What Is Tea Tree Oil ?

Tea tree oil is extracted from the Melaleuca Alternafolia tree which is found mainly the New South Wales area of Australia.

What So Great About Tea Tree Oil

Well, tea tree oil has many health properties. It has been used to help many health conditions, such as:

• Abscess
• Acne
• Athlete’s foot                                        
• Blisters
• Burns
• Cold sores
• Dandruff
• Herpes
• Insect bites
• Nappy rash
• Oily skin
• Warts

Tea Tree Oil has powerful health qualities such as:

• Anti-fungal
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-viral
• Antiseptic
• Immuno-stimulant

The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil, makes it great at killing bacteria and reducing the inflammation of acne when applied topically to the skin.

Generally, when applied topically, tea tree oil is quiet safe. However, some individual may be sensitive to it, for that reason it is best to always dilute tea tree oil with aloe vera gel before applying it to your face or any other sensitive area.

It is best to experiment with the strength of tea tree oil and aloe vera until you get the right combination for your skin.

Remember, tea tree oil is safe, in fact it is used in many ‘natural’ skin products such as:

• Aftershaves
• Deodorants
• Disinfectants
• Germicides
• Soap
• Toothpastes

OK, to sum things up.. It is great at curing and reducing the symptoms of many skin condition especially acne. So much so, that it is use in many ‘natural’ skin products. Tea tree oil has remarkable healing properties and it is quiet safe to use.

The best way to apply tea tree oil is in a diluted form with aloe vera gel, never apply it neat, especially to sensitive areas.

Author: Stewart Hare

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

Technorati Tags: natural acne treatment, Tea tree oil for acne

Essential oils is the name given to more than 90 pure extracts from various plants. Despite the nomer ‘oil,’ essential oils are not, in fact petroleum products. They can be rubbed on the skin or used in aromatherapy. High quality essential oils are completely derived naturally and won’t clog pores. Because of their cleanliness, many essential oils can be used to help diminish acne.

Two of these oils are tea tree oil and emu oil. Emu oil, however, is not technically an essential oil, as it is derived from an animal. The emu is a mainly flightless bird originating mainly in Australia. The indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, use emu oil for its healing and restorative effects, particularly with regard to joint pain. Today, however, emu oil is used for a variety of purposes, one of those is to lessen the problem of acne. 

Because emu oil is non-greasy and won’t clog pores, it makes a good skin moisturizer and softener. Lotion, no matter how ‘clean’ it is can still clog pores. Emu oil does the same job, but without the gunk that can cause acne.

Tea tree oil is another good choice for use on acne. This essential oil helps heal scars and won’t clog pores. Like other essential oils, tea tree oil can also be used for aromatherapy, soothing, even as it reduces acne. Common tea tree oil and New Zealand tea tree oil are the two common forms. The sent is balsamic and woody. The New Zealand variety has a warmer, earthier aroma.

Essential oils can be combined, and emu oil is an excellent carrier of essential oils, including tea tree oil. A combination of emu and tea tree oils can give softer, moisturized skin with a pleasant smell all while reducing acne.

Author: James Hunt

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Hunt

Technorati Tags: Natural DIY acne treatment for clearer skin. Suitable for adult and teenage acne. Safe and effective for daily use.

Tea tree oil comes from the the plant Melaleuca alternifolia and is extracted from the leaves by steam distillation. There have been a few encouraging trials to test its use and it can be used as an effective home remedy for acne. It has been used for a very long time as a treatment for skin infections as it has antimicrobial properties. It can be found in many products such as lotions, shampoos and gels. It’s anti-microbial properties can be used to kill the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes that causes acne.

Clinical studies.

A few studies have been undertaken to test tea tree oil in the treatment of acne. In one study [Lancet, December 8, 1990; p.1438, Medical Journal of Australia, 1990;153: pp.455-458] tea tree oil was compared to the popular over-the-counter ingredient for acne treatment, benzoyl peroxide. The trial at the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, compared the use of a 5% gel of tea tree oil with a 5% lotion of benzoyl peroxide. Results showed that the gel was as effective as the benzoyl peroxide lotion, although it did take a little longer to see the same effects. However fewer side effects were seen for the gel. The benzoyl peroxide lotion caused some burning, stinging, itching, and dryness in 79% of those using it. This is only one study and it really needs more than this to prove that tea tree oil is effective in the treatment of acne, but it is a good first step. 

How to Use The Oil?

You should never use tea tree oil undiluted on the skin as it can cause redness, blistering and itching which are the side effects you are trying to avoid. The concentration used in the study in Australia used a 5% gel so this may be good concentration to begin with. You can make this concentration by taking the pure tea tree oil and mixing 5 parts with 95 parts of water. Use this directly on the affected areas for a week and monitor how it affects your skin. Only apply the solution to the affected areas not all over your skin. If you do not see any adverse side effects you can increase the concentration slightly but never go above 15%.

Conclusion.

It may take a few weeks to a couple of months to really see the effects, but combined with a healthy diet and a sensible cleaning routine it should help your acne considerably. if you are using benzoyl peroxide but find that it is causing too many side effects tea tree oil can be a very effective and more gentle alternative.

Author: Janet Ashby

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Ashby

Technorati Tags: acne treatment solution, best acne solutions, exposed acne solution, natural acne solution, natural acne solutions, solution for acne, solutions for acne

Tea tree oil is a natural acne product that can be used topically to effectively treat facial acne. The tree that is used to produce this oil is native to Australia, and it is know by the scientific name Melaleuca alternifolia, which literally translate as narrow-leaved tree.

Its name comes from the fact that the leaves were originally used by Australian aboriginals to make tea. Aboriginals also used the leaves to treat infection in burns, cuts and other types of injuries. The fact that these leaves contain natural anti-microbial agents is what caused modern society to revisit history, by taking a second look at this long lost medicine.   

Today, just as in the past, tea tree oil is used to fight infection, only instead of using it for life threatening infections; modern humans use it to fight acne. Interest in this oil from was sparked by a single single-blind study, which was done by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia. This study, which compared the effectiveness of tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide, produced very interesting results. It was found that both the group which was exposed to benzoyl peroxide and the group that was treated with the oil showed significant reduction in inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions, although the benzoyl peroxide group showed more improvement. Interestingly enough, it was found that while the tea tree oil took longer to take effect, it also produced fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide.

One thing to keep in mind before using this oil is that it should be diluted before being applied to the skin. Typically, the reduction is done by 5 parts oil to 95 parts water, which produces a mixture of 5% oil. If you would prefer to buy pre-mixed tea tree oil, this is also possible. Most pharmacies and drug stores carry at least a small selection of the oil, although, if you would like to find a bigger selection to choose from many health food stores also carry pre-mixed creams, gels, and lotions.

Because some people should not use tea tree oil, it is advised to research the side effects, as well as any precautions before using this product. Further information concerning possible side effects and precautions can be found at Medicine Net or WebMd.

Author: Andrew J. Logan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_J._Logan

Technorati Tags: including acne., One of the most common uses of tea tree essential oil is the treatment of skin disorders

Tea tree oil is probably the oldest treatment available for acne control. Tea tree oil is antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, germicidal and fungicidal in nature. It is used to treat a huge number of skin problems and infections including athlete’s foot, the flu, common colds, mouth ulcers, toothaches, sunburns, cuts, abrasions, dandruff, and of course, acne.  

Tea tree oil is obtained from the steam distillation of tea tree leaves. It is also called as Australian tea tree oil, as the trees only grow in Australia. Due to its powerful antibacterial effects, it’s used widely in acne medications. It is generally used as a topical application. Various creams, gels, washes, and oils are available with tea tree oil as the first ingredient.

Acne is caused by the development of bacteria along with the blocked up sebum beneath the skin layer. As there is no treatment to cure acne, it can be only controlled. The only way to control acne is to cut down the growth of bacteria and to regulate the sebum secretion in the skin. This is the reason for a powerful antibacterial agent like tea tree oil to play a big role in acne control.

Tea tree oil fights against the bacteria that cause acne while it cleanses your skin. It is available in various forms like creams, oil, and washes. The best way to treat acne is to mix a few drops of tea tree oil in warm water and wash your face. This takes away the unwanted dead cells and cleanses your skin. After washing, you can apply tea tree cream to the affected areas, using a gentle touch. For greater effects, it is better to not wash too frequently, as excessive washing takes away the moisture content from your skin.

It is advisable to avoid sun after applying tea tree oil to your face. It tends to have a drying and irritating effect when the skin is exposed to sun. It is meant only for topical application, and never to be taken internally. It is available in most of the beauty products like soaps, shampoos, gels, washes, and other things. However, it’s good to check the amount of oil present in them, as most of them have only miniscule amounts, which tend to have no or very mild antibacterial effects.

Author: Alison Cole

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Cole

Technorati Tags: acne cure home remedy, Acne home remedies, acne home remedy treatment, Acne Products, acne remedie, back acne home remedy, best home remedy for acne, home remedies for acne, home remedy for acne, natur

Tea tree oil has proven to be a very powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Best known as an alternative acne remedy, this versatile potion has fans among doctors and consumers alike. It has been found to have anti-microbial properties, so it is often applied topically to kill acne-causing bacteria. It is well known for its numerous beneficial effects as a natural, deep cleansing, antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial agent, as well as an immuno-stimulant. Therefore, it has the ability of deep cleansing oily or troubled skin and hair types, as it helps to remove harmful bacteria, fighting the effects of grease, pollution, and dirt. 

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil comes from the Australian paperbark tree, and has been used traditionally as a folk remedy by Australian aborigines. It has powerful anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral qualities. There are close to 300 varieties of Melaleuca alternifolia (the Latin name for the tea tree), but only one produces the medicinal oil. This product has been traditionally used for such maladies as athlete’s foot, body odor, bad breath, and cold sores. It has been proven effective killing acne bacteria, when topically applied. Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves.

How has it Been Used?

Tea tree oil has a 70 year history of safe use, and scientific data to support claims about its properties. It has been used as an antiseptic for burns, cuts and insect bites. It has also been used for acne, eczema and fungal infections of the skin (i.e., athlete’s foot). A small number of people are allergic to the oil, and experience skin reactions at low concentrations. It is especially recommended for teenagers, those with greasy skin or acne.

How do you Use it for Acne?

Many acne sufferers’ skin is very sensitive to tea tree oil. Therefore, it’s important to start out with a very mild dose, and experiment with just a small part of your skin. If your skin is aggravated by it, then either choose a lower dose, or try another acne treatment all together. Apply this product to the affected area of skin as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the product information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This product is for external use only. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions and Limitations of Use.

Some acne sufferers don’t realize that you should not aggressively apply the undiluted oil onto acne lesions. This can irritate skin, causing redness, blistering, over-drying, and itching. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally, even in small quantities. It can cause impaired immune function, diarrhea, and potentially fatal central nervous system depression (excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, or coma). Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose: excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, poor coordination, diarrhea, or vomiting. Keep tea tree oil out of the reach of children and pets. If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Occasionally, people may have allergic reactions to tea tree oil, ranging from mild contact dermatitis to severe blisters and rashes. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience rash or skin irritation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy, or during breast-feeding. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially any other medicated skin products.

The Bottom Line.

Does tea tree oil cure acne? The answer is yes and no. As an anti-bacterial agent, it can help decrease the symptoms of skin inflamed with acne bacteria. However, many users will be sensitive to it. Like all topical acne treatments, it can’t cure acne totally. The only way to do that is internally. Tree tea oil is a proven alternative treatment for acne, and should be considered seriously by any acne sufferer. The potential benefits for curing acne with tea tree oil outweigh the risks.

Author: Vern Beatty

Vern Beatty is an engineer who writes articles about business and the internet.

For more information on acne, or curing acne, please visit: http://acne-verdig.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vern_Beatty

Technorati Tags: acne treatments and home remedies for acne, using natural cures and herbal products.

A lot of people swear by natural products instead of strong soaps and things that are harsh on the skin. I’ve recently started using a tea tree oil based product and found it to be phenomenal so I decided I’d put up some info about it.

The tea tree is a plant found in a specific region of Australia. The oil is pressed out of the leaves of the plant. The people indigenous to Australia used it for many years as for various medical purposes. The oil itself is a faint clear to gold color and has a very unique smell. The special characteristics of the oil are what make it beneficial for skin products. The oil has natural anti-fungal, anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. It is known to destroy certain bacteria that live on our skin. For our purposes this means less bacteria that can infect comedones and cause acne. The products that you can find on the market contain 5% to 10% tea tree oil in dilution because the stronger concentrations can aggravate the skin and cause irritation.  

I have found that tea tree oil does not leave the skin feeling as dry as a normal soap or a benzoyl peroxide based product. My personal regimen in the past was a benzoyl peroxide bar and a light moisturizer, but with mixed results. I switched to a tea tree based wash in the shower and jojoba oil to moisturize afterward and have seen a significant improvement in my complexion. Its a fairly amazing difference and after having acne as long as I have an having tried so many products that I am simply astounded at how effective this combination is.

If you are using tea tree oil for the first time there are some things you should know. Do not get it in your eyes. It is extremely unpleasant and you will definitely take care not to let it happen again if you do. Simply apply it to the face and lather for about one minute and then rinse off. It is a very watery product so make a cup with your hands when you dispense it. The actual product I use is Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean face wash w/Tea Tree oil. This stuff is an all natural product and is very gentle on the skin. This stuff cost me about $20 at the local organic grocery and has definitely been a worthwhile investment for me.

If you’ve tried all the usual acne products like benzoyl and acids and soaps and you aren’t satisfied with your current results I would strongly recommend giving tea tree oil a try.

Author: Ryan Y

For more information about fighting acne and keeping your skin clear and healthy go to http://www.skinclearingremedy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Y

Technorati Tags: Discover The Most Powerful Home Remedies For Acne Available!