This fragrant oil comes from Australia and has long been used as a herbal treatment on the skin. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, likely, you’ve already seen tea tree oil listed as an ingredient in many products for problem skin 1.
Think tea tree oil could help solve some of your skincare problems? Discover how you can safely use it on your face below.
How to use tea tree oil on the face
Tea tree oil has long been used in products for the face, so you won’t find it tricky to find something suitable for everyday use. Nevertheless, you may want to also try applying the oil directly onto problem areas.
So why use tea tree oil on your face? It’s mostly down to the oil’s abilities to bring down sensitivity, clear out bacteria from the pores, and support wound healing. For all these reasons, it’s especially beneficial for people who suffer from breakouts or other blemishes caused by bacteria trapped beneath the surface of the skin2.
You can apply tea tree oil directly to a problem area of skin – although you’ll first need to dilute it.
How to dilute tea tree oil3
As tea tree oil is such a potent ingredient, you should never apply it directly onto your skin. Instead, it should be added to a gentle carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
When it comes to ratios, you’ll want to add about 12 drops of carrier oil for every one or two drops of tea tree oil. You can then apply this straight onto your blemished skin using cotton wool or a cotton bud.
It’s a good idea to cleanse and dry your skin before you use tea tree oil. Apply the oil immediately afterwards and then follow it up with a soothing moisturiser. You can use tea tree oil both morning and night to manage breakouts and other blemishes4.
Tea tree oil safety tips
Tea tree oil may produce some excellent results; however, it’s not a skincare treatment for everyone. To make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin further, do a patch test before using it as part of your regular skincare routine5.
Remember that tea tree oil should only ever be applied to the skin once it’s been mixed into a carrier oil. Also, it’s best to avoid using it anywhere around the eyes as it could sting them and cause extreme irritation.
Want to discover more about this blemish-busting oil and how it can be used on other areas of your body? Take a look at our expert guide to tea tree oil’s benefits and uses.
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Last updated: 9th December 2020
Expertly reviewed by:
 |
Reviewer: Manisha Taggar
Manisha started her career at a Cosmetics distributor as a Regulatory Technologist followed by a Regulatory Affairs Officer, ensuring the regulatory compliance of cosmetic products from colour cosmetics to skincare. After 3 and half years in this role, Manisha joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019. Manisha specialises in Cosmetic products, both own-label and branded lines, ensuring that these products and all relating marketing material comply to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. |
Sources:
1 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326376
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-skin#benefits-and-uses
3 https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tea-tree-oil-for-acne#how-to-use
4 https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tea-tree-oil-for-acne#how-often
5 https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tea-tree-oil-for-acne#safety
