Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Acne and Tea Tree Oil

Acne is the most common skin problem affecting both teens and adults. Although it is common skin disorder, it may lead to worst skin conditions if it is left untreated and ignored. Proper care and using quality products in initial stages may reduce the severity and lead to complete cure.

Tea tree oil is an extraction from the Melaleuca tree. The oil has beneficial medical properties (including antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal action), and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties.

Many people use it for: cold and flu, tooth ache & gum infections, ringworm, candida, head lice or louse, deter flees, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, acne, after shave, sunburn, toe nail infections, and many other uses.

1. Acne and Tea Tree Oil

It contains a constituent called terpinen-4-ol that is thought to be responsible for antimicrobial activity. This can kill bacteria, applying topicaly to pimples has been thought to kill Propionibacterium acnes, the skin-dwelling bacteria that is involved in causing acne.

2. Benefits

It has fewer side effects compare to the benzoyl peroxide (can cause itching, burning, stinging, and dryness).

3. The evidence for Tea Tree Oil and Acne

Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared the effectiveness and tolerance of 5% the oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 people with mild to moderate acne. People in both groups had a significant reduction in inflamed and non-inflammed acne lesions over the three month period.

4. Do not apply neat Tea Tree Oil to Acne

Neat oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, overdrying, and itching when applied directly to the skin. The concentration used in the only study to date was a 5% oil gel, which was applied to acne prone areas.

There are a vast variety of acne treatment products available in the market , but not all are effective.

If you’re still feeling emotionally overwhelmed and possibly depressed, see
http://www.acnenaturalremedies.com
http://acnecareinfo.blogspot.com

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