Clear Acne with Tea Tree Oil

Posted by John

July 1, 2010

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be used as an effect natural acne treatment. It comes from the steam distillation of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant that is native to Australia.

Tea Tree Oil as a Natural Acne Treatment

Tea tree oil works as an organic alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide in that it performs the same two functions – clearing away excess oil and killing acne causing bacteria. If you have read our causes of acne post you will know that acne is caused by the over production of a substance called Sebum which is bought on by hormonal change. By clearing this Sebum away you will lessen the number of acne symptoms experienced.

Does Tea Tree oil work as an acne treatment?

One study done in Australia came to the conclusion that Tea Tree Oil can lessen the appearance of acne and the side effects compared with Benzoyl Peroxide are less common. Tea Tree Oil was not as effective as benzoyl peroxide over a given period but if this period was extended than the results were similar (with a 5% concentration of both). So, although it is not a fast acting as benzoyl peroxide the results are positive over time and it is kinder to skin so would be a treatment of choice for those with sensitive skin.

Things to consider when using Tea Tree Oil

So, we know that Tea Tree Oil can be an effective treatment for acne but doesn’t work as well (or as fast) as Benzoyl Peroxide. We also know from other studies that increasing the concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide has little effect on improving its performance so the ideal concentration would be between 2.5% and 5%. Therefore, if we want to increase the power of a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment we would be better off adding other acne remedies instead of increasing the concentration. Therefore, it can be concluded that instead of using these two treatments individually, our best bet is to combine them at lower concentrations to maximise their effect and still being kind to the skin

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