Acne Home Remedies - Is Tea Tree Oil Effective?

Tea tree oil comes from the the plant Melaleuca alternifolia and is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. There have been a few encouraging trials to test its use and it can be used as an effective home remedy for acne. It has been used for a very long time as a treatment for skin infections as it has antimicrobial properties. It can be found in many products such as lotions, shampoos and gels. It's anti-microbial properties can be used to kill the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes that causes acne.

Clinical studies

A few studies have been undertaken to test tea tree oil in the treatment of acne. In one study [Lancet, December 8, 1990; p.1438, Medical Journal of Australia, 1990;153: pp.455-458] tea tree oil was compared to the popular over-the-counter ingredient for acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide. The trial at the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, compared the use of a 5% gel of tea tree oil with a 5% lotion of benzoyl peroxide. Results showed that the gel was as effective as the benzoyl peroxide lotion, although it did take a little longer to see the same effects. However fewer side effects were seen for the gel. The benzoyl peroxide lotion caused some burning, stinging, itching, and dryness in 79% of those using it. This is only one study and it really needs more than this to prove that tea tree oil is effective in the treatment of acne, but it is a good first step.

How to Use The Oil

You should never use tea tree oil undiluted on the skin as it can cause redness, blistering and itching which are the side effects you are trying to avoid. The concentration used in the study in Australia used a 5% gel so this may be good concentration to begin with. You can make this concentration by taking the pure tea tree oil and mixing 5 parts with 95 parts of water. Use this directly on the affected areas for a week and monitor how it affects your skin. Only apply the solution to the affected areas not all over your skin. If you do not see any adverse side effects you can increase the concentration slightly but never go above 15%.

Conclusion

It may take a few weeks to a couple of months to really see the effects, but combined with a healthy diet and a sensible cleaning routine it should help your acne considerably. if you are using benzoyl peroxide but find that it is causing too many side effects tea tree oil can be a very effective and more gentle alternative.

For more information visit Home Remedies for Acne or read Natural Acne Remedies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Ashby

Health News:

Stop Smoking - The Battle to Beat Nicotine!
Why is it so hard to stop smoking? What can you do to help you win your battle to beat your nicotine addiction? The first thing you must embrace is that you are both...