The tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.

This oil is also an ingredient found in a number of commercial products such as gels, lotions, creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, and shampoo.

With respect to its effect on acne, tea tree oil contains a constituent called terpinen-4-ol that is thought to be responsible for the great anti-microbial capabilities that it possesses oil Australian species, resulting in its effectiveness to beat the serious problem of Acne.

Therefore oil can kill bacteria through topical application on acne lesions generated, whose origin is in most cases the “Propionibacterium acnes“, which inhabits the skin, one of bacteria that is dedicated to cause acne.

In a comparative study gel tea tree oil, compared with benzoyl peroxide, oil has fewer side effects than the peroxide, which in turn is associated with itching, burning and dryness.

What is the evidence of Tea Tree Oil and Acne?

We performed a randomized blinded in the Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, which compared the efficacy and tolerance of 5% gel of tea tree oil with 5% benzoyl peroxide in lotion, about 124 people with mild to moderate acne.

The effectiveness of tea tree oil was based on the fewest side effects, although it took longer to work initially.

Tags: anti-microbial, Benzoyl Peroxide, cause of acne, essential oil, Melaleuca alternifolia, problem of Acne, Propionibacterium acnes, Tea Tree Oil, terpinen-4-ol

Salicylic acid or sulfur

Specific medications containing salicylic acid or sulfur, can help reduce the lock of hair follicles, and thereby alleviate the burning sensation that you experience because of them. Many medicines sold without prescription, contain such ingredients and are very commonly used by both teenagers and adults.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used ingredients in medicines against acne. The same is available in various medications, both of which do not need prescriptions such as prescription, and works to kill bacteria and slow the action of the skin glands. It is most effective when the condition is moderately serious, but may cause some irritation, as extremely dry skin may peel and it was packaged very steadily.

Retinol

Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A has been used quite successfully for some treatments. It works by drying the rash, and preventing the formation of new grains. This medicine is a drug that is sold by prescription, and should not be used by those who have a high exposure to the sun. If the acne becomes infected or inflamed, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics as a cream or lotion. These treatments are often very effective.

Isotretinoin

In severe cases of adult acne, treatment is usually performed with preparations containing isotretinoin, also a derivative of Vitamin A. Although these preparations can sometimes eliminate acne for very extended periods, even years, they have drawbacks. Part of the side effects are muscle aches, headaches, itching and possible birth defects if taken by women who are pregnant.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are also frequently used to treat severe cases of adult acne. The varieties of this drug can be taken orally or sometimes injected directly into the grains.

Estrogens

Estrogen, which suppresses the production of oil in the skin, has also been used as effective for adult acne, but also have their disadvantages, which include blood clots, and therefore rarely used.

Tags: Adult Acne Treatments, antibiotics, Benzoyl Peroxide, Corticosteroids, derivative of Vitamin A, Estrogens, extremely dry skin, irritation, isotretinoin, medicines against acne, Retinol, salicylic acid