Tea tree
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic is extracted from the leaves of an indigenous Australian tree known as Melaleuca alternifolia. It is an excellent skin treatment, especially for oily, acne-prone skin, which is why it is considered the best natural remedy for acne. Acne cannot take hold of a person’s skin when one of the conditions that contribute to its development is absent. The application of tea tree oil can help counteract the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, which is why this essential oil is especially useful in the fight against acne.
Tea tree oil consists of antimicrobial compounds that help prevent microbial growth. It contains impressive antibacterial properties known as terpenes, a type of volatile oil, that work against Propionibacterium acnes, effectively destroying the acne-causing bacteria and reducing the level of acne breakouts. Tea tree oil is just as effective as some of the commonly used dermatological cures for acne. As tea tree oil is rich in terpinene-4-ol, which makes it significantly more effective in treating acne than commercial options like benzoyl peroxide. Terpinene-4-ol causes antimicrobial activity, and this destroys the skin-based bacteria responsible for acne. Although tea tree oil is not safe for ingestion, this essential oil is perfectly fine for topical application. In addition to this, tea tree oil is non-carcinogenic, which cannot be said about many of the chemical-rich, commercially used cures of acne. It can, therefore, be used as frequently as needed.
Tea tree oil for acne can work its way into skin pores, helping to disinfect the skin. This essential oil can help unblock the sebaceous glands by penetrating deep into the skin and unclogging the pores. Since acne often forms inside the pores, this is where any acne treatments must reach. The oily, dead skin cell plugs will repel water but not oil, which is why tea tree offers the perfect solution, particularly for oily, acne-prone skin. It will also destroy the acne-causing bacteria living inside the hair follicles, further reducing the likelihood of acne outbreaks. While tea tree reduces inflammation and soothes the skin, this process of disinfection helps dry out whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, allowing the skin to return to normal. Tea tree oil can also help speed up the skin’s healing process and can help inhibit the growth of the harmful, acne-causing bacteria known to hinder our skin’s ability to heal. Tea tree oil can, therefore, prove useful to those trapped in a never-ending cycle of acne. Besides its ability to remove dirt and grease, tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties so helps treat acne and prevents future acne outbreaks.
Pregnant and lactating women should avoid tea tree oil.
Always do a patch test.