| Tea tree oil comes from the the plant Melaleuca | | | | This is only one study and it really needs more than |
| alternifolia and is extracted from the leaves by steam | | | | this to prove that tea tree oil is effective in the |
| distillation. There have been a few encouraging trials | | | | treatment of acne, but it is a good first step. |
| to test its use and it can be used as an effective | | | | How to Use The Oil |
| home remedy for acne. It has been used for a very | | | | You should never use tea tree oil undiluted on the |
| long time as a treatment for skin infections as it has | | | | skin as it can cause redness, blistering and itching |
| antimicrobial properties. It can be found in many | | | | which are the side effects you are trying to avoid. |
| products such as lotions, shampoos and gels. It's | | | | The concentration used in the study in Australia used |
| anti-microbial properties can be used to kill the | | | | a 5% gel so this may be good concentration to begin |
| bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes that causes acne. | | | | with. You can make this concentration by taking the |
| Clinical studies | | | | pure tea tree oil and mixing 5 parts with 95 parts of |
| A few studies have been undertaken to test tea | | | | water. Use this directly on the affected areas for a |
| tree oil in the treatment of acne. In one study | | | | week and monitor how it affects your skin. Only |
| [Lancet, December 8, 1990; p.1438, Medical Journal of | | | | apply the solution to the affected areas not all over |
| Australia, 1990;153: pp.455-458] tea tree oil was | | | | your skin. If you do not see any adverse side |
| compared to the popular over-the-counter ingredient | | | | effects you can increase the concentration slightly |
| for acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide. The trial at the | | | | but never go above 15%. |
| Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince | | | | Conclusion |
| Alfred Hospital in Australia, compared the use of a | | | | It may take a few weeks to a couple of months to |
| 5% gel of tea tree oil with a 5% lotion of benzoyl | | | | really see the effects, but combined with a healthy |
| peroxide. Results showed that the gel was as | | | | diet and a sensible cleaning routine it should help your |
| effective as the benzoyl peroxide lotion, although it | | | | acne considerably. if you are using benzoyl peroxide |
| did take a little longer to see the same effects. | | | | but find that it is causing too many side effects tea |
| However fewer side effects were seen for the gel. | | | | tree oil can be a very effective and more gentle |
| The benzoyl peroxide lotion caused some burning, | | | | alternative. |
| stinging, itching, and dryness in 79% of those using it. | | | | |