Research Results on Using Tea Tree Oil and Acne

Can you use tea tree oil on acne?

Current research shows this tree oil is just as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxides without causing dryness, peeling or redness.

Here you'll read about my experiences with this plant oil and research studies on tea tree oil and acne.

Don't you hate acne?

I never had acne problems when I was a teenager, but suffered major breakouts when I reached my late twenties and early thirties.

My doctor prescribed all sorts of acne treatments, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxides, and even Accutane.

The Accutane really dried out my skin. It made my skin peel and it get all raw and red. I still got pimples after this treatment.

Reading through a health magazine, I stumbled across an article touting the health benefits of tea tree oil and acne.

I never knew you could use this oil as an acne treatment. So I went out and bought a bottle of tea tree oil to try it out.

And you know what? I found it's a really effective acne treatment and there's research to prove this.

Below you'll find some research studies looking at tea tree oil and acne and a variety of tea tree oil products specially formulated for acne.

Using Tea Tree Oil for Acne a Natural Alternative Acne Medications

Camperdown, Australia - Researchers did a clinical trial on 124 patients with mild to moderate acne.

Patients were treated with either:

• 5% tea tree oil gel
• 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion

Researchers discovered 5% tea tree oil works equally well as benzoyl peroxide for reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.

Most importantly, tea tree oil caused fewer side effects compared to the benzoyl peroxide (can cause dryness, itchiness, redness and skin flaking).

Tea Tree Oil Ingredients Proven to Fight Acne-causing Bacteria

London, UK - Some cases of acne are caused by bacterial infection of the oil gland. Researchers discover ingredients in tea tree oil can kill particular strains of bacteria.

The active ingredients found in tea tree oil were:

• terpinen-4-ol
• alpha-terpineol
• alpha-pinene

Researchers discovered these ingredients are effective at killing off bacteria responsible for causing acne in some individuals. Strains of bacteria that can cause acne:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Staph. epidermidis
• Propionibacterium acnes

Studies proved that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for acne caused by bacteria.

Comments:

Research on tea tree oil and acne proves it's use an effective acne treatment.

Whenever I get the beginnings of a pimple I apply a couple drops of tea tree oil to a Q-tip and dab the affected area. I repeat this a couple of times every day.

Here's what I usually experience when using tea tree oil on acne:

• The pimple doesn't have a chance to break the surface. Swelling goes down and I don't get those ugly big red bumps from the pimple trying to push its way through the skin.
• Tea tree oil doesn't dry out my skin like some over-the-counter products. You don't get all that peeling and dryness that benzoyl peroxides can cause.

I found tea tree oil takes a little longer to work, but for a natural acne remedy, it can't be beat for fighting acne with minimal side effects.

• Make sure you're using 100% pure tea tree oil.

  You can use tea tree oil facial washes for additional acne-cleansing effect.

  Make sure to read the ingredients before using these products. Some may have added ingredients that may cause inflammation and allergic skin reactions.

  For example, The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil contains Limonene, which has caused skin irritation in some individuals.

  The best acne facial washes are organic, don't have any SLS (sodium lauryl sulphates) or detergents and has a skin-friendly pH for minimal skin irritation.

• Studies show a 5% concentration tea tree oil is as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Using higher concentrations of tea tree oil may cause adverse affects. Check the concentration of tea tree oil you're using.

Best Tea Tree Oil Supplements for Effective Acne Treatment

Using tea tree oil for acne means looking for products made by reputable manufacturers.

For best results, look for a product made from 100% tea tree oil that contains a high terpinen-4-ol content - the substance responsible for this oil's potent anti-bacterial properties.

One such product is Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Liquid.

Thursday Plantation has been making quality tea tree oils since 1976. Their oil has a low para-cymene content to minimize skin irritation. All oils are tested to ensure they're pesticide-free and they don't use animal testing.

Another great tea tree oil for acne is Country Life Tea Tree Oil.

Country Life was one of the first companies to introduce tea tree oil to the United States. You'll get 100% pure Australian tea tree oil for maximum acne treatment.

You can also use Tea Tree Oil Acne Skin Washes and Soaps for even more skin cleaning power.

Try using Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Herbal Skin Wash Lotion for effective skin cleansing. This all natural acne wash contains tea tree oil that controls skin bacteria and helps to remove excess sebum responsible for acne.

This soap-free foamy cleanser is safe enough to use every day and it's free of sodium lauryl sulphates(SLS) and benzoyl peroxide for fewer side effects. This gentle cleanser offers you a skin-friendly pH for fresh clean skin.

Another great acne skin wash is Dr. Bronner Organic Castile Soap Tea Tree. This pure 100% castile soap is an all-vegetable, oil-based soap. It doesn't contain any foaming agents or detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

It's great for facial cleaning and general body washing. This natural soap is certified organic under USDA Organic National Program. And to help make the planet 'green', the bottles are made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled PET plastic.

If you're having problems with acne, I recommend you try using tea tree oil to see if it works for you. It may be just what your skin needs for a smoother, healthier complexion.

Studies on tea tree oil and acne prove it works just as effective as over-the-counter medications, with less side effects. Everyone's skin is different so your results may vary.

This natural remedy for acne may be your answer to clear healthy-looking skin.

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