Tea tree oil's anti-microbial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties can help reduce infection present in acne blemishes and can also help prevent further breakouts, according to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal." Tea tree oil comes in concentrated dosages that need to be diluted to prevent skin irritation. By diluting it, you will also make your tea tree oil last longer. Always consult your dermatologist before applying tea tree oil to your skin if you are already under oral or topical medical treatment.
Step 1
Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type. Carrier oils include almond, olive, coconut and jojoba oil. If your skin tends to be dry, an oilier oil such as coconut oil will suit you as a carrier oil for it hydrates your skin. For oily skin, choose almond or jojoba oil, which will be readily absorbed by your skin and not add extra oiliness. Olive oil works well with skin types that are mixed, says herbalist David Crowe in his book "The Pharmacy of Flowers."
Step 2
Add 1/2 cup of your carrier oil to a small glass bottle and then add one to two drops of your tea tree oil, suggests Hoffmann. You can add more drops of tea tree oil proportionately to your total amount of carrier oil. It may seem counterintuitive to put oil on your skin when you have acne, but many times when your skin is too dry, it overcompensates and generates more sebum, which can lead to more acne. If you would rather not use oil on your skin, you can use the same proportions and dilute the tea tree oil in distilled water.
Step 3
Put a tight lid on your glass bottle and shake it vigorously to blend the two oils. You can also tap it firmly against the palm of your hands. You will see bubbles arise in your oils and you will no longer be able to tell the two oils apart.
Step 4
Use the oil after you have cleansed your face with anti-microbial soap to moisturize and treat your skin, helping disinfect your acne pimples.
Step 5
Shake the bottle well each time you wish to apply your diluted tea tree oil on your face to make sure the oils are fully combined.
Tips and Warnings
- You can buy small glass bottles at your local health food store. They are commonly labeled as tincture bottles and come in dark blue and dark amber colors that will help keep your oils from going rancid. Keep your diluted tea tree oil blend in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
- Terminate the use of tea tree oil on your skin if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or a rash.
Things You'll Need
- Tea tree oil
- Carrier oil
- Small glass bottle with lid
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1990
- "The Pharmacy of Flowers"; David Crow; 2005
- Acne: Jojoba Oil
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