Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil for Acne-Prone Skin

When it comes to over-the-counter products for acne, you’ve probably heard of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. However, as more people are shifting to natural remedies, tea tree oil is a great contender for those seeking a more gentle alternative. Thanks to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Here, L’OFFICIEL breaks down the benefits of using tea tree oil and how to effectively incorporate it into your skincare regimen.

Extracted from the native Australian plant Melaleuca alternifoli, tea tree oil has been used as a form of traditional medicine by Indigenous Australians for centuries. Historically known for its antiseptic properties, indigenous peoples would use the oil to heal wounds and treat colds. Today, tea tree oil is an active ingredient found in a wide array of skincare products ranging from cleansers to spot treatments.

While there are numerous reasons why acne is formed, acne is mainly caused by hair follicles that are clogged with dead skin cells, excess sebum (or oil), and bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, or p.acnes. This bacteria can live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples. To combat this, a study from the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences found that tea tree oil contains antiseptic properties that are highly effective against p.acnes. The component terpinen-4-ol found in tea tree oil destabilizes the cells in bacteria and essentially kills it, making it an effective weapon against acne. At the same time, its anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate any signs of redness and inflammation caused by acne. 

Tea tree oil treatments are able to address both inflammatory acne (red and swollen blemishes or cysts) and comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads, or small blemishes). In comparison to other antibacterial treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, tea tree oil isn’t as drying and there are fewer side effects that can cause irritation. 

Aside from treating acne, tea tree oil offers other skin benefits as well. Like its primary use, tea tree oil can heal small wounds and cuts since it kills the bacteria S. aureus, which can cause infections in open wounds. Likewise, its antifungal properties can help soothe dry, irritated scalps.

Tea tree oil can be found in a variety of formulations including cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments, and in its pure form or mixed with other essential oils. In high concentrations, tea tree oil may cause further irritation regardless of your skin type. To avoid this, a study found that it’s important to dilute a few drops of pure tea tree oil with a carrier oil (jojoba, almond, or coconut oil). 

If you’re in a time crunch, you can use blended face oils like Sunday Riley’s U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, which mainly contains tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil. Depending on the severity of your acne, certain carrier oils can exacerbate your condition. Therefore, you can instead mix a few drops of tea tree oil with your preferred serums or moisturizers in your daytime and nighttime routine. Keep in mind that you should avoid using pure tea tree oil with other harsh, acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, retinol or retinoids, or salicylic acid.   

Another easy method of incorporating tea tree oil into your skincare routine is to use products that are formulated with tea tree oil in conjunction with other complementary ingredients. Products such as Aesop’s Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant and Origins’ Out of Trouble™ Mask contain tea tree oil and other ingredients to help unclog pores.