Tea tree oil (also known as "tea tree oil") can be used as a natural remedy for acne. Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals. Tea tree oil does not deprive the skin of its natural oils and can be applied directly to pimples or mixed with other ingredients to create different DIY beauty treatments. Once you have learned how to use it, you will no longer be able to do without its effectiveness against acne.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Tea Tree Oil as a Localized Acne Treatment
Step 1. Buy pure oil
A pure product is a guarantee for the skin, as it does not contain unknown ingredients and chemicals that could irritate or damage it. Read the labels and choose a 100% pure tea tree oil. Pay close attention because it can be present in different concentrations.
Buy 100% pure oil even if you intend to dilute it. You can mix it with other selected ingredients. It is vital that you have full control over the products you put on your skin
Step 2. Wash your face
Use a mild cleanser or soap to thoroughly cleanse acne-affected skin. Tea tree oil should be applied to dry skin, then pat your face with a clean towel after washing. It is important to use the oil only on clean skin to allow it to penetrate the pores more effectively.
Step 3. Test the tea tree oil on a small area of skin
Before applying it to the area affected by acne you should test the product in a place where the skin is healthy. Drop a drop on your hand or another easily accessible area of your body and wait a few minutes. If you don't notice any kind of irritation, you can start using the oil to beat acne.
- If, on the other hand, after applying tea tree oil, the skin appears irritated, you can decide to experiment with a different remedy or take another test after having diluted it.
- The most common side effects of tea tree oil include skin irritation, redness, and dryness.
Step 4. If necessary, you can create a localized DIY treatment
If the pure oil is too harsh for your skin, you can try diluting it. If during the skin test you have noticed that the skin is red, irritated or dry, mix two drops of tea tree oil with two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, water or a neutral type oil, such as coconut or extra virgin olive oil.
- Tea tree oil can prove very effective against acne even at very low concentrations, for example at 5% in the case of a localized treatment.
- If you prefer, you can use raw organic honey to dilute tea tree oil. Honey also has antibacterial properties and promotes skin healing. Tea tree oil combined with honey can be used as a mask or cream.
- Store the leftover mix in a small glass container to have it available for later applications.
Step 5. Apply tea tree oil to pimples
Pour a few drops of pure oil - or the mixture if you have diluted it - on a cotton ball or pad or on the tip of your index finger, then gently tap it directly on the pimples.
Even in very small quantities, tea tree oil is able to penetrate through the skin and free the sebaceous glands, disinfect pores and dry out pimples and blackheads
Step 6. Let the oil sit for a few hours or overnight
It is necessary to leave it on to give it time to be absorbed by the skin and to do its job. Typical acne symptoms, such as swelling and redness, should subside. After the purifying treatment, rinse the skin with warm water and finally pat it dry with a clean towel.
You can simply rinse your skin with water, or if you prefer you can use a mild cleanser
Step 7. Repeat the treatment every day
Tea tree oil is most effective at killing bacteria and purifying pores when used on a regular basis. You can apply it to the skin at a quiet time of the day, for example in the evening after dinner.
This localized treatment should help reduce pimples and soothe the redness caused by the perennial inflammatory state under the skin
Method 2 of 2: Beauty treatments with the addition of tea tree oil
Step 1. Use tea tree oil in addition to a DIY beauty mask
A few drops are enough to kill acne-causing bacteria and dry out pimples. You can follow one of these recipes based on natural ingredients only:
- Mix 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of powdered green clay (you can easily find this at a herbalist's shop or in stores that sell organic and natural foods). Add the amount of water you need to make an easy-to-spread paste. Apply the mask evenly on your face, let it act for at least 20 minutes and finally rinse the skin with warm water and then pat it dry gently with a clean towel.
- Blend half a tomato with 3 drops of tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil. Apply the mask to perfectly cleansed skin and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing your face with warm water. Finally dry it by dabbing it gently with a clean towel.
- Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 60ml of plain yogurt. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing the skin with warm water.
Step 2. Use tea tree oil in addition to a DIY scrub
If, in addition to exfoliating your skin, you also want to get rid of acne, try mixing the oil with other natural ingredients that you can get from the kitchen pantry. Take a bowl and mix 100 g of sugar with 60 ml of extra virgin olive or sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and about 10 drops of tea tree oil. Gently massage the scrub onto your wet face, making small circular movements. Continue to massage for 2-3 minutes, then rinse the skin with warm water and finally pat it dry with a clean towel.
- This scrub may be too aggressive for cystic acne, while it is ideal for mild or moderate acne.
- Since both honey and tea tree oil are natural preservatives, you can put the leftover scrub in a glass jar and reuse it in the future. If you want, you can double or triple the doses of the ingredients, to always have it available.
Step 3. Use tea tree oil in addition to your cleanser or moisturizer
You can mix a few drops with the products you usually use to consolidate the fight against acne. Use a maximum of 6 drops.
Be careful to protect your eyes. Do not use tea tree oil around your eyes, as this may cause a severe burning sensation if contacted
Step 4. Add tea tree oil to the bath water
Use a couple of drops to fight acne on your back, chest, and other parts of your body. In addition to purifying the skin, the oil will also spread a pleasant fragrance in the room.
The steam rising from the water will help clear your airways if you have a cold. You can add tea tree oil to bathtub water even just when you have the flu or when you suffer from allergies
Step 5. Purchase cosmetic products that contain tea tree oil
Many perfume lines use tea tree oil to purify the skin, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If pure oil is too strong for you or if you don't have time to create DIY treatments, consider purchasing cosmetic products that take advantage of the properties of tea tree oil.
You'll find cleansers, moisturizers, and acne gels that contain tea tree oil
Warnings
- Tea tree oil can be toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of the reach of your pets.
- Tea tree oil is indicated for external use only, because it can cause even serious side effects if it is ingested.
