild. You may experience redness, blistering or a burning sensation on the skin where the tea tree oil gel was applied, according to MedLine. When large amounts of the gel are applied to the skin, people can develop decreased coordination, slow or difficulty walking, body weakness, muscle tremors and slow brain function. Some people can also develop allergic skin rashes when using tea tree oil products. Before using it to improve your acne, discuss all the potential risks with a health-care practitioner.
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