17 replies to this topic

[vinnie83]

I have had acne for years. From age 16 to now 25. I have tried a multitude of products, and been to dermatologists with no real results. I had heard about using tea tree oil and tried it. It works wonderfully! It does have to be diluted because it is too harsh to use directly on your face.
It is best diluted 10 to 1 diluting with filtered water.

You can find tea tree oil and many stores, such as pharmacies and health food stores. Not to mention, it is all natural. No harsh chemicals, or ingredients that may be harmful to your body.

Thought I would pass that along, as it has helped me a great deal.

[JustPlainMe]

The funny thing is, is that i use it but find it pointless to dilute it. I use pure 100% australian tea tree oil with vitamin E. I've noticed a tiny improvement, but i still break out on the sides of my face, my temples and by my ears along my jawline. But it does help the big pimples. It seems to draw it to a head faster.

[soundtribesector9]

I don't dilute my tea tree oil either. I think it's a good antibacterial after you pop a zit or something. It is a bit harsh, but doesn't seem to bother my sensitive skin very much.

[Claire1024]

Using 100% tea tree oil is very very dangerous!! You really need to be diluting it. It may seem ok on your skin now, but consistent use of it over periods of time often leads to serious serious, irreversible skin damage!!

[meat_pirate86]

Using 100% tea tree oil is very very dangerous!! You really need to be diluting it. It may seem ok on your skin now, but consistent use of it over periods of time often leads to serious serious, irreversible skin damage!!

what kind of damage?

[Wynne]

100% tea tree oil can cause topical allergic reactions sometimes quite severe. I do not know of any studies or even anecdotal evidence of tea tree oil causing irreversible skin damage. Undiluted tea tree oil can be irritating and acne prone skin should avoid irritating topicals/cleansers/etc. It would be better to play it safe and dilute the 100% tea tree oil.

From the Mayo Clinic (I had to use a cached page as the site is currently not available, nearly had a heart attack) http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:AngtFx...cd=1&gl=us: (note: the link will not work forever as it is simply a stored cache/snapshot of the page as it appeared when google last visited it)

Allergies
There are many reports of allergy to tea tree oil when taken by mouth or used on the skin. Skin reactions range from mild contact dermatitis to severe blistering rashes. People with a history of allergy to tea tree oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia ), to any of its components, or to plants that are members of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, balsam of Peru, or benzoin, should not use tea tree oil. Use cautiously if allergic to eucalyptol as many tea tree preparations contain eucalyptol.

Side Effects and Warnings
Tea tree oil taken by mouth has been associated with potentially severe reactions, even when used in small quantities. Several reports describe people using tea tree oil by mouth who developed severe rash, reduced immune system function, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, drowsiness, inflammation of the corners of the mouth, slow or uneven walking, confusion, or coma. There have also been reports of nausea, unpleasant taste, burning sensation, and bad breath associated with tea tree oil use. Many tea tree preparations contain large volumes of alcohol.

When used on the skin, tea tree oil may cause allergic rash, redness, blistering, and itching. This may be particularly severe in people with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema. Use of tea tree oil inside of the mouth or eyes can cause irritation. Animal research suggests that tea tree oil used on the skin in large quantities can cause serious reactions such as difficulty walking, weakness, muscle tremor, slowing of brain function, and poor coordination. When applied in the ears of animals, 100% tea tree oil has caused reduced hearing, although a 2% solution has not led to lasting changes in hearing. The effect of tea tree oil on hearing when used in the ears of humans is not known.

[halfpipe101]

I use green tea bags and use them as a toner..will that cause skin damage

i put them in the fridge wait till there a tiny bit cold and then use them as a toner

will that cause damage?

[Timehealsall]

Claire1024, on 04 March 2009 - 10:38 PM, said:

Using 100% tea tree oil is very very dangerous!! You really need to be diluting it. It may seem ok on your skin now, but consistent use of it over periods of time often leads to serious serious, irreversible skin damage!!

woah woah... permanent irreversible skin damage?? like what?

[AKL]

Timehealsall, on 14 November 2011 - 05:51 AM, said:

Claire1024, on 04 March 2009 - 10:38 PM, said:

Using 100% tea tree oil is very very dangerous!! You really need to be diluting it. It may seem ok on your skin now, but consistent use of it over periods of time often leads to serious serious, irreversible skin damage!!

woah woah... permanent irreversible skin damage?? like what?

Err...you do realize that you just quoted a post from 2009, right? Anyway, it's not very, very dangerous and I've never heard of it causing irreversible skin damage. However, it can be very irritating, so I would advice anyone starting tto to not use 100%, but dilute it (no less than 4%, to avoid bacterial resistance). Better safe than sorry.

[Timehealsall]

AKL, on 14 November 2011 - 06:43 AM, said:

Timehealsall, on 14 November 2011 - 05:51 AM, said:

Claire1024, on 04 March 2009 - 10:38 PM, said:

Using 100% tea tree oil is very very dangerous!! You really need to be diluting it. It may seem ok on your skin now, but consistent use of it over periods of time often leads to serious serious, irreversible skin damage!!

woah woah... permanent irreversible skin damage?? like what?

Err...you do realize that you just quoted a post from 2009, right? Anyway, it's not very, very dangerous and I've never heard of it causing irreversible skin damage. However, it can be very irritating, so I would advice anyone starting tto to not use 100%, but dilute it (no less than 4%, to avoid bacterial resistance). Better safe than sorry.

just realized that (about the date).

Most people dilute tea tree oil with water... but i thought oil and water do not mix??

What do you mean by (no less than 4%)

[AKL]

Timehealsall, on 14 November 2011 - 06:35 PM, said:

just realized that (about the date).

Most people dilute tea tree oil with water... but i thought oil and water do not mix??

What do you mean by (no less than 4%)

No, pure tto and water do not blend very well. Depending on the skin condition you want to treat, you have to use something like vodka (seriously), a mixture of glycerin and water, or a carrier oil. If you use a dilution of less than 4%, bacterial resistance may occur, meaning it won't kill the bacteria, but only trigger their defense mechanism. They'll grow resistant (to antibiotics, for example).

[Timehealsall]

AKL, on 14 November 2011 - 07:02 PM, said:

Timehealsall, on 14 November 2011 - 06:35 PM, said:

just realized that (about the date).

Most people dilute tea tree oil with water... but i thought oil and water do not mix??

What do you mean by (no less than 4%)

No, pure tto and water do not blend very well. Depending on the skin condition you want to treat, you have to use something like vodka (seriously), a mixture of glycerin and water, or a carrier oil. If you use a dilution of less than 4%, bacterial resistance may occur, meaning it won't kill the bacteria, but only trigger their defense mechanism. They'll grow resistant (to antibiotics, for example).

the condition is acne.

I have of people using tea tree oil and jojoba oil. What do you think about that

[AKL]

Timehealsall, on 14 November 2011 - 07:03 PM, said:

the condition is acne.

I have of people using tea tree oil and jojoba oil. What do you think about that

I think that's a perfect combination for most people.

[Avenger]

You can also mix 100% TTO with your normal day-to-day moisturiser. I normally only add one drop per pump of moisturiser.

[Onetwo]

Quick question i picked up tea tree oil because benzoyl peroxide was leaving my skin looking aged, the tea tree oil was diluted with alcohol, is that going to also make my skin look old? Should i find alcohol free or is this one fine?

[hugoll12]

what do you think of this moisturizer

aloe natural gel, around 25 drops of essencial lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus oil and a bit of water

[Lola Burns]

hugoll12, on 30 January 2012 - 11:21 AM, said:

what do you think of this moisturizer

aloe natural gel, around 25 drops of essencial lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus oil and a bit of water

Leave out any and all essential oils. Those will do you more good as a room fragrance than they ever will applied to your face. Aside from serving no real purpose in skin care, they can be quite irritating to your skin.

[buckeye8084]

I have tried it undiluted. i spot treated some spots and my skin didnt like it. I use it now in in a 50% ACV and water mix toner and it works great