How to use tea tree oil to help reduce spots

Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia, is a plant native to Australia. This evergreen shrub belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and is prized for its leaves, which are rich in essential oils that have been used in traditional medicine for generations.

Tea tree owes its common name to the British navigator James Cook, whose crew brewed a refreshing tea from its leaves after arriving in Australia. Australia's Indigenous Peoples also traditionally used the leaves to prepare poultices, which were applied to wounds to help manage infections.

Today, tea tree is a well-established ingredient in aromatherapy and skincare thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly popular in products formulated for blemish-prone skin, where it may help reduce the appearance of acne-related imperfections such as blackheads, closed comedones, papules and pustules. It may also help regulate excess sebum and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Tea tree is available as both an essential oil and hydrosol. Both are obtained by steam distillation of the plant's leaves. Tea tree essential oil is naturally rich in terpinen-4-ol and other monoterpenes, compounds that contribute to its purifying properties and may help support the skin's natural renewal process. Tea tree hydrosol also has purifying properties and is commonly used as a refreshing facial toner for dull or blemish-prone skin.

Using tea tree promotes clear, balanced skin. Its purifying action is accompanied by a soothing effect that limits the discomfort associated with acne breakouts.

• Powerful antibacterial properties: Tea Tree helps reduce the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes.

• Anti-inflammatory action: it soothes redness and swelling associated with pimples, promoting rapid reduction of inflammation.

• Purifying effect: thanks to its ability to regulate excess sebum, Tea Tree prevents pores from becoming clogged and limits the appearance of new pimples. By deeply purifying the skin, Tea Tree helps maintain healthier skin and prevent recurrence.

• Supports healing: this active ingredient promotes skin regeneration, helping to reduce the appearance of scars left by pimples.

Here are some best practices for using tea tree oil effectively and safely on the skin:

• Local application: Use a cotton swab dipped in a drop of diluted tea tree oil to treat pimples directly, without spreading to healthy areas.

• Perform a skin test: Before using for the first time, apply a small amount diluted in the crook of your elbow and wait 48 hours to check for any allergic reactions.

Caution: All applications must be at the correct dosage; seek advice from a professional. 

Using Tea Tree Essential Oil

An essential in aromatherapy, tea tree essential oil is known for its many properties:

• Antibacterial: fights the bacteria responsible for skin infections

• Antifungal: fights fungal infections

• Antiseptic: promotes rapid healing

• Anti-inflammatory: soothes redness and inflammation

• Immunostimulant: strengthens natural defenses

How to use tea tree essential oil on your face?

When applied to the skin, tea tree essential oil can be used neat for targeted application directly to individual spots using a cotton bud, or diluted in a carrier oil or moisturiser before being applied to larger areas of the skin. Tea tree essential oil can also be used in a diffuser to help freshen the air, or as an ingredient in a diluted mouthwash for oral care, such as helping to soothe mouth ulcers or support oral hygiene. It should never be swallowed.

Like all essential oils, this essential oil is highly concentrated in active molecules. It is therefore important to follow the recommended dosages:

• Pure, on the skin: 1 to 2 drops maximum on an imperfection

• Diluted: 1 drop of essential oil in approximately 10 drops of vegetable oil

• Diffusion: 5 to 10 drops in a diffuser for 15 to 20 minutes

Using Tea Tree Hydrosol

Tea tree hydrosol is a gentle and effective solution suitable for a variety of skin and hair needs. It is particularly recommended for its purifying, soothing, astringent, and refreshing properties.

• It is mainly used as a toning lotion: sprayed directly onto the entire face to regulate sebum and calm irritation, or onto the scalp to purify and refresh it. The hydrosol can also be applied to the skin using a cotton pad or compress.

• As a mouthwash: it helps to disinfect and soothe oral inflammation.

• Tea Tree hydrosol does not need to be diluted: you can use it as is. It is an alternative to essential oil, perfect for daily care of sensitive skin and problematic scalps.

Can Tea Tree Oil relieve mosquito bites?

Thanks to its broad-spectrum antibacterial action, tea tree oil is an effective solution for preventing the risk of secondary infection associated with scratching. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling around the bite.

Organic Tea Tree Hydrosol

This purifying hydrosol can be used in your cosmetic preparations for acne-prone and blemished skin.

Discover organic Tea Tree hydrosol

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Organic Tea Tree)

A broad-spectrum purifier that is very gentle, it is a staple of aromatherapy. It is particularly recommended as an accompaniment during episodes of infection. Tonic, cleansing, and protective, it is appreciated for its many virtues.

To care for your skin daily with simple, targeted steps, feel free to try our natural, comprehensive routine—easy to adopt and tailored to the needs of skin prone to imbalances:

1. Gentle cleansing: Start by cleansing your face morning and evening with our Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel, which will help purify your skin while respecting its natural balance. Avoid contact with the eyes. Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

2. Target imbalances: Then apply a few drops of Concentrated Serum Niacinamide 10%, Copper & Zinc.  Lightweight and easy to incorporate into your routine, it helps to even out the complexion and improve the overall appearance of the skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Keep out of reach of children. Suitable for combination to oily, non-sensitive skin prone to acne. Not suitable for skin prone to erythrocouperosis redness.

3. Moisturise without weighing skin down: Follow with Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream, a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser that hydrates the skin while leaving a feeling fresh. Ideal for combination to oily skin. Avoid the eye area; in case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water.

4. Act from within: The Clear Skin dietary supplement combines plant extracts, from burdock to zinc, to support the skin from within. A natural solution to support daily skin balance. Take 2 capsules per day with a glass of water. Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in cases of heart failure or oedematous renal failure. Not recommended in cases of allergy to salicylic derivatives or known cross-allergy, particularly to plants of the Asteraceae family. Keep out of reach of children.

To find out more, discover our anti-blemish routine.

Tea tree essential oil is a must-have for skin care, hair care, and everyday emergencies, thanks to its natural effectiveness. However, as with any essential oil, it is necessary to be aware of the precautions for use:

• Always perform a skin test before first use.

• Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or on children under 3 years of age.

• Do not apply near the eyes, mucous membranes, or in excessive amounts.

• Do not use on irritated and/or very sensitive skin.

• Follow the recommended dosages.

Charlie holds a Master’s degree in cosmetic formulation. Passionate about cosmetology but also a great lover of words, she decided in 2020 to become a web editor specialising in cosmetics and beauty. It was her desire for a career change that gave her the idea of going freelance, as she wanted to be able to work from all corners of the world.