Does Tea Tree Oil Help Acne-Prone Skin? In addition to the research-proven products that target breakouts (such as exfoliants with salicylic acid), there are a handful of natural ingredients to combat acne-prone skin, of which tea tree oil is the most common. The question is whether or not a tea tree oil acne treatment is worth trying; if so, that leads to the next question: how do you use tea tree oil for acne-prone skin? As it turns out, tea tree oil does have some benefit for acne-prone skin – if you use the right concentration. However, conclusive research has not shown tea tree oil to be significantly better for acne-prone skin than for example a leave-on exfoliant with 2% salicylic acid. How Does Tea Tree Oil Work? Pure tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree. Its herbal, slightly medicinal scent includes a mix of over 100 compounds! Some of these compounds are believed to calm factors in skin that contribute to how acne looks and feels. Research has shown that application of a 5% concentration of tea tree oil can reduce the number of papules and pustules – both types of breakouts that people with acne-prone skin usually experience. How Much Tea Tree Oil Do You Need? The concentration is the sticking point: the highest concentration of tea tree oil we’ve seen in a cosmetic product is less than 0.5%, far below what research has shown is needed for skin to benefit. You may find higher concentrations of tea tree oil in health food stores. These tea tree oil products can contain up to 100% tea tree oil, although some products contain tea tree oil that has been diluted with a carrier oil. Check the label to see what percentage of tea tree oil the product contains. If you can find a strong enough concentration of tea tree oil, it’ll likely be too strong, which can trigger a sensitised reaction if you don’t dilute it before applying to skin. Among the 100 compounds in tea tree oil are fragrance ingredients like limonene, linalool, and eucalyptol, all believed to be responsible for skin reactions to tea tree oil. Our advice? Why take the risk or go through the guessing game of dilution when other over-the-counter (and many prescription) products for acne-prone skin can work with greater certainty? How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne-Prone Skin? What if you still want to try tea tree oil for acne-prone skin? We understand the pull, especially if skincare products for breakouts and acne-prone skin haven't worked the way you hoped. If you decide to try tea tree oil, proceed with caution and stop using it if you see signs of irritation. Here’s how to use it: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser for breakout-prone skin. Apply a leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid. Dispense a few drops of tea tree oil onto a damp cotton bud and dot it directly on breakouts. Alternatively, you can mix 5–6 drops of tea tree oil into a lightweight facial moisturiser and apply it to your entire face. As with any skincare routine, protect your skin every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. Learn more about acne-prone skin and breakouts.
Reference for this information: Dermatologic Therapy, May 2015, page 404 International Journal of Dermatology, July 2013, pages 784–790 Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, June 2013, pages 169–176 Chemical Research in Toxicology, March 2012, pages 713–721 Australasian Journal of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 83–87