What To Know About Using Tea Tree Oil For Acne
Anyone who suffers from acne has surely heard of tea tree oil and its many (almost miraculous) benefits. However, we wanted to know for sure if tea tree oil is worth trying before recommending it to anyone who has pimples and blackheads. So, we reached out to Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, Dr. Marmur explains that tea tree oil is a great tool to use in the fight against breakouts.
“Tea tree oil has many anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help benefit acne-prone skin,” she tells us. “Tea tree oil can be used to cleanse the skin or as a treatment for acne-affected areas.” Now, if this sounds like something you might benefit from, let’s dive deeper into how to incorporate tea tree oil into your acne-fighting skincare routine — and what you should pay special attention to!
Tea tree oil is great for acne and scarring
“Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is great for helping treat red, inflamed acne,” Dr. Ellen Marmur tells us exclusively. “Tea tree oil also has the ability to minimize acne scars.” So, if you’re prone to acne scars, it might be worth giving tea tree oil a try. “Overall, tea tree oil is a good alternative acne remedy if you want to use something that’s more natural and won’t irritate your skin,” Dr. Marmur adds. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a natural remedy, and for many, these simply don’t work as well as a medical-grade acne treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
As with most acne remedies, tea tree oil also takes time to work. “If you apply tea tree oil to the affected areas of your face twice a day, it will take about 45 days to see results,” Dr. Marmur explains. Now, this doesn’t mean you won’t see any improvement sooner; in fact, if you use tea tree oil as a spot treatment overnight, your acne should look a little less within a couple of days. However, Dr. Marmur clarifies that this alternative remedy won’t work for everyone. “It’s important to note that tea tree oil is just one alternative for treating acne-prone skin and may only work for mild to moderate acne,” she adds, recommending that those with severe acne consult with a dermatologist to find the best products for them.
Apply tea tree oil twice daily for the best results
Adding tea tree oil to your skincare routine may seem scary, especially since there seems to be so much conflicting information out there, from adding it to a facial oil to using it as a spot treatment. However, the truth is that there are simply multiple ways to use this potent oil to fight acne. “You should apply tea tree oil to your skin twice a day,” Dr. Ellen Marmur shares exclusively with Glam. “Before applying the oil to your skin, make sure to cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser that is gentle and formulated for acne-prone skin.”
Those who tend to have allergic reactions to new skincare products should definitely be cautious when adding tea tree oil to their routine and should stick to applying it to affected areas only. “If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to test the oil on the inside of your elbow to see if you have a reaction,” Dr. Marmur adds. “When applying tea tree oil, use a minimal amount and gently dab it onto blemishes using a cotton swab or pad. Once applied, remove excess oil from the skin with a clean towel to prevent clogged pores and worsening acne.” Of course, regardless of your skin type, if you prefer to use tea tree oil as a spot treatment only, you can do so.
Tea tree oil can be carefully combined with other acne skincare products
While you can mix tea tree oil with other acne-targeting skincare products, Dr. Ellen Marmur recommends choosing gentler products. “I wouldn’t recommend using tea tree oil with other harsh actives,” she explains exclusively. “Instead, add a gentle hydrating and balancing serum like MMSkincare Balance, which contains soothing aloe and blemish-reducing wild indigo. If you have super dry skin, add a calming cream like MMSkincare Rescue Cream.” The bottom line is that if you’re already using actives like retinol or another form of retinoids or chemical exfoliants in your routine, it’s best to skip tea tree oil or alternatively use it alone as a spot treatment.
While it’s not necessary to dilute tea tree oil, Dr. Marmur recommends it, especially for those with more sensitive skin. “You can combine two to three drops of tea tree oil with a serum like MMSkincare Balance, however, it’s important to be mindful of the other types of oils you use on your skin, as this can make your acne worse,” she says. “Some people dilute tea tree oil with witch hazel, coconut oil, or almond oil to prevent irritation, but dermatologists warn that even those natural remedies can cause allergic reactions.” If you plan to use an oil to dilute tea tree oil, be mindful of where your facial oil goes in your skincare routine and always test all products before use.