Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that almost all of us suffer from at some point in time. These ugly spots begin to usually appear during teenage and do not disappear till we are in our 30s, and in some cases stay for a lifetime. The sheer number of anti acne products available on the market indicate the huge number of people looking for a solution to acne, which not only decreases their self respect but also makes them look less attractive.

So what is acne and what causes it? Here are some of the most commonly asked acne related questions that will not only help you understand the condition better but also treat it.

1. What causes acne?

Acne is mainly caused by excess oil on the surface of the skin. But it can also be caused due to the diet you consume, bacteria, clogged pores, and dirt on your skin. Other factors contributing to acne include stress, hormonal changes and medications. Many teenagers and adults suffer from acne. During the teenage years fluctuations in hormone levels will cause acne to worsen.

2. What happens if I don’t treat my acne problems?

Persistent acne can really damage your skin. Depending on how severe your condition is, you can develop permanent scars and experience emotional distress which makes you feel unattractive. Therefore it is best to treat acne as early as possible. The best all-natural way to treat acne is to use essential oils. These miracles of nature have been proven to work and have been used for centuries.

Essential oils are organic, powerful and free of chemicals, an ideal solution for acne-prone skin.

3. Which essential oil is best for acne prone skin?

Tea tree oil is the best option if you have acne related skin issues. It is a natural antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic agent. It is less harsh than benzoyl peroxide which is a commonly used ingredient in commercial acne treatment medication.

4. How is tea tree oil useful for the skin?

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and helps rebalance the sebum production of your skin. Oily skin has overactive sebaceous glands and produces more oil than needed. Helping the body restore this balance will lead to clearer and less oily skin.

•      It is absorbed deep into the skin and unblocks oil producing glands.
•      It disinfects pores and dries out blackheads, pimples, whiteheads.
•      It also prevents further breakouts from occurring.
•      The antiseptic effect heals the skin.
•      It re-balances the oil production of the skin.
  

  5. What kind of tea tree oil should I buy?

The best tea tree oil is one which is 100% pure and is sourced from Australian tea trees. Buy your essential oils from reputed brands because any additives will lower the efficacy of the oil.

6.  How does tea tree oil treat acne?

Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which works against harmful microbes. When applied to the skin it destroys any acne causing bacteria present on the skin. Tea tree oil is also a natural and gentle antifungal and antiseptic oil, this quality helps prevent acne from forming. It is an all-natural option to synthetic and harsh pharmaceutical treatments.

7. Does tea tree oil diminish acne scars?

Tea tree oil heals the skin from the inside out and will also help reduce acne scars. Make sure your purchase 100% pure tea tree oil to get the maximum benefits and minimize any chances of adverse reactions.

8. How do I use tea tree oil as an acne treatment?

There are many ways to use tea tree oil but for acne it is mainly used by applying it directly onto the problem areas. Dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil because it is too volatile to be used on its own. But the best is to use a cream containing TTO in the right percentage.

9. What is the simplest way to use Tea Tree Oil as an acne treatment?

You can dilute the tea tree oil and apply directly to the skin using a cotton ball. Apply a few drops and leave for 3 to 4 hours or even overnight. Repeat every day and you will start to see results within 10 days. Your cystic acne, swelling and redness will go away. However, again, the best is to use a cream containing it.

10.  Can I use it in a DIY facial scrub?

Acne prone skin needs frequent exfoliation. Tea tree oils can be added to any DIY scrub to gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin. Sugar based scrubs are easy to prepare and will detoxify pores without causing any irritation. If you have cystic acne use the following recipe to help clear up the skin.

You will need:

•     Half a cup of sugar
•     Quarter cup of sesame seed oil or olive oil
•     A tablespoon of honey
•     About 10- 12 drops of tea tree oil.

You can make a large amount and store it in an airtight jar if you wish.

Mix the ingredients and apply to dampened skin. Gently massage using small circular movements. Continue for 2 to 4 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use the scrub thrice a week to get rid of acne and acne scars.

11. What is diluted tea tree oil?

Diluted means mixing the tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, grapeseed or sweet almond. Tea tree oil must be diluted before being applied to the skin.

12. Can I mix tea tree oil with aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a great way to dilute tea tree oil. Aloe vera kills bacteria and lowers inflammation. It has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin. To use it with tea tree oil simply mix a few drops of the oil with 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. Apply onto the affected area and leave on overnight. If you don’t like the sticky feel of the gel for too long then keep it on for at least 3 hours and rinse off.

13. Can tea tree oil lose its effect if combined with honey?

No, in fact honey can be used to dilute the oil. Honey also has a moisturizing effect on the skin. A honey and tea tree oil application will nourish and protect your skin and clear up acne as well.

14. Can I add it to a clay-based mask?

Clay masks are very effective at drawing out impurities and dirt. Green clay powder works wonderfully with tea tree oil. Make a quick mask by following this recipe:

•     Mix 2 tablespoons of green clay powder and water to make a paste.
•     Add in 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil.
•     Apply to the face and neck.
•     Leave for 20 minutes and rinses off.
•     Repeat twice a week to clear up acne.

15. What ingredient combined with tea tree oil enhance its acne-fighting effects?

Witch hazel increases the acne-combating powers of tea tree oil. However, make sure you don’t use this method too often. These ingredients will dry out the skin when used together. Mix 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with 20 to 40 drops of witch hazel. Apply to the problem area with a cotton ball.

16. How can I use it to treat body acne?

A tea tree oil bath is the best way to combat body acne. You can pour 10 drops of 100% pure tea tree essential oil in a warm bath, agitate the water to mix the tea tree oil. Repeat twice a week to help clear acne which appears on your back, shoulders or chest.

17. How do I combat stubborn pimples with tea tree oil?

Stubborn acne can often be a challenge to treat with natural medicine, however tea tree oil is strong enough for severe acne. Simply add 2 to 6 drops of tea tree oil to your normal cleanser and moisturizer. Cleanse your face thoroughly and pat dry. Apply the moisturizer as normal and repeat the treatment. Be sure to avoid the delicate eye area.

18. What do I need to know about tea tree oil products available on the market?

There are lots of potent acne-fighting products available these days, you will find creams, lotions and gels containing tea tree oil. The most powerful tea tree oil product for acne would be a tea tree oil serum. You can find spot gels, tea tree oil soaps, cleansers, moisturizers and lots more online.

19. I have extremely sensitive skin, can I use tea tree oil?

Yes tea tree oil can be used by people with sensitive skin. It is safe but make sure you dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba, olive, sweet almond or grapeseed. You can also use Aloe Vera to dilute tea tree oil. Aloe Vera will minimize the itchiness.

20. Can I use undiluted form of tea tree oil?

Undiluted essential oils or neat application can cause skin irritation, dryness and redness. It is better to dilute all essential oils when using for topical application. Dilute with a carrier oil or Aloe Vera to be safe.

21. Can I leave the tea tree oil on overnight?

You can use tea tree oil treatments every day and it is safe to leave them on overnight. Make sure you rinse off the oil thoroughly in the morning.

22. What precautions should I take before starting treatment?

To avoid any allergic reactions to the essential oil components always do a patch test. This will help determine if your body will experience any adverse reactions. Any appearance of redness, rash or irritation means you should not use the oil.

23. Is tea tree oil safe for children?

Tea tree oil is not safe for children, it can have neurotoxic effects if used by children. Children have very delicate skin compared to adults and any unsuitable essential oil will lead to severe problems. Don’t take an unnecessary risk by exposing your kids to tea tree oil or any other essential oil based acne treatments.

24. Can tea tree oil be ingested?

Tea tree oil is only meant for topical use, it should not be ingested under any circumstances. Ingestion will lead to serious side effects.

25. Who else should not use tea tree oil?

Pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding and people with eczema should not use tea tree oil.

26. What can I do to maximize the benefits of tea tree oil treatment?

Like all acne treatments, it is best if you combine tea tree products with a healthy diet. You can enhance the effects of natural products by exercising regularly and eating plenty of fresh foods. Try to avoid unhealthy carbs and sugar. It is also necessary to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins.

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