What tea tree oil can do for acne

Tea tree oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the tea tree plant. A small amount of evidence suggests that applying it to skin may help acne, but more studies are needed. The skincare aisle can make a possibility sound like a verdict, but tea tree oil's acne case stays modest.1

The evidence supports considering tea tree oil for mild acne, not treating it as a fix for every kind of breakout. Deep nodules and cysts are a different case: they penetrate deeply and need a dermatologist's help.23

How to use tea tree oil

  1. 1Choose a product containing diluted tea tree oil, or mix two drops of pure tea tree oil with 12 drops of witch hazel. Never apply 100% tea tree oil directly to your skin.
  2. 2Patch test the diluted product or mixture on a small area of your face for a week. If you do not notice itching, burning or breakouts, try it over a wider area.
  3. 3Apply the homemade mixture over your face or acne affected areas twice a day. That schedule is for this mixture; follow the directions on a different product.
  4. 4Add tea tree oil as the only new product in your routine at first, so you can tell whether it causes irritation or breakouts.
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Which blemishes need another treatment?

Acne treatments work differently for different blemishes. If tea tree oil is not helping, match the next step to what you see rather than adding several products at once.3

  • For blackheads and whiteheads, a retinoid such as adapalene helps unclog pores. Adapalene is available without a prescription, and a benzoyl peroxide wash can help reduce excess acne bacteria.
  • For small red bumps, called papules, or pus filled pimples, a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is an option.
  • For deep nodules or cysts, see a dermatologist. These blemishes reach deep into the skin and can leave scars.
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Keep the rest of your routine gentle

Wash gently with a nonabrasive cleanser up to twice a day and after sweating. Apply cleanser with your fingertips, not a scrubber or washcloth, and avoid toners or exfoliants that irritate skin. Trying new acne treatments too often can irritate skin and cause breakouts. Add one new product at a time so you can trace a reaction; a routine with all suspects arriving together does not leave much detective work.24

How long should I wait for results?

Acne treatments can take several weeks to a few months to show a difference. Six to eight weeks is a common checkpoint for standard acne treatment, not a proven timetable for tea tree oil. If blemishes persist after that period, consider seeing a dermatologist; seek help sooner for deep nodules or cysts.34

Can I use it while pregnant or taking medicine?

Topical tea tree oil products may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you take medicine, ask a health professional before using an herbal product because herbs and medicines can interact. Tea tree oil should not be swallowed; swallowing it can cause serious symptoms, including confusion, unsteadiness, difficulty walking and coma.1

Tea tree oil side effects on skin

Tea tree oil can cause redness or irritation, and it can irritate sensitive skin. Stop using it right away if irritation or another reaction appears. Skin reactions may be more likely with an old product or one exposed to heat, light or air.12

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safetynccih.nih.gov
  2. 2Home Remedies for Acne: Do They Work?health.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3How to treat different types of acneaad.org
  4. 4How to treat acneaad.org