Tea tree's use for skin problems dates back thousands of years. Aborigines of Australia, the tea tree's native habitat, used crushed tea tree leaves to treat cuts. In the 1920s, researcher A.R. Penfold discovered the tree's powerful antibacterial properties and the Australian government began commercial production. Tea tree oil products are now widely available for a variety of skin conditions, including acne.
Types of Tea Tree Oil Soap
Tea tree oil skin care products, such as soap, typically contains 5 percent tea tree oil. Body and face soaps are available in both liquid and bar form. Because tea tree oil is antibacterial, some companies may market this soap for acne specifically, while others may sell it as an all-purpose antibacterial soap. Tea tree shampoos and toothpastes are also available.
Features of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is rich in active compounds called terpenoids. One of these, terpinen-4-ol, may be largely responsible for the oil's antibacterial properties, suggest experts from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Another compound in this oil, cineole, is also antiseptic, but may irritate skin. Standardized tea tree oil contains at least 30 percent terpinen-4-ol, but no more than 15 percent cineole.
Effects on Acne
Tea tree oil kills microbes that lead to acne comedones, including Propionibacterium, Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis. It also limits skin oil production, decreasing the likelihood of blocked, infection-prone hair follicles. A 5 percent tea tree oil gel treated acne as well as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion, according a study published by a team from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in "The Medical Journal of Australia" in 1990. Tea tree oil took longer to show results, but caused fewer side effects like itching and burning.
Use
Use soap that contains around 5 percent tea tree oil. Gently wash your face and other acne-affected areas once or twice daily. Wash only once a day if you notice dry skin. Pat your skin dry to avoid irritating it. Frequent washing and scrubbing may worsen acne.
Precautions
Tea tree oil may irritate skin, causing redness, itching or blistering. An allergic rash is also possible. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil soap to the inside of your elbow and leave it for 24 hours to check for adverse reactions. Those allergic to plants in the myrtle family, such as clove or eucalyptus, should avoid tea tree products.
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