Tea Tree Oil - Why This Natural Acne Treatment Is Worth a Try

Tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments like colds, cough, dandruff, and sore throat. This same miracle oil is also used by more and more people as a natural treatment against acne. With its strong bacteria-fighting properties, non-drying effect, and mild, gentle attributes, tea tree oil may just be the acne treatment you need. Read on to know why.

Mother Nature's Mega-Antibiotic

Tea tree oil (or simply TTO) is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, a myrtle tree native to Australia. For centuries, this oil has been used by indigenous peoples in Australia to treat colds, cough, sore throat, as well as to dress wounds and sores. Other traditional uses of TTO also include its application as a mild anesthetic, an insect deterrent, and as a salve for insect bites.

Recent scientific studies have proven that TTO is effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. This is largely because of compounds called terpenes that efficiently kill a broad spectrum of microbes mainly by weakening their cell walls. More recently, other components of TTO have been discovered to have anti-inflammatory effects. Some scientists have even begun to experiment its effects on tumor cells, with initial studies showing that it can impair the growth of certain cancer cells.

How Tea Tree Oil Works Against Acne

Acne starts to develop when pores become plugged by oil and dead skin cells, causing small bumps on the skin. This becomes bigger and more noticeable once bacteria start to live and multiply inside this clogged pore. Because it is oily in nature, tea tree oil can more effectively penetrate skin to reach deeper areas where acne-causing bacteria live. Once inside, the oil kills the bacteria and effectively treats and heals acne-plagued skin. It also helps reduce acne inflammation as well as help with skin healing to reduce scars.

The bacteria-killing action of tea tree oil is actually very similar to that of benzoyl peroxide. In fact, an Australian study published in 1990 found that using both 5% benzoyl peroxide and 5% tea tree oil had the same positive results for people with mild to moderate acne. Although tea tree oil took longer to take effect, it caused fewer side effects (dryness, irritation, itching) compared to benzoyl peroxide. This is because benzoyl peroxide is a much stronger chemical that can actually even bleach your clothes!

Because it is natural, gentler, and just as effective as other acne medication, tea tree oil acne treatment is being preferred by more and more people. This does not mean, however, that the oil is a cure-all solution for everyone. While it may work for those with mild to moderate acne, it may not be as effective for others with more severe acne types. Some may also be off-putted by its strong grassy smell or be more sensitive to it. To find out which acne treatment will work for your particular acne type, it is best to experiment with different products or to read acne treatment reviews to learn from the experiences of other acne product users.

Karina Miranda is a writer for AcneTreatmemtReviews.com, which features acne treatment reviews of different acne products and a free guide on how to treat acne depending on your acne type. Visit us today to find the right acne treatment for you. This article may be republished provided that the author's information and all active links are left intact.

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