Acne at its harshest is what exactly describes cystic acne, which is known to trigger unpleasant swelling of the skin. Those dealing with cystic acne, especially those that have tried several forms of treatments to clear their acne with little to no success, are increasingly counting on natural remedies including essential oils like Tea Tree Oil.
Tea tree oil is extracted through steam distillation of twigs and leaves of the Melaleuca tree, which is a native tree from Australia. It is a popular choice for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can also calm redness, swelling, inflammation and may even help to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.
The reputation as a cure-all given to this oil is not an exaggeration. Even Meghan Markle carries a bottle of tea tree everywhere she goes as it’s a cure for various skin issues!
Based on a study conducted in 2016 by the The Australasian College of Dermatologists, the use of Tea Tree oil significantly improved acne. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the tried and tested ways you can use Tea Tree Oil for maximum possible relief in cystic acne:
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6 DIY Tea Tree Oil Cystic Acne Recipes
Most of the DIY Tea Tree Oil recipes for cystic acne are easy to use and follow. Here are some of the best recipes for cystic acne that have Tea Tree Oil as their main ingredient:
1. Direct application
Tea Tree Oil can be used straight on the acne. Just a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil can permeate the skin to decontaminate pores, unclog the sebaceous glands and dry out blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and other skin imperfections. To apply, simply take a few of drops of Tea Tree Oil over a tissue and carefully swab the oil onto any cysts you have on your body.
2. Spot treatments
Spot treatments are among the best and fastest ways to cure cystic acne. Here are two of the best spot treatment recipes for cystic acne:
A) Mix equivalent parts Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera gel; swab it on the afflicted location (be diligent!). The Tea Tree Oil gives your skin an anti-bacterial punch, while the Aloe Vera makes sure that there is no scarring.
B) Mix 2 tsp of natural honey to 3 to 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil and apply this to the afflicted location. Let it sit for an hour, then wash it off. Continue this treatment until the imperfection is gone.
3. Tea tree oil mask for cystic acne
You can add Tea Tree Oil to either homemade facemasks / your favorite natural facemask product to dry out the cystic acne and eliminate bacteria. Here are some of the best recipes for homemade facemasks that use Tea Tree Oil as their main ingredient:
A) Mix 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil, 1 tsp of jojoba, and 1/2 of a carefully sliced tomato into a smooth paste. Use this paste on your face, wait 10 minutes, then wash it off.
B) Mix 4 drops of Tea Tree Oil with 3 tbsp of green clay powder, which can easily be found at any health shop. Add sufficient water to make the clay into a paste. Leave the mask in position for at least 15 minutes, up until the clay is dried out. (Note: Using too much clay can dry out the skin).
C) Mix 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil and put this mix on your face. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water and pat your face dry.
D) Mix 1 tsp of jojoba oil with 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Thereafter, stir in half of a sliced tomato. Mash all the ingredients together to form a puree. Apply this rejuvenating facemask straight to the clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes, prior to rinsing with lukewarm water and patting dry.
4. Homemade face scrub for cystic acne
For an efficient anti-acne facial scrub, try blending Tea Tree Oil with some of the natural ingredients taken from your kitchen.
In a little bowl, add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/4 cup of sesame or coconut oil, 1/2 cup of sugar and 15 drops of tea tree oil. Carefully massage onto wet face, making circles, for 3-4 minutes. This is one of the recipes I can personally recommend as I used it previously to cure my persistent cystic acne.
This scrub might be a little rough for individuals with highly sensitive skin – it is best for those with less sensitive skin. As both honey and Tea Tree Oil are natural elements, you can consider making enough quantity of this scrub to last you a week. Store it in a dark glass container away from sunlight for future use.
5. Adding Tea Tree Oil to your favorite cleanser or moisturizer
Few drops of Tea Tree Oil added to your regular moisturizer or cleanser can do wonders when it comes to battling persistent cystic acne. Add 2-6 drops, based on the strength you can tolerate, to your moisturizer or facial cleanser and use it on your face regularly. Make sure that the blend doesn’t get into your eyes.
6. Add it to your bath
Add a couple of drops of Tea Tree Oil to your bath to help eliminate cystic acne on your back, chest and other body parts. While clearing the acne, Tea Tree Oil will certainly add a great fragrance to your bath. After so many years of use, I never miss an opportunity to add Tea Tree Oil to my bath water. It is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating.
Few Important Factors To Consider When Using Tea Tree Oil For The Treatment Of Cystic Acne
- While Tea Tree Oil can help you get rid of the bacteria that causes cystic acne, it is not a tested medical treatment. However, using Tea Tree Oil as an alternative to extreme chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide will definitely lower your risk of skin inflammation.
- Topical application of Tea Tree Oil is safe for almost every adult; however, do not ingest the oil. And as always, do not ingest ANY essential oils without consulting a medical professional.
Numerous brands have taken advantage of this anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory oil by using it as a major ingredient in their anti-acne products. If you believe that the pure version is a little too strong for your skin, buying a product based on Tea Tree Oil might be a wise decision. Tea Tree Oil based cleansers, moisturizers and gels command high popularity in the market.
Tea Tree Oil based acne remedies are efficient, natural and have less negative effects than their non-natural equivalents. Using Tea Tree Oil might not help everyone; however, it works for majority of people that try it. Due to its low threat of side effects, Tea Tree Oil is quite a pragmatic solution for those dealing with problems like cystic acne.
Is the face scrub okay to use daily?
Hi Gayle,
Yes its fine, I’d use it only once preferably in the morning.
Regards,
Olivia
This is a very well thought out article, and I certainly hope that your recipes will work.
Thank you for publishing the info.
Hi Marti,
My pleasure. Let me know how you go with the recipes.
Regards,
Olivia