Tea tree is one of the best and most effective essential oils in treating skin conditions. It is produced from a shrub-like tree in Australia and the natives have been taking advantages of its healing benefits. It is used in treating all forms of acne, eczema, ring worms, athlete’s foot, fungi infections, etc.

Over the years, tea tree has been a very popular ingredient in skin creams, hair, nails soaps and even in massage rooms. Tea tree is rich in anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. And due to its wide healing properties, people have resolved to use 100% tea tree oil to reap the most benefits. But due to its concentrated form it is not recommended for sensitive skin.

People with sensitive skin have a lot of reactions to cosmetic products. Their skin is very delicate and any harsh substance can cause severe skin injury. In order to know if your skin is really sensitive, it is advised to visit a dermatologist first because dermatologist say that most people think they have sensitive skin because of reaction to a certain product, not because they actually do. So a patch test is recommended.

Due to the nature of sensitive skin, concentrated products, even natural ones cause burning. I’ve learnt that the hard way I remember the first time I found tea tree oil. It was sitting on my mum’s drawer and when I read the uses on the tiny bottle I just owned it. It had this really strong smell and I have never heard about it and how to use it, so I just read the instructions on the bottle and used a small quantity when my pimples and allergies appeared, it was during puberty and I just had to find a way to stop those stubborn acne.

I always felt the tingles (burning) on my skin and just assumed it was because it was working. Sometimes the tingles became unbearable and I washed them immediately. Until one night I found my skin red and peeling. I was in so much pain and I still thought it was because my skin was just too sensitive.

I stopped using it immediately, and after a while I had some acne on my face and couldn’t pass out using the tea tree oil. I then resolved to finding out ways I could use it without hurting my skin.

Here are some ways I found that helped me use tee tree oil without hurting my skin.

Diluting with carrier oils

Carrier oils like castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil reduce the concentration of tea tree oil and makes it easier to use. It reduces its healing strength but it still works as far as you don’t make it too concentrated or don’t over dilute. I recommend using the diluted tea tree oil on the whole face and cover with a warm towel for 3-5 minute to steam the face. Wipe with the warm towel and get to sleep. The acne will reduce after 2 treatments and eventually disappear.

Diluting with honey

Diluting your tea tree oil with honey helps not only in reducing the potency of the tea tree oil but also in removing those stubborn acne scars left after you treat the acne. Honey is also a great anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant, it works well with tea tree oil and moisturizes the skin. Any other damage your skin has been exposed to will be soothed with the honey. It’s absolutely easy and you can make it under 5 minutes in your kitchen or bathroom.

Using sunscreen

Tea tree oil absorbs rays from the sun making your skin double its risk of getting sunburned. It’s easier for sensitive skin to get damaged and harder to repair. So protecting your skin is the best way to go. Use sunscreens with SPF of 30 and above.

Spot treatment

Instead of using tea tree oil on your whole face and making your face at the risk of getting burned. Do spot treatment. You take a cotton swap and dip in the tea tree oil. You then place it directly on the pimple, blackhead or any acne. That allows you to treat it directly and efficiently.

Leaving time between treatments

Most treatments for normal skin are between 5-10 minutes.  But for sensitive skin, based on personal experiments treat for 3-5 minutes. Any less is ineffective, higher is greater risk of getting burned or making your condition worse. Also avoid daily treatments. Treat once daily or once every two days depending on the condition.

Handling skin with care

Prevention is better than cure. Sensitive skin are not prone to acne like normal skin is, so unless you absolutely need to use tea tree oil or any other product give your skin time and focus on bettering your skin by sticking to  a healthy diet, using less make up, avoid harsh products, using sunscreen, exercising and using prescribed products by your dermatologists.

Acne on sensitive skin could be reactions to other products so find out what the cause is. When that is diagnosed then go ahead and use a diluted form of tea tree oil.

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