Acne is not just something that affects hormonal teenagers; adults can suffer, too. It has nothing to do with age, and there are a number of reasons for it. It can occur due to diet, hormone imbalances, skin bacteria, stress, and blocked pores. It could be a combination of these things or just one of them, but the result is the same – lots of spots that not only look unpleasant but can also be sore and itchy. Additionally, for those who suffer, it is crucial to take extra care of their skin.
The truth is that tea tree oil may work – studies show that at 5% strength, it can have an effect – but it is often less effective than other medicines that are specifically designed to treat acne. However, since it is seen as a ‘natural’ product, many people still like to try it to treat their acne.
It is finding the 5% concentration that often proves to be a problem. In most chemists and supermarkets, the concentration tends to be listed as around 0.5%, which is not concentrated enough to make any difference to your acne (even assuming tea tree oil makes a difference at all). You might have better luck searching in health food shops, where the concentration can be as high as 3%, but again, it might still not be enough.
Be cautious when searching for higher concentrations of tea tree oil; selecting too high a concentration can irritate your skin even more, and rather than having a soothing effect, it may exacerbate the symptoms of your acne, leading to inflammation and soreness.
How to use Tea Tree Oil?
First, use a gentle cleaning wash to clean your face. This will leave the skin as fresh as possible, while removing any dirt and dead skin cells that would otherwise clog your pores, which can cause irritation. Exfoliation can also be beneficial, provided you don't use products that might further irritate your skin. If you suffer from recurrent acne, washing your face with a specialist formula daily is important, regardless of whether you use tea tree oil or not.
Once you have washed your face, you can begin using tea tree oil. The amount and method of application will vary between brands and formulations. Some tea tree oil products may need to be diluted in water before use; others may be in gel form, which can be applied directly to the skin. Always check the label for instructions on how to use the product.
A common instruction on how to use tea tree oil is to apply a few drops – diluted if necessary – of the oil onto a cotton wool pad and gently dab it onto your face. You should feel a soothing sensation when you do this. Alternatively, take some moisturiser and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it before applying it all over your face.
If you notice signs of irritation or experience an allergic reaction to the oil, stop using it immediately. Wash the product off your face and consult your doctor for advice.
It is also possible to buy tea tree oil that is already mixed into a facial wash. These do tend to have much lower concentrations but can be a good way to calm the skin if your acne is particularly sore and painful. Some of these products may also contain exfoliation beads, which gently scrub the skin to remove dead skin cells, which might further worsen your acne.
There are many complimentary and natural "treatments" for acne, though they may not all work. Be sure to speak to your doctor or a dermatologist before using tea tree oil to treat your acne. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe an anti-acne treatment that contains salicylic acid, which reduces oil production and skin shedding. You may find these prescription acne treatments provide more effective relief in a shorter space of time.
Before using any new skin product, perform a patch test to determine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You should also consider consulting your doctor or a dermatologist for advice on how to reduce your acne symptoms in other ways, such as exercising, managing stress, or taking precautionary measures during certain seasons.
