You may be suffering from acne and wondering why it did not stop when you hit your late 20s. Adult acne is becoming more common, states Richard Fried, M.D., author of "Healing Adult Acne," and more and more adults are struggling to come to terms with their skin. Fortunately, research is showing that natural botanicals, such as tea tree oil, can be effective in fighting breakouts. Talk to you doctor about your concerns, and ask if tea tree oil is right for you.
Acne Defined
Acne vulgaris, or just plain acne, is what doctors call "multifactorial," meaning it has many different causes and manifests itself in a variety of ways, states the book "Breaking Out." Even the forms of acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts, are given different names and sometimes require multiple types of treatments. The book also says that all pimples, or comedones, are based in a clogged pore, or sebaceous follicle. Sebaceous follicles have a large oil production and enough room in the follicle for dirt, bacteria, or skin cells to catch and clog, leading to the inflamed comedone.
Tea Tree Oil
Known botanically as Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree is native to Australia. According to mayoclinic.com, tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the tree's leaves. The website also states that tea tree has been studied for its microbial properties, as well as its use in treating fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, with some success. New research also indicates its potential as an acne solution, although its effects are not guaranteed.
Antibacterial Properties
Tea tree oil, it turns out, is a natural antibacterial substance. The active compounds in tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and alpha-pinene, were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes, states an article published in Letters in Applied Microbiology in October 1995. Because acne is caused by bacteria, typically P. acnes, tea tree products may be an effective part of a face-care routine. Tea tree oil may be irritating to your skin; if rash or redness develops discontinue its use and consult your doctor.
Tea Tree Oil and Follicles
Because acne begins in a follicle, it is important for acne-fighting products to penetrate into the follicles, or pores, of your face. The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences published an article in February 2005 that discussed the application of tea tree oil to cow's skin. The researchers were able to determine that tea tree oil placed on the udder was taken up into the follicles. This finding suggests that tea tree oil can penetrate directly into a follicle, working on pores more effectively.
Tea Tree Oil and Acne
In addition to its ability to penetrate the skin's follicles, tea tree oil has been shown to be effective in reducing acne. The Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology in January of 2007 contained an article documenting the use of 5 percent tea tree oil vs. placebo in mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran found that patients treated with tea tree oil had fewer acne lesions and less severity than did the group given the placebo.
Use
Tea tree oil is a component of many different facial cleansers, spot treatments, and masks. The concentration of tea tree oil may vary in each of these products, so check the ingredient list. If tea tree is one of the first ingredients listed, it has a higher concentration. Typically, it is included in less than 5 percent concentrations. You can apply the essential oil directly to the skin, however, "Breaking Out" states that this action is more likely to cause skin irritations than a more dilute wash.
References
- "Breaking Out"; Preston, L; 2004
- "Healing Adult Acne"; Fried, RG, M.D., Ph.D.; 2005
- Mayoclinic.com: Tea Tree Oil
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