Tea Tree Oil Acne
September 19, 2008 · Print This Article
Tea tree oil is a natural extract from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternafolia. The tea tree grows in Australia and Asia. This tall evergreen tree has a white, spongy bark. Tea tree oil from the leaves is used medicinally and is credited with powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral qualities. The product has been traditionally used for such conditions like athlete’s foot, body odor, bad breath, cold sores, and acne conditions.
Though it has proven itself to be effective in killing acne bacteria when topically applied, some people have been found to be sensitive to it. However, it is often used as a replacement to benzoyl peroxide, which is a wide spread substance used for the treatment of acne. As an anti-bacterial it can help lesson the symptoms of skin inflamed with acne bacteria.
Tea tree oil acne treatments may be tried out cautiously since the danger of reaction for some people is there. When applied topically, the oil should be substantially reduced in its concentration. Tea tree oil acne treatments do not ensure a complete cure anyway. It reduces the symptoms and controls the bacterial attack.
Tea tree oil acne treatments have been popular in the health supplement industry for many years and gradually becoming known by mainstream Americans. It now comes in the form of creams, oil and even as an ingredient in various skin care lotions. Tea tree Oil penetrates the skin totally, leaving no oily film, and as it penetrates through the epidermis, down to the Basal Cell Layer, it kills bacteria on its way. Skin analysis shows that Tea Tree Oil still remain active in the fatty cells for 21 to 28 days after application
The tea tree oil acne treatments are used as a supplement for benzoyl peroxide which has been widely recommended. However, tea tree oil reduces the side effects that are associated with benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil acne treatments effectively reduce dryness, burning, and stinging. A 5- 7% concentration applied twice daily is what is recommended.
Tea Tree oil’s effectiveness is the presence of two important chemical constituents. Cineole and Terpinen. Both of these main constituents of Tea Tree are bactericidal and germicidal. However, cineole can be a powerful skin irritant, for this reason tea tree oils with low cineole and high terpinen contents are preferred.
