How to Improve Skin with Tea Tree Oil

People use tea tree oil for a wide variety of purposes. The reasons behind the oil's versatility are its antimicrobial properties, which is one way of calling it a disinfectant. Tea tree oil kills microorganisms that can cause diseases, and that makes it useful in treating everything from acne, burns and cold sores to fungal infections, insect bites and inflammation [source: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center].

Experts believe that he anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help treat acne and histamine-induced inflammation caused by many allergies. Studies have shown that the oil may fight fungal species as well, which could help in the fight against athlete's foot, fungal nail infections and thrush. It can kill yeast as well, which makes it a potential treatment for vaginal yeast infections and other yeast- or bacteria-related ailments. If you are unfortunate enough to get a staph infection or genital herpes, tea tree oil might also be able to treat the virus associated with those conditions. On top of all that, it could be effective against lice, dandruff, dental plaque and bad breath as well [source: National Institutes of Health].

While there are many claims made about what tea tree oil can and cannot treat, many more studies are necessary before researchers make any definite conclusions. There's no doubt that the oil has some topical antiseptic and antifungal properties, but no one knows exactly how effective it is. Unfortunately, most studies conducted on humans up to this point have been inconclusive [source: Smith].

If you decide you want to give tea tree oil a shot, just make sure you're careful. There are several side effects associated with the oil, and some of them can be harmful. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Tea tree oil is considered an herb, which means the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't strictly regulate it. That's important to understand, because it's not necessary safe for everyone. Like anything that's used medicinally, there are side effects associated with tea tree oil, and some of them are rather serious. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people, and there are concerns about whether or not it should be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well.

Tea tree oil should not be taken orally. Even if it's taken in incredibly small amounts, it can cause severe reactions when ingested. Tea tree oil that's consumed can cause rashes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion and, in some extreme cases, even induce coma [source: Mayo Clinic]. It's also not unusual for people using tea tree oil to complain of nausea or burning sensations.

Topical use of tea tree oil may also have its fair share of side effects. Using the oil directly on skin may cause rashes, blistering and itching in some people. Studies done with animals have also shown that large amounts of tea tree oil used topically can cause walking difficulties, weakness, muscle tremors, a slowing of brain function and poor coordination [source: National Institute of Health].

In 2007, Europe nearly banned tea tree oil on the grounds that it was unsafe. There are some concerns that the oil may interfere with normal hormonal functions, and there were even a few cases of young boys suffering from gynaecomastia, or the growth of breasts. After the boys stopped using the products containing the oil, their condition went away [source: Hill]. Most products have a tea tree oil concentration of less than 1 percent, however, and are considered safe.

See the next page to find out how to use tea tree oil properly.

There are right and wrong ways to use tea tree oil. When it's used properly, it has the potential to improve your skin. But if it's used improperly, it could end up sending you to the hospital. As mentioned before, tea tree oil isn't meant to be taken orally. Doing so can have serious consequences. Some people will use tea tree oil as a mouthwash to get rid of bad breath, but those who do so should be extremely careful, because swallowing even a tiny amount can cause complications. Most people are probably better off sticking to topical use of tea tree oil.

There is no proven effective dose of tea tree oil, but most studies have used products containing a 5 to 10 percent concentration [source: Mayo Clinic]. For most products containing tea tree oil, you'll be fine as long as you follow the instructions, but if you start to experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately [source: Medicine Net].

If you want to keep a bottle of tea tree oil in your house, make sure it comes in a dark glass bottle. This will prevent light from penetrating the glass and breaking down the oil inside. To use the oil, simply place a few drops on a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area of your skin. Be careful not to use too much, or you could end up drying your skin out. Similarly, you don't want to use tea tree oil to treat conditions like acne if you're already using a product like benzoyl peroxide. Doing so could leave you with red, irritated skin, and you could end up in a situation worse than the one you started with.

For lots more information on tea tree oil and skin care, see the links on the next page.