| Introduction. | | | | affected area of skin as directed. Follow all directions |
| Tea tree oil has proven to be a very powerful | | | | on the product package. If you are uncertain about |
| anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Best known as an | | | | any of the product information, consult your doctor |
| alternative acne remedy, this versatile potion has | | | | or pharmacist. This product is for external use only. If |
| fans among doctors and consumers alike. It has been | | | | your condition persists or worsens, or if you think |
| found to have anti-microbial properties, so it is often | | | | you may have a serious medical problem, seek |
| applied topically to kill acne-causing bacteria. It is well | | | | immediate medical attention. |
| known for its numerous beneficial effects as a | | | | Precautions and Limitations of Use. |
| natural, deep cleansing, antiseptic, antiviral and | | | | Some acne sufferers don't realize that you should |
| antimicrobial agent, as well as an immuno-stimulant. | | | | not aggressively apply the undiluted oil onto acne |
| Therefore, it has the ability of deep cleansing oily or | | | | lesions. This can irritate skin, causing redness, |
| troubled skin and hair types, as it helps to remove | | | | blistering, over-drying, and itching. Tea tree oil should |
| harmful bacteria, fighting the effects of grease, | | | | never be taken internally, even in small quantities. It |
| pollution, and dirt. | | | | can cause impaired immune function, diarrhea, and |
| What is Tea Tree Oil? | | | | potentially fatal central nervous system depression |
| Tea tree oil comes from the Australian paperbark | | | | (excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, or |
| tree, and has been used traditionally as a folk | | | | coma). Seek medical attention if you experience |
| remedy by Australian aborigines. It has powerful | | | | symptoms of overdose: excessive drowsiness, |
| anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral qualities. There | | | | sleepiness, poor coordination, diarrhea, or vomiting. |
| are close to 300 varieties of Melaleuca alternifolia (the | | | | Keep tea tree oil out of the reach of children and |
| Latin name for the tea tree), but only one produces | | | | pets. If an overdose is suspected, contact your local |
| the medicinal oil. This product has been traditionally | | | | poison control center or emergency room |
| used for such maladies as athlete's foot, body odor, | | | | immediately. Occasionally, people may have allergic |
| bad breath, and cold sores. It has been proven | | | | reactions to tea tree oil, ranging from mild contact |
| effective killing acne bacteria, when topically applied. | | | | dermatitis to severe blisters and rashes. Tell your |
| Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for | | | | doctor immediately if you experience rash or skin |
| tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part | | | | irritation. If you notice other effects not listed above, |
| used medicinally is the oil from the leaves. | | | | contact your doctor or pharmacist. This product is |
| How has it Been Used? | | | | not recommended for use during pregnancy, or |
| Tea tree oil has a 70 year history of safe use, and | | | | during breast-feeding. Before using this product, tell |
| scientific data to support claims about its properties. | | | | your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and |
| It has been used as an antiseptic for burns, cuts and | | | | nonprescription medications you may use, especially |
| insect bites. It has also been used for acne, eczema | | | | any other medicated skin products. |
| and fungal infections of the skin (i.e., athlete's foot). A | | | | The Bottom Line. |
| small number of people are allergic to the oil, and | | | | Does tea tree oil cure acne? The answer is yes and |
| experience skin reactions at low concentrations. It is | | | | no. As an anti-bacterial agent, it can help decrease |
| especially recommended for teenagers, those with | | | | the symptoms of skin inflamed with acne bacteria. |
| greasy skin or acne. | | | | However, many users will be sensitive to it. Like all |
| How do you Use it for Acne? | | | | topical acne treatments, it can't cure acne totally. The |
| Many acne sufferers' skin is very sensitive to tea | | | | only way to do that is internally. Tree tea oil is a |
| tree oil. Therefore, it's important to start out with a | | | | proven alternative treatment for acne, and should be |
| very mild dose, and experiment with just a small part | | | | considered seriously by any acne sufferer. The |
| of your skin. If your skin is aggravated by it, then | | | | potential benefits for curing acne with tea tree oil |
| either choose a lower dose, or try another acne | | | | outweigh the risks. |
| treatment all together. Apply this product to the | | | | |