Tea tree oil for acne: properties, recommendations for selection and use
Essential oils are the quickest way to get rid of acne and acne, but even among them there are objective favorites. Tea tree oil is a recognized leader. Due to its antiseptic and regenerating properties, it is the best remedy for getting rid of acne and their marks, as well as for toning the skin and improving its condition in general.
Beneficial features
Tea tree oil is obtained from the plant of the same name, its second name is melaleuca. This tree has a very rich composition - more than half is occupied by monoterpenes, which relieve redness and swelling, improve the tone of the face and eliminate redness. These are unique and completely safe substances contained to one degree or another in all essential oils, but here their concentration is higher than in others. The composition also makes the content of 30-39% diterpenes unique.
The beneficial properties of tea tree ether:
- has the strongest bactericidal, astringent, antifungal and antiviral effects;
- disinfects the skin, disinfects;
- does not cause irritation and flaking;
- makes the skin matte by regulating the sebaceous glands;
- tones the skin, restores elasticity;
- is a strong immunostimulant, including restoring the skin's immunity.
Tea tree oil is recommended for:
- acne at any stage, as well as post-acne;
- the presence of blackheads and clogged pores;
- dermatitis: viral, bacterial, parasitic;
- eczema;
- swelling, itching, irritation of the skin;
- herpes;
- warts;
- lichen;
- purulent acne and abscesses;
- mosquito and other insect bites.
After applying funds with this oil, the following is observed on the skin:
- a noticeable decrease in inflammation, a decrease in the number of acne, including subcutaneous, closed comedones;
- clean and even skin tone without acne and blemishes;
- smooth relief: the face is pleasant to touch, it is elastic and soft to the touch;
- the disappearance of herpes;
- increased smoothness and softness of the skin;
- the presence of clean pores without blackheads.
In addition to its amazing cosmetic effect, tea tree oil is used in aroma lamps to treat colds and prevent influenza, because it has a strong antiviral effect.
Contraindications
Before using any mask with tea tree or its oil, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test - apply a drop on the inner side of the wrist, listen to the sensations: whether it burns or not, wait 15 minutes. If you feel comfortable, you can use the agent.
Contraindications to the use of tea tree oil and any means with it in the composition are:
- burning after sensitivity test;
- frostbite or burnt skin;
- burns, mechanical damage to the skin, including scratches and cuts;
- individual intolerance, allergies;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- expired shelf life.
When using the oil, make sure that it does not get on the mucous membranes, and if it does, rinse it off with cool water.
It should also not be taken internally or before going outside, as it is phototoxic.
Selection recommendations
Tea tree oil, like rosehip, jojoba, lavender and pumpkin seed oils, is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not accumulate in pores, contaminate them, or cause blackheads. Therefore, it is often recommended to use it in combination with these oils.
Oil is a fairly versatile product, with which you can make at least several care products or enrich ready-made ones. Tea tree oil can be found on the shelves of drugstores and many beauty stores. Oils from different manufacturers work in about the same way, however, according to the reviews, the following products are favorites.
- Tea tree essential oil "Spivak"... The soap-making company "Spivak" with an office in Moscow and shops in some cities of Russia also makes it possible to order its products on the official website. In addition to this ester, you can order everything you need to use it: clay mask, enrichment cream, base and essential oils that work well with it. The smell is pleasant, but sharp, the consistency is liquid and quickly absorbed. The cost is about 180 rubles per 10 ml, packed in a cardboard box with useful information on the back, inside there are instructions for use and several recipes.
- Tea tree essential oil from Aromatika. Sold by 10 ml in a dark glass bottle. The oil, undiluted, is obtained from both the leaves and shoots of the Australian tea tree. The price is 90-100 rubles.
- Tea Tree Therapy. It is an oil solution, not pure oil, it contains 15% oil. Volume - 15 ml (400 rubles) and 60 ml (600 rubles). Also from this manufacturer you can find creams with tea tree extract, which are no less good for the skin.
- Aura Cacia. Pure, undiluted tea tree oil with a very persistent odor. Obtained by distillation with water. Sold in 15 ml bottles for 410 rubles and 7 ml for 380 rubles.
Depending on the manufacturer, the oil is sold in a bottle with a volume of 5 to 30 ml, large bottles, 50-60 ml each, are almost never found. When buying, pay attention to where the oil was stored - it should not stand in the light. The vial should be made of dark glass - brown or green, which minimizes contact with sunlight. The shelf life of the oil is 2 years.
The smell of ether is herbal, somewhat similar to medicinal. In order to determine whether the ether is diluted or not, you need to drop it on a clean sheet of paper and wait a day - if the next morning there is a trace, it means that the oil is diluted.
Tea tree oil can also be found in online stores, on sites with cosmetics or food supplements (since it is classified as a medicinal cosmetic product).
Application rules
Never dilute essential oils, including tea tree, with water - this only enhances their "pungency", without improving their antiseptic properties. They can be mixed with different base oils in the following proportion: 2-3 drops of essential oils to 5-6 drops of base oils.
Important! Do not apply tea tree oil to the entire skin - only pointwise to the site of inflammation. Otherwise, it will not only not have a healing effect, but also burn the dermis.
Tea tree oil should be stored in a place protected from sunlight, for example, in a refrigerator at a temperature of no more than 10 degrees or in a dark cabinet. It is strictly forbidden to store without a lid - so the product will deteriorate very quickly, it will fizzle out.
It is not forbidden to apply oil on inflammations pointwise, but a much greater effect can be achieved if it is used in combination with other ingredients. Here are some proven recipes for getting rid of acne and acne.
Lotion or tonic
A lotion or toner can be used as a fixing step in cleansing after washing. A remedy with tea tree oil in the composition will reduce inflammation, gradually lighten acne, and close the pores after washing. To prepare it you will need:
- herbal collection of chamomile, calendula or sage;
- 7 drops of tea tree oil;
- 2 drops of lemon juice (for problem or oily skin);
- 10 drops of jojoba or rosehip oil.
All ingredients can be found at the pharmacy and grocery store.
The cooking process is simple: dilute 2 tablespoons or 2 sachets of the selected herbal collection with a glass of water, put on low heat until boiling. Cool, let it brew for an hour. Add oils, lemon juice, mix thoroughly.
This lotion can be used on the face as well as on the back, arms and legs.
With clay
Clay masks are well-known and proven remedies for acne, acne marks, oily sheen and enlarged pores. Purchased tea tree clay masks are quite expensive and often have a not entirely natural composition. Homemade ones will cost a penny, in addition, they are completely natural.
Buy clay depending on your skin type. White, black and green are suitable for oily, combination and problem dermis, blue and pink - for dry, with normal skin you can use any color. You will also need:
- water - boiled or mineral, herbal infusion or kefir;
- 3 drops of tea tree ether;
- 5 drops of base oil.
In a non-metallic bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of clay with water or other liquid until a thin sour cream is obtained. Stir, add the base oil first, then the essential oil, mix again.
Since the ethers quickly fizzle out and lose their properties, you need to apply the mask immediately: in a thick layer on the skin previously cleaned of cosmetics. At first, you may feel a slight tingling sensation - but this is normal for tea tree products. If these sensations intensify, rather than disappear, immediately wash off the clay with cool water.
If you feel comfortable, soak the mask for 15 minutes (in the case of dry skin - 10) and rinse it off. It is very important not to allow the clay to dry completely on the skin. Apply a moisturizer after use.
Clay masks help with acne both on the face and other areas of the body.
Like a sour cream and egg mask
This recipe is ideal for dry or sensitive skin with irritation, flaking, blackheads or minor pimples. Take:
- medium chicken egg;
- a tablespoon of low-fat sour cream;
- 1 egg;
- 4 drops of tea tree ether, 1 drop of lavender and 7 drops of avocado.
Beat an egg, add sour cream and butter to it, mix thoroughly, apply with a flat brush on a clean face.Since the composition includes egg white, the mask will be similar to purchased film masks - all the dirt from the pores will be removed due to the consistency and action of the ether. Yolk, sour cream and avocado nourish the skin with vitamins, moisturize, lavender and tea tree will cleanse pores, reduce the number and quality of acne, and lighten blackheads. The composition lasts for 15-20 minutes until it dries completely, after the film is removed, and the remains are washed off with warm water.
To enrich purchased cosmetics
Essential oils, including tea tree oil, can be added to finished cosmetics. The best effect will be noticeable when added to a foam or wash gel, toner or cream. The proportions are as follows: 3 drops of oil per 20 g of the product.
For making cosmetic ice
Cosmetic ice is used to cleanse the skin, close pores, accelerate regeneration, and tone the dermis. Making it at home is very simple. You will need to take:
- ice cube trays - you can find them in grocery stores, and you can also use candy packaging;
- mineral water, juice, herbal decoction (as prescribed for a tonic) or aloe vera juice - 2-3 tablespoons;
- 5 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops each of mint, lemon and lavender;
- 7 drops of jojoba or avocado oil.
Stir the ingredients together and fill the molds with them, then send them to the freezer. The ice must be kept only there, and every morning you will take it out for the duration of the procedure and put it back.
remember, that It is impossible to keep ice on the skin for a long time, as well as to press it into the dermis. Move the cube lightly across the face, it should not stay in the same area for a long time. The procedure is performed twice a day - in the morning and at night.
There is no need to wipe the skin after the ice - let it absorb all the nutrients, and then blot it with a napkin.
For aroma bath
A bath with tea tree oil will not only give a feeling of relaxation, relieve fatigue, but also help get rid of acne all over the body. Take a full bath of water and add 5-7 drops of tea tree there, if you wish, you can also drop a little on a sponge or washcloth with shower gel.
Tea tree oil is one of the best oils for treating all signs of acne, including blackheads and oily sheen. Regular use of products with this component in the composition will improve the condition of the skin, and the use of tea tree ether as a prophylaxis will prevent acne from returning.
You will learn more about how to use tea tree oil in the following video.