tea tree oil for pimples

Pimples are a common skin problem which is very common amongst teenagers and is mostly genetic, but it can also be a result of environmental factors such as pollution, unhealthy food habits, and unhygienic habits. Skin pores are connected to sebaceous glands which produce sebum, an oily substance released from the skin in the form of dead skin cells that are infected with bacteria, dust or other impurities and filled with pus. You can find these pimples on the face, neck, back, and shoulders.

There are many products in markets but giving first preference to natural remedies are the best way to cure the problem in the a long run without any side effects to skin. In that natural home remedies, tea tree oil comes best and effective in curing the pimples problem.

Tea Tree Oil for Pimples

Tea tree oil is a product that obtained from the steam distillation of Melaleuca Alternitolia plant leaves (a native Australian plant) and it has long been used to treat health and skincare problems. It has been used in the preparation of different healthcare and beauty products such as lotions, creams, toothpaste and more.

Tea tree oil is considered very effective in clearing up pimples caused by acne. It is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent with an extremely low incidence of allergic reaction to the skin. In addition to clearing pimples and acne, tea tree oil can benefit a person in a variety of ways, including clearing bad breath and relieving athlete’s foot and muscle pain.

Research on Tea Tree Oil for Treating Pimples

Years of scientific research has been conducted on this natural miracle oil. There is no doubt of its effectiveness in clearing up pimples and acne. Let’s first explore the research already done to establish its actual usefulness.

Studies have shown that tea tree oil is more effective at clearing acne and pimples than benzoyl peroxide lotion and causes much less irritating side effects. While peroxide causes issues such as rashes, burning sensations, dryness, and itchiness, tea tree oil causes no side effects in 99 percent of cases where it is used on the skin.

Another study was published around 2007 that involved a group of 60 people of different age groups who were all suffering from acne. They were either treated with a gel containing five percent tea tree oil or with a placebo gel. While the group who received the placebo gel remained unaffected, significant improvement was seen in the group who received the tea tree oil gel.

These studies have proven that tea tree oil is, In fact, a viable treatment for clearing up pimples, acne, and many other symptoms of skin conditions.

The Science Behind the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural wonder and it contains many properties that are really helpful in treating not only acne but a lot of other health-related issues that a person may experience. Its effectiveness is due to natural properties.

  • Tea tree oil is an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent, making it very effective against any bacteria in the pores of the skin which could lead to acne and skin infections.
  • It contains an ingredient called terpinen-4-ol which is the main source of its antimicrobial properties. Thanks to this ingredient which is effective in preventing acne by reducing the bacterial build up that occurs on the skin.
  • It is a safe alternative to synthetic chemicals that are used for treating acne and blemishes because it is all natural and has no side-effects whatsoever on the skin.
  • It has deep-penetrating abilities and can unclog pores and unblock the sebaceous glands to clear away dead skin and any dirt or unwanted material. This makes it very effective in dealing with whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, rashes and other skin problems.
  • Tea tree oil acts as an antiseptic and can be used in removing the damaged skin cells that arise due to the damage caused by acne.
  • It is very effective in balancing the skin tone by controlling oil production in the skin.
  • It has soothing properties that help to clear the redness, swelling, and inflammation of the pimples.
  • Tea tree oil is effective not only against acne but it can also be used as your regular face wash to prevent any skin-related issues. Prevention is better than the cure, as they say.

Methods for Removing Pimples and Clearing Acne

There are a lot of different methods by which you can use tea tree oil for removing pimples and clearing acne. Here are some of the most popular methods that are used for acne treatment. All these processes are easy to follow at home and give amazing results for preventing pimples on the skin.

Method – 1: (Diluted Tea Tree Oil)

  • Wash your face with cool, fresh water to clear away any dirt. Pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with filtered water in the ratio of 1:9 which means, for every one part of oil, you have to use nine parts of water.
  • Dip a cotton ball or a cotton swab into the mixture and apply it gently to the affected areas of your skin.
  • Let the mixture soak into your skin for 20-25 minutes.
  • Wash your skin with cool, fresh water. Pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Apply a gentle moisturizer which suits your skin.
  • Use a freshly diluted mixture each time. If you want to increase the strength of the mixture, simply add a little less water i.e. 1:8, 1:7, 1:6.
  • Repeat this process twice a day until you get satisfied results of curing the pimples completely on the skin.
  • Or people whose who have sensitive skin are advised to replace water with aloe-vera gel. Aloe-vera is great for healing and moisturizing skin and has a refreshing, cooling effect.

Method – 2: (Direct Application)

  • Place a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area gently.
  • After applying oil to the affected area of skin, let it soak into your skin for a few hours or overnight. This will help to reduce swelling and redness around the pimple.
  • After a few hours or after you wake up, wash your skin with cool water and gently pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Repeat the process daily until you are happy with the results. As a preventative measure, you can apply tea tree oil to your skin using this method even after your pimples have cleared.
  • But make sure that applying tea oil directly on the skin might cause some allergic reactions, so it would be better to do a patch test on the skin before using this tea tree oil on the skin.
  • Also to ensure safe treatment, make sure that you are using authentic, 100 percent tea tree oil that has no adulterants.

Method – 3: (Tea Tree Oil with Honey)

  • Honey is an effective antibacterial agent. Mixed with tree tea oil it is a very effective treatment for blemishes.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of raw, organic honey with a few drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl.
  • Stir the mixture well until both have mixed thoroughly.
  • Apply this mixture on the pimples affected areas of the skin and leave it on the skin for a few hours or overnight.
  • After a few hours or when you wake up, wash the mixture off of your skin with cool, fresh water.
  • Pat dry with a soft, clean towel and apply a little of moisturizer.
  • Repeat this process daily for maximum result.
  • You can store additional amounts of this mixture in a small, air-tight container for later use.

Method – 4: (Tea Tree Oil with Aloe-Vera)

  • Aloe is considered as an excellent natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal plant. Aloe-vera nourishes and moisturizes the skin. If you have dry or sensitive skin, this method is ideal for you.
  • Mix 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a few drops of tea tree oil. Stir the mixture well.
  • Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into the mixture and apply it directly to the affected areas of the skin.
  • Leave the mixture on your skin for a few hours or overnight to allow time for your skin to absorb it.
  • After a few hours or in the next morning, wash your skin with cool, fresh water and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • You can store additional amounts of this mixture in a small, air-tight container for later use.

Method – 5: (Tea Tree Oil with Yogurt)

  • Mix ¼ cup of plain yogurt with 4 – 5 drops of tea tree oil.
  • Wash your face using cool, fresh water and face cleanser. Pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Apply the mixture directly to the affected area of your skin.
  • Leave the mixture on your face for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Wash the mixture off of your skin using warm water and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Repeat this process daily for maximum effectiveness.

Method – 6: (Tea Tree Oil with Olive Oil)

  • Olive oil is rich in nutrients and essential fatty acids that help in healing skin. This method is very good for facial cleansing and preventing breakouts.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 3 drops of tea tree oil. Stir the mixture well.
  • Dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the affected areas of the skin.
  • Let the mixture stay on the skin for 20 – 30 minutes.
  • Wash the mixture off of your skin using cool, fresh water and pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Repeat the process daily for maximum results.

Method – 7: (Tea Tree Oil Massage)

  • Wash your face well with cool water and a facial cleanser. Pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
  • Mix 9 teaspoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil.
  • Soak a clean washcloth in hot water.
  • Drape the washcloth over the affected area of the skin. Let the steam open up the facial pores to facilitate the entry of tea tree oil mixture.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly. Use your hands to apply the mixture evenly to the affected areas of the pimples.
  • Massage your face with the mixture using a gentle, circular motion.
  • Allow the mixture to dry and soak into your skin.
  • Do not wash the mixture off of your skin immediately.
  • Repeat this method twice daily; preferably once in the morning and once at night time before going to sleep.

Method – 8: (Tea Tree Oil Homemade Scrub)

  • Mix ½ cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 12 drops of tea-tree oil together. Stir the mixture well.
  • With clean hands, massage the mixture gently onto the affected areas of the skin for about five minutes.
  • Wash your skin with cool water and pat it dry using a soft, clean towel.
  • Honey and tea tree oil are natural preservatives and this mix can be stored safely in dry, air-tight containers. You can make it in bulk and store it away for later use.
  • If you are using this scrub for cystic acne, make sure that it is rougher by adding more sugar.

Method – 9: (Tea Tree Oil Bath)

  • First of all, take 100% pure tea tree oil and pour few drops in the bath water.
  • Stir it well and take bath with this water.
  • This process is used to clear the pimples on the chest, back, shoulders and other parts of the body.
  • Regular follow up with not only clears acne /pimples but also add fragrant (scent) to the body.

Method – 10: (Tea Tree Oil Steam)

  • This steam helps you a lot in clearing many beauty problems like pimples, blackheads, etc. and also alleviates certain health problems like cold, cough, flu and congestion.
  • Take a large vessel of hot water and add few drops of tea tree oil in it.
  • Stir it and bend your head near to the vessel. But make sure that there should be 3 inches of distance between the bowl and your face.
  • Then cover your head with a towel or cloth till the vessel, so that the vapor won’t escape from it.
  • Inhale the steam and allow the steam to go into your pores by sitting ideal.
  • Continue doing this process as much as you can and repeat the same to get best results over pimples.

Method – 11: (Tea Tree Oil with Cleanser and Moisturizer)

  • You can mix tea tree oil with skin care products, including facial cleanser, face wash, and moisturizers to maximize their effectiveness.
  • This is another effective method of treating pimples. But make sure that this should not get into the eyes while using this tea oil method.
  • Pour some cleanser into your hands and add few drops of tea tree oil in it.
  • Mix it well and use this mixture to cleanse your face thoroughly.
  • After that, rinse it off with water and take moisturizer which suits your skin type.
  • In that moisturizer also, you can add few drops of tea oil in it.
  • Stir it and apply this moisturizer on the skin where you’re suffering from pimples.
  • Follow this process regularly to combat the stubborn pimples.

Method – 12: (Tea Tree Oil Face Mask with Green Clay Powder)

  • In this, you are adding a few drops of tea tree oil to any homemade face masks (here we are using green clay mask which helps to remove all the bacteria, dust and other impurities from the skin) which help to kill the bacteria and dry out the pimples.
  • Begin the process, by taking 2 – 3 tablespoons of green clay powder in a small bowl.
  • In that add 3 – 4 drops of tea tree oil and mix it well by adding sufficient amount of water in it.
  • Stir it well to make a fine paste and apply this paste on the face as a face mask by spreading it evenly.
  • Let it sit for about 20 minutes or more till it gets dried completely.
  • After that, rinse it off with warm water and pat dry the skin.
  • Regular follow up of this process will help you a lot in clearing the pimples and acne completely on the skin.

Tea Tree Oil Products in the Market

Tea tree oil has proved to be a good solution for clearing pimples, acne, and other skin blemishes. There is a growing demand for tree tea oil products everywhere today. There are many different products available in the market that contains tea tree oil as an active ingredient. You can directly purchase these products and use them as additional solutions for treating pimples, acne, and any other skin problems. Some of these products include:

  • Tea tree oil cleansers
  • Tea tree oil moisturizers
  • Tea tree oil soaps
  • Tea tree oil spot gel
  • Tea tree oil lotion

Even though there are a lot of these products in the market, raw tea tree oil is better for the most effective results. Look for products that contain a high quantity of natural tea tree oil and minimal ingredients, especially chemicals and preservatives.

Things to Keep in Mind While Using Tea Tree Oil

Small tips will give effective results and avoid side effects. Here are some tips which you have to follow them while using this tea tree oil for pimples.

  1. Avoid applying tea tree oil directly to your skin. Direct application may lead to skin irritation, redness of the skin, over drying, itchiness and/or blisters. Dilute it with water, aloe vera, or any such moisturizing compounds before using it on your skin.
  2. You should not ingest tea tree oil. Ingestion can cause severe side-effects. It is only suitable for applying to the outer skin.
  3. People who have sensitive skin may have an allergy to tea tree oil. It is advised to perform a skin test before applying it to affected areas of the skin.
  4. Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, or children or the people who are suffering from eczema.
  5. Make sure to use pure tea tree oil. Adulterants can cause adverse effects.
    Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to bathing water is advised. It will help in the application of the oil on your whole body and clears the acne or pimples in hard to reach parts of your body.
  6. Make sure to consult your dermatologist, if anything goes wrong for immediate medication to get rid of the problem, as tea oil might cause some allergic reaction in certain types of skin.

Tea tree oil is one of the best and proven natural home remedy for treating pimples. You can try this without placing any doubts but not in undiluted form to clear away the acne/pimples on your skin.

This is all about Tea Tree Oil on Pimples. Hope you liked the post and will give a trial to these tea oil methods. Feel free to share your experience with us after trying these remedies. Image source – Flickr

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